How To Choose Between Canvas Prints or Traditional Photos

There are so many distinct types of printing styles on the market that when it comes time to order, it can pose a difficult choice. Having a wide variety of options is always good for finding the exact style you want, but having so many choices can also be overwhelming. Keep reading to learn more about basic canvas and traditional photo print materials, the pros and cons of each option, and how to choose between the two for your applications.

Basics of Canvas Prints

Canvas prints have a unique type of texture due to their material. These prints use the same type of material that you would find on an artist’s canvas. This makes them a beautiful and artistic way to print your favorite artwork and photographs. Canvas prints are popular for wall art because they come in a variety of sizes—you can create a collection of small canvas prints or order one large enough to cover an entire wall. Canvas prints are popular for display in professional art galleries and use as focal points in a home or office.

Basics of Traditional Photo Prints

Printing companies create traditional photo prints using specialty paper with various finishes. One of the most popular choices when ordering photography prints is to use glossy photo paper to replicate the look of a traditional developed photo. However, these prints are compatible with a wide variety of paper types and finishes that make it possible to create many different appearances. These prints are popular among consumers for displaying in their homes, using for crafts, or gifting to loved ones.

Differences Between Canvas and Traditional Prints

One of the best ways to choose between canvas and traditional prints is to understand their differences. By examining the differences, benefits, and disadvantages of these prints, you can get a better idea of which pieces might work best for your unique applications. Keep reading to learn more about these differences as well as some of the advantages and disadvantages of using each.

Aesthetic Appearance

One of the biggest differences between canvas and traditional photo prints is the aesthetic value they provide. Canvas prints can make photos look more modern by providing a new and stylish way to display them. They also provide added texture to your pieces to make them more visually complex and appealing. If you’re going for a more classical or traditional way to sell or display photographs, choose paper printing. You can also frame a traditional photo print, whereas a canvas print might be more difficult to frame, depending on the thickness and type. However, not framing your canvas print allows the piece to act as the attention-grabber rather than its frame taking center stage.

Types of Canvas Prints

There are several options to consider when choosing a canvas print for your project. The basic type of print is rolled canvas printing, which involves ink printed onto a loose canvas material and cut to size. You can also mount a canvas print to a certain backing material, such as a foam board, creating a foam board canvas print. Finally, one of the most popular types of canvas print is the gallery wrapped style. To create a gallery wrapped print, the printing company attaches the loose canvas to a wooden frame and stretches it over the sides. This creates a 3D print that extends from where it is hung on the wall.

Types of Traditional Prints

You can select from even more options when it comes to traditional paper printing. Not only are there a wide variety of paper types and textures, but you can also choose various finishes, including glossy photos. If you enjoy the textured appearance of canvas and wish to channel this into a traditional print, consider selecting a cold-press, textured printing paper. Matte and textured papers provide less glare than glossy photos, which makes them ideal for hanging in sunny areas of a home, office, or other location. On the other hand, if you want to create a more traditional appearance for your photographs, choose semi-gloss or glossy paper that reflects a traditionally developed photograph.

Print Materials and Durability

The materials that printers use to make canvas and traditional pieces have varying levels of durability. Loose and mounted canvas prints are some of the most durable options on the market. Wrapped canvases are also very durable thanks to their thick materials, but due to being stretched over the wooden frame, they are more vulnerable to tears and cuts.

Traditional paper and photography prints are more vulnerable to tears and moisture. However, because consumers usually frame these prints, they have an extra layer of defense against conditions such as sunlight, moisture, and rough handling. Frames also make traditional pieces easier to move and transport when needed.

Print Cost

Due to their unique materials, canvas and traditional prints have distinct cost ranges. Cost is a crucial factor to consider if you’re ordering large quantities of prints for a gallery show, for sale at an event, or for online sale. The total cost of your project depends on the size of the prints, the materials you select, and any details you want to add. It’s best to ask your printing service for an accurate estimate before you begin placing your order. Because you don’t need to frame a canvas print before you hang it, these styles can help you save on additional costs.

How To Choose Which Print Is Best for You

Now that you know some of the differences between canvas and traditional prints, you might have an easier time deciding between them. However, if you’re still struggling to decide, remember that print choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. Choosing a type of photography print for your home versus ordering new prints to stock your photography business could result in different decisions. Don’t forget to analyze your applications and why you’re ordering your prints in the first place.

Now that you have a better idea of both canvas and traditional photographs, you can make a more informed decision on which print type to choose. Whether you’re looking for loose canvas prints or traditional glossy photos, we can provide a wide range of styles at The Stackhouse. We can help you customize your prints exactly how you want them, adjusting the size, styles, and materials. Learn more about the various types of giclee printing we offer at The Stackhouse today.