How to Choose the Right Thickness for Your Custom Acrylic Print

Custom acrylic prints are a modern and striking way to display your favourite photos. Their sleek, glossy finish and vibrant colour reproduction make them an ideal choice for home decor, office spaces, or even gallery exhibitions. When ordering an acrylic print, one important detail to consider is the thickness of the acrylic itself. The thickness of your acrylic print doesn’t just influence its appearance—it also affects its durability, weight, and how it interacts with light.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of choosing the right thickness for your custom acrylic print, explaining the most common options and offering tips based on the intended use and location of your artwork.

Why Acrylic Print Thickness Matters

The thickness of the acrylic used in your print directly impacts:

• Visual impact and depth

• Strength and durability

• Weight and mounting options

• Cost and production time

A thinner acrylic panel can give a minimalist look and may be suitable for smaller prints or displays with protective framing. On the other hand, thicker acrylic panels offer more substantial presence, depth, and impact, especially for large-format prints or frameless displays.

Let’s break down the most common acrylic thickness options: 3mm, 5mm, and 10mm.

3mm Acrylic Prints – Sleek, Lightweight, and Cost-Effective

Best for: Small-sized prints, budget-conscious buyers, framed displays

3mm acrylic is the thinnest commonly offered option for acrylic photo printing. It’s lightweight, economical, and provides a clean, sharp presentation. This thickness is ideal for smaller prints or photo collages that are framed or mounted in protected environments.

Pros of 3mm acrylic:

• Lower cost, making it great for bulk orders or gifts

• Lightweight and easy to hang with minimal hardware

• Clean, modern aesthetic that works well in minimalist spaces

Cons:

• Less durable and more prone to bending or breakage, especially in larger sizes

• Doesn’t provide the same visual depth or luxury feel as thicker options

If you’re looking for a simple, elegant display on a budget, 3mm acrylic is a smart choice—especially when used indoors and away from high-traffic areas.

5mm Acrylic Prints – The Perfect Balance

Best for: Medium to large prints, home or office wall displays, premium gifts

5mm acrylic strikes a great balance between affordability and quality. It’s the most popular thickness for wall-mounted acrylic photo prints because it combines visual depth with structural integrity.

Advantages of 5mm acrylic:

• Offers enhanced depth and clarity compared to thinner acrylic

• Durable enough for most home and business applications

• Sturdy, yet light enough for easy installation

• Ideal for frameless mounting with standoffs or adhesive fixtures

Drawbacks:

• Slightly more expensive than 3mm

• May still flex slightly in larger sizes if not mounted properly

For those looking to create a high-quality piece of modern wall art, 5mm acrylic provides just the right mix of strength, aesthetics, and cost-efficiency.

10mm Acrylic Prints – Premium Thickness for Maximum Impact

Best for: Large-format prints, gallery displays, luxury interiors, high-end commercial use

10mm acrylic is the thickest standard option and is used when maximum visual impact and structural strength are required. This thickness gives your image a glass-like depth and a floating effect that elevates the entire presentation.

Pros of 10mm acrylic:

• Striking depth and vibrant colour enhancement

• Extremely sturdy and highly resistant to bending

• Creates a high-end, museum-quality appearance

• Excellent for frameless, floating installations

Cons:

• Heavier, requiring proper wall anchors or professional installation

• Higher cost due to material and shipping weight

• May be overkill for small prints or temporary displays

If you're decorating a modern office, luxury apartment, or want your image to be the centerpiece of a room, 10mm acrylic delivers the wow factor.

How to Choose the Right Thickness for Your Needs

Here are a few quick guidelines to help you decide:

Consider the following factors:

1. Size of the Print: Larger prints require more support, so thicker acrylic is usually recommended to avoid warping.

2. Mounting Method: Thicker acrylic looks better when mounted with standoffs and provides a clean, professional appearance.

3. Location: Prints in high-traffic areas or humid environments (like bathrooms or kitchens) benefit from thicker, more durable acrylic.

4. Budget: Thinner acrylic is more affordable and suitable for casual or temporary use, while thicker options are better for permanent, high-end installations.

Additional Tips for Acrylic Print Buyers

• Opt for Polished Edges: Especially on thicker acrylic, polished edges enhance the overall appearance and give the print a clean, luxurious finish.

• Consider Backing Options: A white backing layer can boost colour vibrancy and opacity, especially in thinner acrylic.

• UV Protection: Most modern acrylics are UV-resistant, but if your print will be exposed to direct sunlight, confirm this with your provider.

• Custom Shapes and Sizes: Some print services allow for unique cutouts and shapes—perfect for creative designs or branding displays.

Choosing the right thickness for your custom acrylic print is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about balancing durability, presentation, and function. Whether you're decorating a room, gifting a loved one, or showcasing professional photography, the thickness of your acrylic print can make a big difference in its final impact.

For most users, 5mm is the go-to thickness that balances beauty, cost, and strength. However, 3mm is great for lightweight applications, and 10mm makes a bold statement in professional or high-end environments.

Ready to bring your photos to life? Explore a wide range of custom sizes and thicknesses for your next acrylic print at Custom Canvas NZ, and turn your memories into stunning works of art that last.