How to Print Digital Photos to Acrylic

Use a digital camera with resolution of at least 2 megapixels.

You can print photos to acrylic sheets, panels or blocks using a different kinds of printers, if you first prepare the acrylic to accept the ink. Acrylic is a transparent thermoplastic that is often used as a light or shatter-resistant alternative to glass. It is sold under brand names including Plexiglas, Lucite and Optix. Acrylic blocks are a popular way of displaying images and photos.

Things You'll Need

• Photograph
• Camera
• Computer
• Photo editing software
• Scanner
• Printer
• Acrylic

Instructions

1. Take good quality photographs using a camera with resolution of at least 2 megapixels. Alternatively, you can reproduce a physical photograph by digitizing the image using a scanner. For good quality photographic prints, scan the photos at a minimum of 200dpi resolution.

2. Choose a printer. You will need a printer that can accommodate the size, depth and flexibility of the acrylic. Your choice of printer will also depend on the type of ink you require and the color system you choose. You may choose a printer with a four-color or an eight-color ink system, or a printer that has both.

3. Edit the images, if necessary. You can do this on your computer using photo editing software. Some printers have software built into them that allows you to edit your images directly on the printer.

4. Print onto the acrylic. Ink does not always adhere well to bare acrylic. If you decide to print on the back of the acrylic (the part against the wall), you will have to print your image using reverse printing. If you instead print on the front of the acrylic, you may first need to apply white ground, then print the image over the white ground. The white ground acts as a primer, but it will also help the colors stand out.

Tips & Warnings

• There are different types of acrylic, including cast acrylic panels, acrylic sheets, acrylic blocks, flame polished acrylic blocks and diamond polished acrylic blocks.

• When researching the right printer for the job, try some of the following keywords: inkjet printer, laser printer, flatbed printer, large format flatbed printer, UV-curable inkjet printer, digital printer or dimensional printer.

• When looking for the best ink, try some of the following keywords: inkjet printer inks, laser printer inks, pigment inks, dye inks, solvent inks, eco-solvent inks or UV-curable inks.

• Some inks give off toxic fumes. Make sure to use as directed.

References

• Free Dictionary: Ink cartridge
• Digital Output

Resources

• Acrylicprinting: Acrylic Printing
• Sonoma Graphic Products: Printing on Clear Acrylic---Sign Making