TL;DR: Stretched canvas and wrapped canvas prints may look similar, but they differ in how the fabric attaches to the frame. Learn the distinctions between the two and which display style best suits your artwork or photography.
Understanding Stretched Canvas Prints
A stretched canvas print is created by pulling a printed canvas tightly over a wooden frame, known as stretcher bars, and securing it with staples. This process provides a solid foundation and gives the artwork structure. However, the staples are typically visible along the sides, and the edges may include a white margin. Many artists frame their stretched canvases afterward to conceal the staples and create a clean presentation.
What Is a Wrapped Canvas Print?
Like stretched canvas, wrapped canvas prints are also stretched over wooden frames, but with one key distinction — the canvas image extends and “wraps” around the sides of the frame. This design hides all staples on the back and allows the artwork to appear seamless from every angle. Wrapped canvases are often displayed without a frame for a modern, gallery-ready look.
If you’re unfamiliar with edge styles, explore our guide on canvas wrap options to learn about mirrored, solid-color, and stretched edges.
Key Differences Between Stretched and Wrapped Canvas
Although both methods involve stretching fabric over a wooden support, there are small but meaningful differences that affect presentation:
- Staple Placement: Stretched canvases have staples along the outer sides; wrapped canvases hide staples on the back.
- Edge Design: Stretched canvases often have blank or white edges, while wrapped canvases feature the image or a mirrored continuation along the sides.
- Display Style: Stretched canvases are typically framed, while wrapped canvases can hang directly on the wall.
For more background on how wrap styles affect display, see our post on gallery-wrapped canvas printing.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Both stretched and wrapped canvases offer professional presentation and long-lasting quality. If you prefer a traditional, framed finish, stretched canvas is a great choice. If you want a clean, contemporary look straight from the printer, a gallery-wrapped canvas provides that seamless edge-to-edge aesthetic. Your choice ultimately depends on your personal taste and how you plan to display the piece.
Professional Canvas Printing at The Stackhouse
At The Stackhouse, we specialize in gallery-wrapped and loose canvas prints using archival inks and museum-grade materials. Each print is hand-stretched for perfect tension and professional finish, ready for framing or immediate display.
Ready to print your next masterpiece? Visit our Order Page to get started with custom canvas printing tailored to your vision.
