Canvas Printing – Digital Printing History

Canvas printing refers to the application of modern printing technology to canvas. It is a specialist process that converts digital artwork into traditional, framed artwork. The digital process involves creating artwork from digital imagery or photographic art. This is then transferred to cotton canvas material and stretched over gallery framing bars. Some can even be wrapped around frames, allowing the image’s side edges to bleed or continue.

The advent of digital online print services has revolutionised canvas printing in the last few decades. Digital online printing makes it possible to do things that were impossible in the past. Even better, the printing technology has dramatically reduced the time and cost of features or techniques that were previously prohibitively expensive.

Modern printing technology like giclee can improve and optimise the quality images or photos. Giclee is the name given to fine art digital prints made with inkjet printers. This is the preferred method for quality print producers. This name was originally used to describe fine art prints made on IRIS printers in a process that was invented in the late 80s. However, it has been extended to any high-quality ink-jet print and is commonly used by canvas printing companies as well as print shops to produce high-quality prints.

The quality of the materials used can make a big difference in the printed image. Canvas material can be made in many different styles, textures and weights. Digital inkjet material can be purchased in matte, satin, or gloss finishes. Personal taste will dictate the style of the canvas material, but coated satin or gloss materials will provide a better colour reproduction and brightness reproduction.

The finishing touches on any art or presentation product could make the difference between a good creation and a great piece of art. The visual impact of the printing must be evident. However, the final product is what makes the difference between great and great decorative art.

There are many types of stretcher bars on the market, but you should choose hinged pine bars. These allow the frames to expand once the canvas print is mounted. This means that if your canvas print becomes saggy, you can easily re-stretch it by simply lifting it from the frame.

The final step is the application lacquer. This finishing enhancement is not offered by all digital canvas printing companies. Make sure you do your research before purchasing. The lacquer is applied using a compressor and spray gun to ensure a perfect coverage. The prints will retain their traditional look, but the light will catch the print with a slight glow.

Canvas prints are art at its best and can be preserved and created using the digital advantage of canvas printing.

Source: Jayne Humphries