How To Choose Between Paper and Canvas Prints
It can be difficult for photographers to decide between a a framed paper print and and a framed canvas print. However, there are positive characteristics about each. Larger prints tend to look better on canvas prints. Here are some reasons why:
Paper prints present a multitude of options to choose from. The paper you choose can enhance the photo in various ways. Clarity, detail, and color can all vary and possibly enhance the photo. Canvas does not present these choices. Printing a digital photo on canvas creates a softer look and less detailed look. Much like a canvas painting, canvas prints are meant to be enjoyed from far away.
Another factor to consider is the size of the print you ultimately want to create. Fine art photo paper can only reach a certain size, and requires expensive matting and framing. In the United States, the largest size photo you can print on fine art paper is 40/60 inches, since that’s the maximum mat board size. Going above that size requires custom matting and framing – a cost your customers may not want to incur.
Canvas prints, however, can be put on a stretcher bar and stretched to any size. You also have the option of many types of frames, which can create a unique and beautiful product for your customer.
Both canvas and photo prints must be sealed, though photo prints are most important. The inks from the photo printer have to be encapsulated and protected from the elements. To protect the print from humidity and other moisture, the seal must be waterproof. With canvas prints, the ink penetrates deep into the canvas, locking it in, while photo paper holds the ink on the surface. Thus, you may spend more money sealing and protecting a photo print, though it will still not last as long as a canvas one. For all of these reasons, enlarging photos on canvas is superior to enlarging photos on photo paper.