Choosing quality canvas prints

By: Kal Banev


Misinformation can often give us all, as buyers, expectations that don't match the product received. As one of the original sellers of canvas prints in the UK, Canvas Republic have several years experience of managing our customers' expectations and improving our service accordingly.
In light of the this, we felt the time was right to write a guide specifically to arm consumers with some general information on how canvas prints are printed and framed, including some invaluable tips and advice when choosing a piece of canvas art.
Printing
The majority of canvas art is printed using an inkjet process, popularly referred to as Giclée, in either Dye inks or UV inks.
Dye inks are often used in the smaller models of printers capable of printing onto canvas and, whilst a little brighter in colour, can have the tendency to fade after a short time (typically 12+ months.)
Whilst no print should be placed in direct sunlight, UV inks contain light stabilisers that can keep prints looking new for anything up to 200 years in ideal conditions.
Check what steps the supplier takes to ensure their equipment is colour calibrated. This ensures that the colour of the canvas closely matches the preview image. Good colour management is a complex, on-going process that involves skill, judgment and experimentation, as well as technology like a Spectrophotometer device.

Framing
The process of framing of a canvas print is called gallery wrapping and takes skill, dexterity and experience to achieve a high quality finish. The print is tightly stretched over around the sides of a box stretcher frame.
Quality stretcher frames will be accurately cut with a sloping profile that minimises contact with the front face of the canvas, preventing impression marks. They should also be adjustable, supplied with tensioning wedges in each corner. These allow occasional re-tightening of the canvas.
Also check whether the stated measurements refer to the finished size of the piece, or just to the unframed print. A framed piece is always smaller than the dimensions of the full, unframed canvas, and a good supplier will state both sets of dimensions.

Framing
The process of framing of a canvas print is called gallery wrapping and takes skill, dexterity and experience to achieve a high quality finish. The print is tightly stretched over around the sides of a box stretcher frame.
Quality stretcher frames will be accurately cut with a sloping profile that minimises contact with the front face of the canvas, preventing impression marks. They should also be adjustable, supplied with tensioning wedges in each corner. These allow occasional re-tightening of the canvas.
Also check whether the stated measurements refer to the finished size of the piece, or just to the unframed print. A framed piece is always smaller than the dimensions of the full, unframed canvas, and a good supplier will state both sets of dimensions.

General Tips
Check whether the canvas art supplier is easily contactable. Are they contactable by phone?
* Find out how long your print will take to deliver.
* If you are buying for your VAT-registered business, check whether the supplier can provide a VAT receipt so you can reclaim the tax.
* Check whether the supplier has a clear returns policy.

Conclusion
We hope that this information will help you to make an informed choice when selecting a piece of canvas art for your home or business.


Canvas Prints :: Photo Canvas Created by Canvas Republic