You’ve got a fantastic new photo that absolutely must go up on the wall. Before you order that all-too-common framed print, maybe it’s time to consider something new. This time around, why not put that precious image on canvas instead?
Canvas is durable and long-lasting, something you can pass down from generation to generation. A canvas print stands out among the images on your wall and can create the feel of a genuinely classic piece of art. If you think the price is probably prohibitive, guess again; you can get cheap canvas prints that are still high quality.
How Is Canvas Made?
Canvas itself is traditionally made from hemp fibers. Today, most canvas is instead made from cotton, while some is linen, polyester or a blend. Each material has its benefits: Cotton will last longer, but the polyester prints are more vibrant.
A water-resistant canvas can be made if the cotton is blended with synthetic material. The threads of the fabric are woven tightly together on a loom in a basic textile style. This simple weave and the heavy weight of the thread are what make canvas distinctive from other fabrics.
How Is the Canvas Print Created?
The image is printed onto the canvas with a state-of-the-art printer and then cut to size. After that, it is carefully aligned, stretched over a wooden frame and stapled down. This is the most difficult step, and the framers have to be extremely precise to avoid bunched corners or uneven images.
What Are the Different Options?
Canvas prints come in many different styles, and deciding what’s best for you depends on your photograph and the space where it will hang. Although you can find some unusual shapes of canvases, the traditional rectangle and square varieties are perfect for most situations. You can add flair to a canvas by printing text, adding a polaroid-style frame or getting a signature canvas that leaves space for people to write a note and sign their names. You can even create a collage of photos on a single canvas.
Most people choose to leave the canvas edges exposed, but you have the option of framing if that suits your style. Canvas prints also come in a wide variety of sizes so you can get the perfect one for your needs. Another possibility is a multi-panel print, which splits your image into more than one canvas for a dynamic effect.
Is Canvas Better Than a Framed Print?
There are pros and cons to both, but canvas offers a lot of benefits, such as the lack of glare that you get with framed prints and the color depth provided by the fabric texture. In addition, an unframed canvas print is actually lighter than a framed print.
Ultimately it comes down to personal preference, but in the right space, a canvas can add an extra touch of class that raises it above the common paper print. Your canvas print may even become a treasured heirloom to be passed down to kids and grandkids.
