Custom Gel Brushstrokes vs. Standard Prints

When you turn a favorite photo or artwork into wall decor, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is the finish. Should you go with a clean, smooth standard print, or upgrade to custom gel brushstrokes for a hand-painted look?

If you’ve been browsing options like the Custom Gel Brushstrokes finish from ATL Canvas, you might be wondering whether the extra detail is truly worth it. In this guide, we’ll compare custom gel brushstrokes vs. standard prints so you can confidently choose the best style for your space, your style, and your budget.

What Are Standard Prints?

Standard prints are the classic option most people are familiar with. Your image is printed directly onto paper or canvas using high-quality inks and a smooth finish.

Key features of standard prints:

• Smooth surface – No added texture; the print is flat to the touch.
• Clean, modern look – Perfect for minimal, contemporary interiors.
• More budget-friendly – Typically the most affordable wall art option.
• True-to-file detail – Fine lines and small details are reproduced exactly as they appear in the original file.

Standard prints are ideal if you love:

• A sleek, gallery-style look
• Simple, clean décor
• Collage walls or framed prints in sets
• Keeping costs lower while still getting great-quality art
  
  

What Are Custom Gel Brushstrokes?

Custom gel brushstrokes are an upgraded finish that adds hand-applied texture on top of a printed canvas. Clear gel is painted over the artwork to mimic real brushstrokes, creating a painterly, almost oil-painting effect.

With a product like Custom Gel Brushstrokes from ATL Canvas, an artist follows the shape and movement of the image—highlights, edges, and key details—to create a unique, tactile surface.

Key features of custom gel brushstrokes:

• Visible texture – You can literally see and feel the raised brush lines.
• Enhanced depth – Light hits the textured areas differently, giving the art dimension.
• Fine-art aesthetic – The piece looks more like an original painting than a mass-produced print.
• One-of-a-kind finish – Because the gel is applied by hand, no two canvases are exactly alike.

Custom gel brushstrokes are ideal if you want:

• A luxurious, high-end look and feel
• Art that looks more like a painting than a photo
• A statement piece for living rooms, bedrooms, or offices
• Extra depth and dimension on landscapes, portraits, or abstracts

Visual Impact: Flat vs. Textured

When you hang your art on the wall, the difference between standard prints and custom gel brushstrokes is immediately visible.

Standard Prints

• Smooth, matte or semi-gloss finish
• Reflects light evenly
• Ideal for photo-realistic images and clean lines
• Blends well in modern, minimal spaces

Custom Gel Brushstrokes

• Sculpted texture that catches the light
• Adds movement and drama to the image
• Gives the illusion of hand-painted artwork
• Perfect for spaces where you want a focal point or “wow” effect

If you like your art to quietly complement the room, standard prints are usually enough. If you want your wall décor to feel like a conversation piece, custom gel brushstrokes are the better choice.

 

Feel & Atmosphere in Your Room

Your finish choice doesn’t just affect how your art looks—it also changes how your room feels.

Standard Prints Create:

• A clean, organized vibe
• A more casual, relaxed atmosphere
• Great balance on gallery walls where many frames share one space

Custom Gel Brushstrokes Create:

• A luxurious, gallery-quality atmosphere
• A sense of artistry, as if you own an original painting
• A richer, more “designed” look in your décor

For example, a standard photo print might be perfect for a hallway gallery of family photos, while a custom gel brushstroke canvas over your sofa or bed can become the star of the room.

 

Price & Value: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

In most cases, custom gel brushstrokes cost more than standard prints, because each piece requires additional materials and hand-applied work.

So, is it worth it?

Choose standard prints if:

• You’re working with a tighter budget
• You’re decorating multiple walls at once
• You’re creating a gallery wall with many different photos
• You prefer a modern, simple aesthetic

Choose custom gel brushstrokes if:

• You want a premium, upgraded look
• You’re investing in one or two key statement pieces
• The image is especially meaningful (wedding, anniversary, family portrait, travel photo)
• You want your wall art to feel like a custom, designer-level addition to the room

Think of custom gel brushstrokes as upgrading from basic décor to fine-art-style décor—especially suited for rooms where you host guests or spend a lot of time.

 

Durability & Care

Both standard prints and gel-finished canvases are designed to last when properly cared for, but there are a few small differences.

Standard Prints

• Easy to dust with a soft, dry cloth
• Less textured surface means dust doesn’t settle as easily in grooves
• Works well in lower-traffic spaces or behind glass in a frame

Custom Gel Brushstrokes

• The textured surface may require a bit more gentle dusting
• Best cleaned with a soft, dry, non-abrasive cloth
• Texture can help hide tiny imperfections or reflections over time

Both finishes should be kept away from direct sunlight, high humidity, and extreme temperature changes to maintain color vibrancy and quality.

 

Choose the Finish That Matches Your Vision

When it comes to custom gel brushstrokes vs. standard prints, there’s no wrong choice—only the finish that best matches your style, your space, and your goals.

• Choose standard prints for clean, modern, budget-friendly wall art that still looks sharp and professional.
• Upgrade to custom gel brushstrokes when you want a gallery-style, textured, fine-art feel that turns your image into a centerpiece.

If you’re ready to transform a favorite photo or design into art that truly stands out, exploring a Custom Gel Brushstrokes option (like the one available at ATL Canvas) is a beautiful way to bring more depth, texture, and personality to your walls.