Canvas Creations
Our Canvas Creations service is a consumer oriented version of our photo and fine art printing service. Rather than being geared towards artists and photographers who want to sell reproductions of their work, this page is for individuals who want to have a photo printed on canvas, or other materials, for their own use.
Unlike others, we offer you the same museum-quality giclee printing we provide to artists and photographers who sell their reproductions for hundreds to thousands of dollars, and we give you the same wholesale pricing. So whether you are interested in a print on canvas, watercolor paper, or photo paper, you can be confident that you are getting the finest quality archival print, and the best value for your money, when you order a print from us.
Since we offer so many options, and unlike artists and photographers, consumers are often less familiar with the process and materials available, we have a great deal of information on this page to explain the choices and help you decide which options are right for your particular print.
- To see a list of all the different materials to choose from for your print, look at the Printing Materials tab below.
- For help in deciding which of all those materials is best for your needs, read the information in the Our Recommendations tab.
- See the FAQ tab for answers to a range of questions about file formats and sizes, color matching, framing, and more.
- Finally, the How to Order tab explains the order process, shows the options available and gives examples of each to help you decide which options you should choose.
If you don't intend to frame your print, or for more economical options, you can find more choices on the Photo Enlargements page. The materials on that page can be finished by mounting on a variety of substrates such as Sintra or Gatorfoam, and we can laminate them to give them up to 200 years of fade resistance indoors.
If you would like to get prices on printing and shipping, or place an order, click the Pricing/Order button next to each item in the Printing Materials tab.
The information below shows the variety of materials we offer, has our recommendations for the best materials to use in different situations, gives answers to common questions, and explains how to place an order.
All the printing materials in this category are eco-friendly, so they are not individually marked as such.
To find pricing information for printing on any of the materials below, click the Pricing/Order button next to each item. The materials below are our most high end materials intended for framing. There are additional, less expensive options available under the Printing for Indoor Use section, specifically on the Photo Enlargements page.
Photo Papers
Below are the photo papers we offer for giclee printing. Photo papers simulate the look of traditional photo prints, but are still printed using the giclee process. They are popular because they offer tremendous color depth and saturation, and are the least expensive materials for giclee printing.
Fine Art Poster - 270 gsm
This smooth, natural-white, acid-free paper has the look and feel of a heavy, matte offset paper. It is made in Switzerland and has excellent water resistance. It’s great for giclee fine art printing, photographic reproductions and posters. It delivers exceptional print quality at an economical price. Available in widths up to 36".
Approximate longevity of 50-80 years.
Professional Photo Satin - 300 gsm
This professional photo paper offers excellent color reproduction and a heavy 300 gsm weight. The traditional E surface finish provides an elegant texture consistent to that of a dark room. Also available in high gloss. While this paper is moisture, smudge, and scratch resistant, we recommend careful handling and framing behind glass. Available in widths up to 60".
Approximate longevity of 80-100 years.
Professional Photo Gloss - 300 gsm
This professional photo paper offers excellent color reproduction and a heavy 300 gsm weight. The high gloss surface provides excellent color depth for situations where glare isn't a concern. Also available in a satin finish. While this paper is moisture, smudge, and scratch resistant, we recommend careful handling and framing behind glass. Available in widths up to 44".
Approximate longevity of 80-100 years.
Metallic Photo Gloss - 255 gsm
This resin coated metallic high gloss photo paper results in prints that are sharp, vibrant, and exceptionally rich-looking. The metallic finish adds a distinctive look and is the perfect way to make portraits, commercial display prints, and competition prints that stand out from the others. It is also adds a distinctive look to black and white photography. While this paper is moisture, smudge, and scratch resistant, we recommend careful handling and framing behind glass. Available in widths up to 44". Approximate longevity of 50-80 years.
Simulated Canvas - 16mil
This economical canvas look material is composed of an archival photo paper with canvas textured laminate, creating the look of canvas without the cost. An excellent choice when the print will be mounted to a rigid substrate, such as foamboard, or when a less expensive option is required. Available in widths up to 60".
Approximate longevity in excess of 100 years.
Watercolor Papers
Below are the watercolor papers we offer for digital photo printing. We offer watercolor papers from a variety of paper mills in a range of weights and textures. For the most part, these are the same papers that artists use for watercolor painting, but they have been specially treated for giclee printing. Some of the papers below were created specifically with giclee printing in mind, but all of them produce excellent results.
Sunset Textured Fine Art Paper - 310gsm
This rough textured, acid-free watercolor paper offers a natural white, matte finish and great color range providing excellent reproduction of both photography and traditional art. Though careful handling is always recommended, this paper is designed not to mar or scuff during normal handling like some other fine art printing papers. Available in widths up to 60". Approximate longevity of 80-100 years.
Sunset Cotton Etching Paper - 285gsm
This lightly textured, acid-free watercolor paper is made from 25% cotton and offers a natural white, matte finish and great color range providing excellent reproduction of both photography and traditional art. Though careful handling is always recommended, this paper is less likely to mar or scuff during normal handling like some other fine art printing papers. Available in widths up to 60". Approximate longevity of 80-100 years.
Crane Museo Max - 250gsm
This acid free paper combines breakthrough technology with the finest 100% cotton rag to produce a paper capable of vivid colors and subtle detail. This paper contains no optical brighteners and and has durable, flake free finish. Excellent for both fine art printing reproductions and photographic prints. Available in widths up to 60".
Approximate longevity of 80-100 years.
Canson Edition Etching - 310gsm
This museum-grade 100% cotton rag paper is internally buffered and acid free with no optical brighteners for the highest archival quality. The excellent white point makes for rich, accurate color reproduction, making it an outstanding choice for both fine art printing and digital photo reproduction. Available in widths up to 44".
Approximate longevity of 80-100 years.
Canson Rag Photographique- 310gsm
This 100% cotton museum grade white fine art and photo paper has an exceptionally smooth white tone that is achieved during manufacturing by introducing natural minerals to the process. The extra smooth finish and deep blacks make for excellent fine art printing and photography. Available in widths up to 44".
Approximate longevity of 80-100 years.
BFK Rives - 310 gsm
This is the world’s number one mould-made traditional printmaking paper, with more than 500 years of history and heritage. This exceptional 100% rag museum grade paper is ideal for fine art printing and photographs and gives them a very prestigious aura. The unique pure white tone is obtained without the use of optical brighteners, and the paper has a very specific smooth and velvety texture. Available in widths up to 44". Approximate longevity of 80-100 years.
Crane Textured Fine Art Paper - 225gsm
This 100% cotton rag, acid free paper is great for art and photographic reproductions. It is available in both a smooth, hot press finish and a classic textured cold press finish (shown). It is also available in sheets in an extra heavy weight of 425 gsm in both finishes. Available in widths up to 44".
Approximate longevity of 80-100 years.
Somerset Enhanced Velvet - 255gsm
Somerset Enhanced Velvet is made by St. Cuthberts Mill in England. This unique fine art paper has a fine texture and beautiful photo realistic definition. This is a special version of the popular watercolor paper designed for digital fine art printing. Also available in a 505 gsm sheets. Available in widths up to 44".
Approximate longevity of 80 to 100 years
Hahnemuhle Torchon - 285gsm
This watercolor paper is made by Hahnemuhle in Germany. It's a fine art printing paper with a unique parchment texture that produces photo realistic definition and tremendous color range and depth. Available in widths up to 44".
Approximate longevity of 80-100 years.
Arches Aquarelle Rag- 310gsm
The world’s number one mould-made watercolor paper is now available for giclee fine art printing. This genuine 100% rag watercolor paper complies with the highest archival standards with no optical brighteners and is extremely age resistant. It gives a unique and unrivalled character to traditional artwork and photographs. Available in widths up to 44".
Approximate longevity of 80-100 years.
Schoellershammer Linen - 300gsm
This unique paper has a natural canvas-like appearance and produces outstanding color. Made in Germany by Schoellershammer, producing quality paper since 1984, this 100% cotton fiber paper has a bright white color (without the use of optical brighteners) and is acid-free, lignin-free, and non-yellowing. Available in widths up to 44".
Approximate longevity of 80-100 years.
Canvas
We offer a broad selection of canvas options to cover most any need and budget. All of the canvas choices below are specially treated for giclee printing to provide superior results, and all of them can be mounted on stretcher bar without fear of cracking.
Matte Decor Canvas - 18mil
This economical lighter weight polyflax/cotton blend canvas is specifically designed for high volume canvas printing. It is acid free with a low gloss finish, and durable enough that it can be cleaned with water and mild detergent. Can be stretched and mounted. Available in widths up to 73".
Estimated longevity of 50-80 years indoors.
Satin Decor Canvas - 18mil
This lighter weight polyester/cotton blend canvas offers a satin finish and excellent color reproduction. It's acid-free for fade resistant fine art or photo reproductions and is very economical. Printed with latex inks, it's water and scratch resistant without the need for a surface coating. Available up to 104" wide. Can be stretched and mounted.
Estimated longevity of 50-80 years indoors.
Matte Designer Canvas - 20 mil
This polyester/cotton blend canvas is acid-free and is designed for fade resistant giclee canvas fine art printing or photo canvas reproductions, and is great for those who wish to retouch their prints. Since it is printed with latex inks, it’s water and scratch resistant without the need for a surface coating, which makes it more economical. Available in widths up to 60".
Estimated longevity of 50-80 years indoors.
Satin Designer Canvas - 20 mil
This satin finish polyester/cotton blend canvas offers excellent color reproduction and is acid-free for fade resistant giclee fine art printing or photo reproductions. Since it is printed with latex inks, it’s water and scratch resistant without the need for a surface a coating, which makes it more economical. Available in widths up to 60".
Estimated longevity of 50-80 years indoors.
Gloss Designer Canvas - 20 mil
This polyester/cotton blend canvas features a gloss finish and outstanding color depth and saturation. Since it's printed with latex inks, it is durable enough to be cleaned with water and mild detergent without requiring a top coat, which makes it an economical choice, and like all our giclee canvas, it won’t crack when stretched or mounted. Available in widths up to 60".
Estimated longevity of 50-80 years indoors.
Satin Artist Canvas - 21 mil
This certified archival cotton blend canvas is acid and OBA-free with longevity tested at over 100 years. The satin finish provides good color depth with less glare,making it ideal for museum quality art and photo reproductions. It is printed at 1440 dpi with 6 color eco-solvent inks which are water and scratch resistant without the need for a top coating.
Estimated longevity of 100 years indoors.
Gloss Artist Canvas - 21 mil
This certified archival cotton blend canvas is acid and OBA-free, with longevity tested at over 100 years. The gloss finish provides exceptional color depth, making it ideal for museum quality art and photo reproductions. It is printed at 1440 dpi with 6 color eco-solvent inks for a large color gamut with excellent accuracy, and the inks are water and scratch resistant without the need for a top coating.
Estimated longevity of 100 years indoors.
Premium Canvas - 21 mil
This certified archival cotton blend canvas is acid and OBA-free, with longevity tested at over 100 years. It is printed at 2880 dpi with 10 color eco-solvent inks for the largest possible gamut and accuracy, and the inks are water and scratch resistant without the need for a top coating.
Estimated longevity of 100 years indoors.
| Gloss | Satin |
|
|
Photo Papers
For the most inexpensive archival digital print, the Fine Art Poster Paper produces exceptional quality and a moisture and smudge resistant image that will last indoors for over 100 years. It is the thickest of any of the papers at 13mil and a fairly substantial weight of 270 gsm, making it excellent for framing.
For the highest quality archival digital photo print, the Professional Photo Satin and Gloss are our highest quality photo papers. They are printed at our highest resolution for the finest photo prints available. We prefer the satin finish as it has a beautiful surface finish and doesn't show as much glare or fingerprinting.
Watercolor Papers
Watercolor papers produce softer color than glossy medias, and there is no way around that. However, we use special inks designed to optimize color depth on watercolor papers and the results are stunning compared to what was possible even a few years ago. All the watercolor papers we offer have been specially treated to allow the ink to stay more on the surface and therefore produce better color, and the best image quality.
Of these, the Sunset Textured Fine Art paper, and the Sunset Cotton Etching paper are both excellent choices for a high quality watercolor print at the lowest possible price. The Crane Museo Max, Canson Edition Etching and Canson Rag Photographique papers are our recommendation for the best color reproduction. The Arches Aquarelle is also a favorite when a more textured paper with a warmer white base is desired.
The other choices all satisfy particular needs and tastes, such as a brighter white color, more or less surface texture, heavier or lighter weight, etc. We have printed samples of all of our papers, so contact us and we will be happy to send you sample so you can see and feel the paper for yourself.
Canvas
The Decor canvas is our least expensive canvas option. It's a lighter weight than our more expensive options, but this acid free Fredrix canvas, which comes in Matte and Satin finishes, offers good image quality and some really big sizes, up to 73" wide. It's an excellent value and a good choice for high volume jobs or tight budgets.
The Designer Canvases offer color depth and gamut similar to our more expensive Artist Canvas, so they are quickly becoming our most popular canvas options. They are printed at 720 dpi with eco-solvent inks, so water has no effect on the print, eliminating the need for a top coating, which is one reason why they are less expensive. The Satin Designer canvas is an excellent choice when you want to avoid the glare of the gloss version without giving up as much color depth as a matte canvas requires.
Our Artist Canvas and Premium Canvas are both certified archival and are free of optical brighteners, and have estimated longevity of 100 years. The Artist Canvas is available in a gloss or satin finish and is printed at 1440 dpi with eco-sol inks so it's waterproof without the need for a top coating. It's printed with an 6 color ink set and is our most popular canvas for museum quality canvas giclee prints.
The Premium Canvas is printed at 2880 dpi with a 10 color eco-solvent based ink set for the highest possible color gamut and print quality, but for most applications, the Designer or Artist canvas series are more than adequate and also less expensive.
Artistic Effects
If you are looking to print a favorite photo, it's our opinion that it's best to print the image without any artistic effects. If you want to make an image look like a painting or illustration, and are less concerned about the detail of the actual photo, then the artistic effects or digital painting are a great way to do that.
Look through the examples under the How to Order tab to get a better idea of how the different artistic effects will look so you can decide which is right for your needs.
Normal turnaround time is 4-5 business days. During the order process you will be asked if you have a specific due date, and if you do, we will adjust your shipping method, if necessary, to get your order to you on time. If you need your order even quicker, we also have a rush service. If you authorize rush charges, we can get your order shipped in 1-2 days. Rush charges are $75 per order. If we're able to meet your deadline without bumping other jobs, we won't actually charge the rush charge, but you must authorize the rush to guarantee delivery.
The best choice of film formats in order of preference would be slide or transparency, negative, and then photo print. In some cases, better results can be obtained from a print rather than the negative, but usually it's the other way around. Generally we can get better color and detail for a photo canvas print by scanning a negative, often better than the original print. If possible, we suggest you send both the print and the negative so we can use whichever we determine will work the best once we are able to see them both.
If you have a digital photo that doesn't look as it should, make sure you don't repeatedly save the file in jpeg format. Each time you save it, it is recompressed and more image detail is lost. If you want to work on your file in an image editing program such as Photoshop, save it in tiff, photoshop or some other uncompressed format until you are ready to have the file printed. At that point you can save it in jpeg format using the highest quality setting to reduce the time it will take to transfer the file to our system, or you can leave it in tiff format if you don't mind the extra time it will take to send it.
Regardless of what size megapixel camera you may have, setting your camera to capture the largest image possible is always the best idea. You should also make sure the compression settings are at the highest quality possible. This will use a higher quality of jpeg compression. If your camera can save in an uncompressed format, it might be advantageous to use this option if you plan to make a very large print as jpeg compression is usually noticeable the larger you make the print. Also see "Why do my jpeg files look bad when I blow them up?" above for tips on keeping your digital photo from degrading as you work with it.
This is a difficult question to answer because of several factors. The biggest impediment to a quality print at a larger size from a digital photo is often jpeg compression artifacts. If you've followed our advice from above on how to get the best quality from your camera, you can often print your image quite large with good results. Obviously, the more megapixels your camera has, the larger you can print your image without loosing quality, all other things being equal. However the printing material also has an affect. Photo canvas printing has such a textured surface, enlargements will often look better than on paper since the texture helps hide the lack of resolution that is common with enlargements. Another factor to consider is viewing distance. A print that shows a lack of resolution due to enlargement up close, might look just fine from arms length. We've printed images at 16 feet wide from 8 megapixel cameras that look very good from five feet away, so where a print will be displayed and how close you expect it to be viewed from are important to consider when deciding how large a print can be made. When in doubt, send us your file and we'll examine it and let you know how large we think it can go and still look good.
Our system is tightly calibrated to produce accurate color, but accurate color may not look as you expect if your own system is not calibrated, and in most cases it is not. Computer monitors and desktop printers are generally not very accurate, so even if you like how your photo looks on your screen or printed on your home printer, that may not be what your photo actually looks like when printed on a calibrated system. Here are some things you can do to help ensure your print comes out the way you want.
- If possible, calibrate your monitor. Hardware calibration is best, but most home users will not have the equipment to do this. Software calibration, while not as accurate as hardware calibration, should get you fairly close and should be adequate to give you a good idea of what your file really looks like. If your system doesn't come with monitor calibration software, there are shareware and commercial utilities available that will let you do this without spending a large amount of money.
- Save your monitor profile with your image. Most digital cameras will embed their color profile in the image, and image editing software such as Photoshop will preserve this profile, or save your monitor profile with the image if you've set the color preferences to do this. Including your monitor profile in your image will go a long way towards allowing us to match what you see on your screen when we print your image, so this is always the best option if possible.
- If you have a print from your own home printer that you like, you can send us that print and we will use it to match your photo canvas or watercolor print as closely as possible. This will mean that you have to send us the print, so it will add a few days to the time it takes to complete your order, but if the color match is important, this is probably the best thing you can do to make sure the print comes out as you expect.
Photo and watercolor paper prints must be framed under glass for protection, and traditionally have a mat in a complimentary color around them, although the mat is not required. When you order a print, you will be asked on our order form for the printed image size and the finished trimmed size. If you want the image to extend all the way to the edges of the paper, these measurements would be the same. If you will be matting the print, a border of 1/2" or more is a good idea so the matte can lay on top of the print without covering any of the image. In this case, the finished trimmed size would be 1" larger than the printed image size in each dimension (1/2" on all sides). You can also leave a larger amount of paper showing, such as 1" to 2" and skip the matting. In either case, be sure to decide before you order so you can fill in the order form correctly.
For canvas prints, mounting to a wooden frame or stretcher bars is the recommended method. We offer both standard stretching and gallery wrapping.
Standard stretching is for situations where the finished canvas will be placed in a frame. The printed portion of the canvas covers the face of the mounted canvas, and the sides are left unprinted. The stretcher bars for this type of mounting are 11/16" thick to more easily fit into more styles of frames.
Gallery wrapping is for situations where you want to display the finished canvas without a frame. In this case, the printed image covers the face and wraps around the edges of the stretcher bar. The stretcher bar for this type of mounting is 1 1/2" thick. See the How to Order tab for more information on stretching and examples of the different options.
Yes. The process is called impasto and is done almost exclusively on canvas prints. The most common method is to paint over the top of the entire print with a clear impasto coating. We do this with random brush strokes which gives the surface brush stroke texture of an original painting.
This work needs to be done on a stretched canvas, so this option is priced in combination with our canvas stretching service. We can also sell the coating with instructions for applying it yourself.
Feel free to contact us if you have more questions about these techniques and we will be happy to assist you.