Choosing between canvas and photo prints is one of the most common decisions artists and photographers face when preparing work for display or sale. Each material offers a unique look and feel, from the tactile texture of canvas to the crisp clarity of photo paper. The right choice depends on your desired aesthetic, level of durability, and how the print will be used or displayed.
Giclée Canvas Prints
Canvas prints add warmth and texture to your artwork. At The Stackhouse, we print on Epson Exhibition Canvas Matte using archival pigment inks for lasting color and detail. Each print showcases rich tones and a subtle surface texture that complements both paintings and photographs.
To protect your work, we offer two lamination options—Matte and Satin—that guard against UV exposure, moisture, and scratches. We recommend the Satin finish for images with deep shadows or darker color palettes for added depth and vibrancy.
Canvas Print Formats
- Loose Canvas Prints – flexible and ideal for custom framing or shipping.
- Mounted Canvas Prints – ready to display with rigid backing support.
- Gallery-Wrapped Canvas – stretched over a wooden frame with finished edges, ready to hang.
Canvas prints are a popular choice for artists who want to replicate the traditional feel of painted originals or for photographers looking to give their images a fine art finish.
Giclée Photo Prints
For photographers and collectors seeking a crisp, traditional look, Giclée Photo Prints offer exceptional clarity and tonal range. Printed on professional-grade photo papers, they provide rich detail, sharpness, and archival quality that lasts generations.
Available Photo Papers
- Hahnemühle Photo Matte Fibre: soft, natural matte texture ideal for portraits and fine art.
- Epson Premium Luster Photo Paper: subtle sheen that balances gloss and texture for vivid, true-to-life color.
- Epson Premium Glossy Photo Paper: bright surface with deep contrast and crisp details.
- Epson Metallic Glossy Photo Paper: luminous finish that enhances dynamic range and highlights.
Finishing Options for Photo Prints
- Mounted Photo Prints – durable and easy to frame.
- Matted Photo Prints – ready-to-frame prints with elegant presentation.
- Retail Ready Prints – packaged and sealed for resale.
- Mini Photo Prints – small, collectible formats for gifts or impulse purchases.
When to Choose Each Format
Both canvas and photo prints have their strengths. Understanding your project’s purpose will help determine which is the better fit.
Choose Canvas Prints When You Want:
- A textured, painterly surface that adds dimension to the artwork.
- A ready-to-hang option such as Gallery-Wrapped Canvas.
- Durability and UV protection from laminated finishes.
- A fine art presentation for exhibitions, galleries, or interior design.
Choose Photo Prints When You Want:
- A classic, clean look with crisp detail and accurate tones.
- Quick turnaround and lower production costs.
- More finishing flexibility, including matting, mounting, or packaging.
- High-quality reproductions ideal for gifts, portfolios, and retail displays.
Cost, Durability, and Production Time
Canvas prints generally cost more than photo prints due to the heavier materials, laminating process, and optional mounting or stretching. They also require slightly longer production times, typically an additional week depending on the finishing method.
Photo prints, on the other hand, are faster to produce and more versatile for framing, shipping, or resale. Both formats can be produced in standard sizes compatible with most ready-made frames.
Try Before You Decide
To help you compare texture, weight, and color output, order our Free Media Sample Set. You’ll receive swatches of our photo papers and canvas materials to review in person. If you have specific questions about which surface suits your work best, contact our team and we’ll help you choose the perfect match.
Final Thoughts
Both canvas and photo prints can showcase your art beautifully—the difference lies in the mood and experience you want to create. Canvas offers a tactile, fine art presence perfect for display-ready pieces, while photo prints highlight precision, sharpness, and versatility. Choosing the right material ensures your artwork looks as impressive in print as it does in your imagination.
Ready to print your next masterpiece? Explore our Giclée Fine Art Prints, browse Free Media Sample Sets, or contact us to discuss the best paper or canvas for your project.
