Printing Digital Art on Acrylic and Metal: Resolution, Color & Size

May 15 2026, 2 min reading time

Plan acrylic or metal prints using pixel dimensions, aspect ratio, color preparation, viewing distance, and verified product specifications.

A good print starts with the right file at the intended size. Acrylic and metal can present an image differently, but neither material creates detail missing from the source.

Use pixel dimensions, not the resolution label alone

Pixels per inch (PPI) describes how densely image pixels are placed at a chosen print size. A useful planning calculation is pixel width divided by print width in inches. A 4,800-pixel-wide image printed 16 inches wide provides 300 PPI. Changing a resolution label without adding pixels does not create detail.

Adobe's print-resolution guidance treats 300 PPI as a common target for close viewing; large displays viewed farther away can work at lower resolutions. Ask the printer to assess the actual file and viewing distance.

Check the crop before exporting

These three sizes share a 2:3 aspect ratio. An image with a different shape needs borders or a crop. Keep faces, signatures, and lettering away from the trim edge, and ask for the product's template or bleed requirements. Do not stretch the image to force it into a different proportion.

Acrylic and metal have different surfaces

STG lists 3mm gloss acrylic and 1mm gloss aluminum wall-art formats. Acrylic presents a clear edge and reflective surface; metal presents a thin rigid panel. Compare the product's finish and mounting information rather than assuming all suppliers use the same printing or bonding process.

Why the screen and print can differ

A screen emits light, while a conventional print is viewed in reflected light. Screen brightness, color management, the print surface, and room illumination all affect appearance. Supply the requested color profile and ask about a proof if matching is critical. Turning up screen brightness is not a reliable way to predict a print.

What if the file is too small?

Request the artist's original export, consider a smaller print, or ask the supplier to evaluate enlargement. Upscaling can change pixel dimensions, but it cannot guarantee faithful recovery of missing detail. Avoid repeated JPEG saving, screenshots, and compressed social-media copies.

For custom work, confirm printing permission and the available order process with STG before purchase. For existing designs, browse the wall-art catalog. If illumination matters, check that the selected print is compatible with the STG 16×24 acrylic LED lightbox frame.

Before ordering, check the shipping policy, return terms, and the options on your selected product.

Artwork and displays to explore

Open the product to see the current sizes, format choices, price, and display requirements.