Canvas prints offer a versatile and visually striking way to display artwork and photography. When it comes to printing on canvas, one important decision is whether to choose stretched or unstretched canvas prints. Each option has its advantages, depending on the desired presentation, use, and budget. At Giclee Fine Prints, we help you understand the difference between stretched and unstretched canvas prints.
What is a Stretched Canvas Print?
A stretched canvas print is a canvas that has been pulled tightly over a wooden frame (stretcher bars) and secured in place. This method ensures the canvas remains taut, smooth, and ready to hang.
Key Benefits:
- Ready to Display: Stretched canvas prints come fully assembled and ready to hang without the need for framing. They provide a clean, modern look, especially with gallery-wrapped edges.
- Professional Appearance: The taut, even surface of a stretched canvas ensures that the artwork looks polished and professional.
- Durable: Stretched canvas is more resistant to damage since it is supported by a frame.
Best For:
- Wall art that is ready to hang immediately, such as canvas prints for homes, offices, or galleries.
- Professional displays where a finished, polished look is essential.
What is an Unstretched Canvas Print?
An unstretched canvas print refers to a canvas that has been printed but not mounted on a wooden frame. The canvas remains loose and can be rolled for easy storage or shipping.
Key Benefits:
- Cost-Effective: Since unstretched canvas prints don’t require stretcher bars, they are generally less expensive to produce and ship.
- Flexible: Unstretched canvases can be easily transported, making them ideal for international shipping or for artists and photographers who need to send their work to galleries or clients.
- Customization: With an unstretched canvas, you have the option to stretch and frame the canvas at a later time, offering flexibility in how and when the artwork is displayed.
Best For:
- Artists or photographers shipping their work for exhibitions or clients who want to stretch and frame the canvas themselves.
- Budget-conscious projects where cost savings on framing and shipping are important.
When to Choose Stretched Canvas Prints
Choosing a stretched canvas print is ideal when you need a finished product that’s ready to display. Here are specific scenarios where a stretched canvas is the best choice:
Immediate Display:
- Stretched canvas prints are ready to hang, making them perfect for spaces where you need an instant impact. Whether it’s for a personal gallery wall or a professional art show, stretched canvas provides a polished presentation.
Gallery-Wrapped Canvases:
- A gallery-wrapped canvas features the artwork extended over the edges of the stretcher bars, creating a frameless, modern look. This style is ideal for minimalist interiors or contemporary spaces where a sleek, frameless presentation is desired.
Durable and Long-Lasting:
- Stretched canvas prints are more durable for long-term display. The wooden frame provides structure, making them less prone to bending, creasing, or warping over time.
Best For:
- Permanent wall art for homes, offices, or businesses.
- Professional photography or artwork that needs to be displayed in galleries or exhibitions.
- Canvas prints that will be hung in high-traffic areas where durability is essential.
When to Choose Unstretched Canvas Prints
Unstretched canvas prints are ideal for artists, photographers, or individuals who need flexibility in handling, storing, or shipping artwork. Here are some scenarios where an unstretched canvas might be the better option:
Shipping and Storage:
- Unstretched canvases can be rolled and shipped in tubes, making them more affordable and easier to transport than stretched canvases. This is especially useful for international orders or when shipping multiple large prints.
Custom Framing:
- If you or your client prefer custom framing, an unstretched canvas offers the flexibility to choose the framing style later. You can stretch the canvas on custom-sized stretcher bars or opt for unique framing options based on the final display environment.
Budget-Friendly:
- Unstretched canvases are a more economical option, particularly for bulk printing or large projects. Without the cost of stretcher bars, shipping, and assembly, you save money upfront.
Best For:
- Artists shipping their work to galleries or buyers.
- Photographers selling prints that clients can stretch and frame according to their preferences.
- International projects where shipping costs need to be minimized.
Cost Considerations
The decision between stretched and unstretched canvas prints also depends on budget. While unstretched canvases are generally less expensive, you may incur additional costs if you decide to stretch or frame the canvas at a later time. Here’s a breakdown of the cost factors to consider:
Stretched Canvas:
- Higher Upfront Costs: The cost of the stretcher bars and the labor involved in stretching the canvas are included in the price, making stretched canvases more expensive than unstretched options.
- Ready-to-Hang: You won’t need to pay for additional framing or stretching services, so your canvas is ready to display right out of the box.
Unstretched Canvas:
- Lower Initial Costs: Without the need for stretcher bars, unstretched canvases are more affordable upfront, making them ideal for larger orders or projects on a budget.
- Additional Costs Later: You’ll need to account for the cost of stretching or framing the canvas later, which could increase the overall price depending on the complexity and materials used.
Display and Framing Options
How you plan to display your canvas prints will also determine whether a stretched or unstretched canvas is the better choice. If you want a clean, frameless look, a gallery-wrapped stretched canvas is ideal. However, if you prefer custom framing, unstretched canvases provide the flexibility to choose your framing style later.
Stretched Canvas (Gallery-Wrapped):
- Frameless Display: Ideal for modern or minimalist interiors, gallery-wrapped canvases don’t require a frame, offering a sleek, clean presentation.
Unstretched Canvas:
- Custom Framing: If you prefer a more traditional or ornate frame, unstretched canvases give you the flexibility to select the perfect frame for your space.
Customization and Flexibility
If customization is important to you, unstretched canvas prints may offer more flexibility. You can choose to stretch the canvas to specific dimensions or select unique framing options to complement the artwork’s style. This makes unstretched canvas a great option for artists or collectors who want control over the final display.
Best For:
- Custom framing options for unique or oversized artwork.
- Artists or photographers who want flexibility in final presentation.
Contact Us
Our address is: 3816 Pioneer Trail Ste #3, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Email: Info@gicleefineprints.com
FAQs
Stretched canvases are mounted on a wooden frame and ready to hang, while unstretched canvases are loose and need to be stretched and framed later.
Unstretched canvases are generally more affordable upfront due to the lack of stretcher bars and assembly costs. However, stretching and framing later may add to the overall cost.
Choose unstretched canvas prints if you need to ship or store artwork easily, want to save on initial costs, or prefer custom framing later.
