Glossy vs Metallic Photo Paper for Acrylic Prints

How the paper behind the acrylic changes the entire look of your image

When viewing an HD Acrylic print, most people credit the acrylic face for the depth and clarity — and they’re right. The polished acrylic refracts light and adds dimensionality to the image.

But the real character of the print comes from the photographic paper underneath it.

At Artbeat Studios, we offer two professional print surfaces:

• Epson Premium Gloss Photo Paper (true white gloss)

• LexJet Sunset Metallic Photo Paper (pearlescent metallic)

  
  

Both are printed using professional Epson photo printers with archival pigment inks. The materials are identical in longevity and resolution — what changes is how the image feels.

Below is how to choose intentionally.

White Gloss Photo Paper (Epson Premium Gloss)

Best for: natural color, skin tones, weddings, portraits, and soft imagery

White gloss is the closest representation of what photographers see on a calibrated monitor. It delivers clean whites, accurate color transitions, and a classic photographic finish.

What it looks like

• Neutral white base

• Smooth tonal gradation

• Soft highlight roll-off

• True-to-life color reproduction

• Minimal texture influence

  
  

How acrylic affects it

When mounted behind acrylic, gloss paper gains depth without changing its realism. Instead of becoming flashy, it becomes luminous. Skin tones remain believable and delicate detail stays intact.

Why photographers choose it

This is the safe, faithful medium — ideal when color accuracy matters more than visual drama.

Perfect subjects

• Weddings

• Family portraits

• Newborn photography

• Fashion

• Pastel or bright airy edits

• Artwork requiring color fidelity

Metallic Photo Paper (LexJet Sunset Metallic)

Best for: landscapes, night photography, automotive, and high-contrast imagery

Metallic paper contains a pearlescent layer embedded in the emulsion. Instead of reflecting light evenly like gloss, it reflects directionally — creating a subtle glow from inside the image.

What it looks like

• Pearl / chrome sheen

• Increased contrast perception

• Richer blacks

• Amplified saturation

• Light-reactive highlight

How acrylic affects it

Acrylic magnifies the metallic effect dramatically. The image gains depth similar to looking through glass at a backlit display. Highlights shimmer and darker tones feel deeper.

This is why metallic + acrylic is often considered a statement piece.

Why photographers choose it

It doesn’t just show the photo — it turns the photo into wall art.

Perfect subjects

• Landscapes

• Cityscapes

• Sunsets

• Ocean scenes

• Automotive

• Night photography

• Dramatic edits

Same Quality, Different Emotion

Both papers are printed using professional Epson archival pigment printers and calibrated color workflows.Neither lasts longer than the other — both are designed for decades of display life behind acrylic.

The choice is not technical.

It is emotional.

If you want the viewer to feel…	Choose
“This looks exactly real”	White Gloss
“This looks like art”	Metallic

A simple way to decide

If the image depends on accurate color and natural tones → Gloss 

If the image depends on impact and atmosphere → Metallic

The acrylic adds depth to both. The paper decides the personality.