© Mary Perry
When it comes to displaying artwork and photography, canvas prints offer a timeless and professional presentation. If you’re an artist preparing for an exhibition, a photographer showcasing your work, or a collector looking for the best way to display fine art, understanding the various canvas finishing options can help you make the right choice. This guide will explore gallery wraps, canvas stretches, and other finishing techniques to ensure your artwork looks its best and lasts for years to come.
What Are Canvas Stretches and Gallery Wraps?
Both canvas stretches and gallery wraps refer to the process of mounting a canvas print onto a wooden frame (also called stretcher bars). However, they each serve different aesthetic and functional purposes.
Canvas Stretches
A canvas stretch refers to the process of stretching and mounting a canvas onto stretcher bars without necessarily wrapping the image around the sides. This is a standard technique used for fine art reproduction, where the canvas can later be framed traditionally or left as is. Oftentimes, artists and photographers opt to stretch their artwork/image and have it framed traditionally. Stretched canvases provide a greater depth effect and appear more three-dimensional in a frame than flat canvas prints.
Gallery Wraps
A gallery wrap is a popular, modern presentation style where the canvas is stretched around the edges of the stretcher bars and secured at the back. This results in a clean, frameless look that allows the image to extend around the sides of the frame.
Gallery Wrap Styles
When opting for a gallery wrap, you can choose from different wrapping styles based on how you want the edges to appear:
- Image Wrap – The artwork continues around the sides for a seamless, three-dimensional effect.
- Mirror Wrap – The edges of the image are mirrored to ensure no important details are lost on the sides.
- Solid Color Wrap – The edges are printed in a solid color (black, white, or a complementary hue) to create a clean border.
Choosing the Right Canvas Depth
Gallery wraps and stretched canvases come in different depths, affecting their overall appearance and framing options.
- Standard Depth (¾ inch to 1 inch) – Ideal for traditional framing or a subtle gallery wrap.
- Deep/Thick Depth (1.5 inches or more) – Provides a bold, contemporary look often displayed without a frame.
Finishing Options for Canvas Prints
Once your canvas is stretched or wrapped, there are additional finishing techniques to enhance its durability and presentation.
Mounting Canvas Prints
For those who prefer traditional framing, mounting canvas prints onto archival, acid-free foam board is an excellent option. This method keeps the canvas flat and rigid, making it easy to place into a frame without the need for stretching. It’s particularly useful for artists and photographers who want to offer canvas prints without the bulk of stretcher bars.
Protective Coatings (Optional)
Some canvas prints benefit from a protective coating, which enhances durability and resistance to UV light, moisture, and scratches. However, with advancements in giclée printing, many modern canvas materials already offer excellent longevity without the need for an additional coating.
Framing Options for Canvas Prints
Canvas prints can be framed traditionally or displayed without a frame, depending on the desired presentation.
- Floating Frames
– A stylish option that adds a small gap between the canvas and the frame for a sophisticated, gallery-like effect. - Traditional Frames – Ideal for canvas prints mounted on foam board or stretched canvases on thinner stretcher bars.
- No Frame (Gallery Wrap) – A modern, frameless look where the artwork itself is the focal point.
Why Choose MasterLab for Your Canvas Prints?
At MasterLab, our canvas stretch specialist, Richard, has over 10 years of experience in stretching and wrapping canvas prints, maintaining careful attention to detail and ensuring that each piece meets your expectations. MasterLab is expert in high-quality fine art reproduction, giclée printing, and custom canvas stretching. Whether you need a gallery wrap, a traditional canvas stretch, or archival mounting for framing, our expert craftsmanship guarantees your artwork looks professional and stands the test of time.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right canvas finishing option depends on how you plan to display your artwork. Whether you prefer the modern appeal of a gallery wrap, the flexibility and depth of a canvas stretch, or the versatility and cost-effectiveness of mounting for more traditional framing, MasterLab has the expertise to bring your vision to life.
Ready to enhance your artwork with professional canvas stretching and framing? Contact MasterLab today to discuss your options!
Let’s get started! Contact us today!
Finishing Options
Canvases:
All canvases are sprayed with an archival spray which includes UV inhibitors, which increase the archivability of each print.
Canvases can be mounted, stretched, or gallery-wrapped.
Mounting:
Canvases are mounted to an archival acid-free board.
Finishing: Ready for framing.
Stretching:
Canvases are stretched by hand using the industry’s finest stretcher bars—formulated to give each stretch the best possible result. 5/8” and 1” bar used.
Finishing: Ready for framing.
Gallery Wrapping:
Canvases are wrapped by hand using the industry’s finest bars—formulated to give each wrap the best possible result. 5/8”, 1”, 1.5”, 2”, and 3” inch bar available.
Finishing: Ready for hanging.
