Choosing the correct type of wall art can change the entire mood of a space. From warm, textured finishes to sleek, modern shine, the material you choose matters as much as the image itself. When comparing metal prints to canvas prints in Utah, it’s essential to consider durability, style, cost, and where the piece will live. Each option has unique advantages, and knowing the differences can help you decide which is best for your home or commercial space.
In this guide, Artistic Wholesale Printing compares the two options, covering durability, aesthetics, cost, and ideal use cases, so you can decide which one is the perfect fit for your space.
Durability: Which One Lasts Longer?
Metal Prints:
Metal prints are known for their exceptional durability. Created by infusing ink directly into aluminum panels, these prints are scratch-resistant, moisture-resistant, and fade-resistant. That makes them ideal for high-humidity environments like bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoor patios (under cover).
Canvas Prints:
Canvas prints, while strong, are slightly more delicate. They’re best displayed indoors in controlled environments. At Artistic Wholesale, our giclée canvas prints are printed on premium materials like 17M Satin or Production Matte Canvas, which offer longevity and color retention. However, they should be kept from moisture and direct sunlight for best results.
The Verdict:
If you need maximum durability, metal prints win. But a well-made canvas print holds up beautifully for most indoor settings over time.
Aesthetic Appeal: Texture vs. Shine
Canvas Prints:
Canvas is a classic, timeless texture that brings warmth and depth to any photo. It’s especially flattering for family portraits, landscapes, and artwork. You can choose from gallery wraps, mirrored edges, or add a floater frame to enhance the presentation. Canvas softens the image slightly, giving it a painterly feel.
Metal Prints:
Metal prints in Utah are ultra-modern and glossy. The surface adds crisp contrast and vibrancy, making them ideal for bold photography or high-definition digital art. Metal is a strong contender if you want sharp lines, luminous colors, and a clean, minimalist look.
The Verdict:
Choose canvas for texture, tradition, and softness. Choose metal for sleek, eye-catching detail and modern flair.
Display and Framing Options for Canvas and Metal Prints
While both canvas and metal prints can stand on their own, the way you finish and display them plays a significant role in how they look and feel in your space.
Canvas Prints
Canvas prints are exceptionally flexible when it comes to presentation. At Artistic Wholesale, we offer several edge styles, including black, white, mirrored, and stretched image sides. For larger pieces, hanging options include wire hangers or secure Z-bar cleats. Canvas can also be set into custom picture framing for a traditional or polished finish.
Metal Prints
Metal prints have their own display systems that create a clean, contemporary look. Depending on size and style, they can be mounted with a small wood block, a floating frame with wire hanger, sleek metal standoffs, or a Z-bar cleat system. For desks or shelves, a curved metal print offers a bold, frameless option. Metal prints can also be placed into a frame, but they are most often left unframed to showcase their modern edge.
The Verdict:
Canvas prints offer more traditional framing versatility, while metal prints lean toward frameless or floating options that emphasize sharpness and dimension. Both can be customized to match your space, whether you prefer rustic warmth or sleek minimalism.
Cost: Which Is More Budget-Friendly?
Canvas Prints:
Canvas prints in Utah are generally more affordable than metal, especially for larger sizes. At Artistic Wholesale, we offer premium satin and high-quality economy canvas options, giving clients a cost-effective way to print and display their favorite images without compromising quality.
Metal Prints:
Metal prints are more expensive due to the materials and sublimation process involved. They can be worth the investment for standout pieces or modern interiors, but if you’re working with a tighter budget—or need a large quantity—canvas is typically the better option.
The Verdict:
Canvas is the more budget-friendly choice without sacrificing impact, while metal offers a luxury feel at a higher price point.
Best Uses for Metal Prints and Canvas Prints in Utah
Canvas Prints Are Best For:
- Home décor in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways
- Family portraits or wedding photos
- Artistic and landscape photography
- Commercial spaces with a warm, inviting vibe
- Projects that may benefit from custom framing
Metal Prints Are Best For:
- Kitchens, bathrooms, and high-moisture areas
- Offices or modern commercial interiors
- High-contrast, vibrant images (cityscapes, abstracts, product shots)
- Clients seeking a contemporary or industrial design style
- Outdoor covered spaces (with proper mounting)
Both canvas and metal prints can make a strong impression—it’s all about matching the material to the mood and purpose of the space.
Still Not Sure Which One’s Right? Let’s Find Your Match.
When choosing between canvas and metal prints, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—only what fits your space, vision, and budget. At Artistic Wholesale Printing & Framing, we’ve helped clients across Utah bring their images to life in both formats. Whether you want the warmth of canvas or the brilliance of metal prints in Utah, we’ll guide you to the right choice.
Ready to get started? Contact us for canvas or metal prints in Utah, or stop by our Midvale showroom to see samples up close