When Should I Choose Canvas Over Paper for My Art Prints?

Why Presentation Matters

When creating artworks, the artist has likely already considered the piece's final form. This attention to detail must also be considered when choosing a print format that fits your ideal display and purposes. 

We offer a range of papers that can complement many styles of artwork, which might work well for you. On the other hand, our canvas prints are unique in that you can maintain the original canvas art style! Still, the giclee printing process opens up canvas prints for many nontraditional canvas art forms.

Benefits of Canvas 

Our canvas prints are printed on Epson's Exhibition Canvas Matte, which has a great woven texture. It's a heavyweight cotton-poly blend with a bright white point, allowing colors to pop in brilliance and depth. This media is offered with two versatile protective finishes: Matte or Glossy. 

Another perk of loose canvas prints is that they are less likely to be damaged than paper prints. This is because of their cloth-like qualities and the protective laminate that helps make them scratch—and water-resistant. 

ProTip: Our protective finishes are acrylic-based, so painting on top with acrylic mediums works well. Our free media sample set will also let you test remarque techniques before printing.

Loose Canvas Prints

Loose canvas prints range from $5.50 to $402, marginally more expensive than loose paper prints. These prints can be mounted onto black Gator or white foam boards, creating a rigid product for frames or temporary displays.

Check out our sizing list to see all the standard sizes we offer in loose canvas. If you don't see a size you need, contact us, and we can start a custom order.

ProTip: Order a loose canvas with an extra border to customize your art reproduction even more and stretch it at home!

Gallery Wrap Canvas

At The Stackhouse, our Gallery Wrap Canvas is created with the goal of being ready to hang in mind, so you have one less step to worry about. 

The stretched gallery wrap canvas prices range from $58.50 to $508. This product's sizing is limited due to production and shipping limitations. If you do not see a size you want, please contact us and see if we can make it.

Benefits of Paper

Paper prints can offer more options in varied finishes. There are matte and glossy papers, but there are also high-textured or smooth surfaces with different white points.

Like canvas, paper prints can be mounted in frames or temporary displays. The backing can help keep them protected from dents or tears. Putting loose paper prints in frames or matting will make a more complete product for your customer.

Giclee paper prints cost $4 - $357.50. Our paper print sizes are the same as the loose canvas prints. 

Pricing & Framing

Paper prints are typically cheaper than canvas prints. The Gallery Wrap Canvas is expensive, but you don't have to buy a frame. Framing can cost double, if not triple, the cost of the original print. If this is the end goal, getting a frame that completes your reproduction correctly is worth it. 

Framing can be cheaper and easier with standard-sized prints; anything custom will take longer and be more expensive. It depends on the original size and whether it can be manipulated or cropped. It can be worth researching local frame shops first to see their pricing and policies.

Who's the winner?

Was it canvas or paper? Both forms of giclee prints, canvas-based and paper-based, have many pros and cons. When deciding, the original artwork and how you want the end product to be are good places to start. 

We are here to help! Contact us if you have any questions or concerns. You can also order our free media sample set to browse our selection.