TL;DR: High-quality photos, the right size, good material, thoughtful edges, and professional printing make all the difference. Follow these five steps to create a beautiful, long-lasting canvas print that fits your space and style.
Why Canvas Prints Stand Out
Canvas prints turn your favorite photos or artwork into timeless pieces of wall art. They offer texture, depth, and a painterly finish that paper prints can’t match. Whether you are decorating your home, studio, or office, a well-made canvas print combines craftsmanship and creativity for a professional, polished look.
1. Choose the Right Photo
The foundation of a perfect canvas print is a strong image. Choose high-resolution files (at least 300 PPI) with clear detail and good lighting. Photos with a central focal point, balanced composition, and minimal blur print best on canvas. Avoid overly dark or grainy images, as texture may exaggerate imperfections.
Need help understanding image resolution? See our guide on image resolution for printing.
2. Select the Best Size and Orientation
Consider where your print will hang before choosing the size. Large canvases make a bold statement in open spaces, while smaller sizes are great for gallery walls or personal workspaces. Match your photo’s orientation to the canvas: horizontal images suit landscape layouts, vertical ones work best for portrait-style prints.
Check out our print size and file requirements guide to see recommended dimensions for every format.
3. Choose the Right Canvas Material
Canvas type affects both the look and longevity of your print. Cotton canvases deliver a classic, fine-art texture with natural weave, while poly-cotton blends provide durability and vivid color reproduction. Choose between matte and satin finishes depending on your desired look — matte offers a soft, artistic feel, while satin enhances color depth and contrast.
For longevity details, visit our article on how long canvas prints last.
4. Customize the Edges and Frame
The edges of your canvas print can make a big visual impact. At The Stackhouse, you can choose between solid-color, mirrored, or full image wraps. A mirrored wrap keeps the full image visible on the front, while solid borders create a clean, gallery-style finish. You can also frame your canvas or display it unframed for a minimalist, modern look.
5. Work With a Professional Printer
The printing company you choose determines the overall quality of your piece. Look for specialists who use archival inks, professional printers, and high-quality materials. At The Stackhouse, our gallery-wrapped canvas prints and canvas board prints are made with precision, ensuring accurate color reproduction and lasting durability.
Make Your Canvas Print Perfect
By focusing on your image quality, sizing, material, edges, and print provider, you can create a canvas that looks stunning and lasts for years. Whether you are printing personal photos, selling limited editions, or decorating a space, thoughtful preparation ensures the results meet your expectations.
Ready to get started? Upload your artwork through our Order Page to create a custom canvas print that showcases your creativity in perfect detail.
