Saleavitt10 Loc: Maine

Are there any special pp tips anyone wants to share for getting a photo ready to be printed on canvas?

I have seen some canvas prints that when compared to the original just don't have the pop of the original. They seem dull and just lacking something and I have seen some that really kept the wow factor. Maybe it is a factor of where the canvas print was done. Maybe certain photo's just translate to that medium better.

Anyone want to share their insight/experiences? I have a couple of photos that my niece really likes and was thinking of having them put on canvas for her new house. Any recommendations on a quality place to have a canvas done?

Bob Boner

I currently have an exhibit of 20+ stretched canvas prints on display. I print my own, and don't process the files any differently than I do for paper prints. However, I do have profiles for all the papers/canvas I print on. You might see if you can get the profile for the canvas that your printer uses to have as you process your files.

Izza1967 Loc: Bristol, England

Is your monitor callibrated because if it isn't the chance of what you see on it and what you see in print are rather high. Most monitors have the brightness turned up pretty high, possibly giving the wow factor

TheDman Loc: USA

Think you nailed it there. That has been my experience. I have a few photos that do very well on canvas, while others look like a disaster on it. Seems to be best for soft images that don't need a lot of sharpness or fine detail.

Shakey Loc: Traveling again to Norway and other places.

Try pushing up the Saturation of the image in the photo editing software of your choice. It improves the appearance of your final canvas print. Some professional printers offer a service where they print bright white over the canvas before printing your art work. This also boost the colors. The increased Saturation does the trick for me.

Now you are going to ask me by how much do you increase the saturation? That depends on the shade of canvas your printer is using. If the printer prints on quality white canvas, boost your saturation until your image is slightly over saturated. If not best quality white boost the saturation some more.

Saleavitt10 Loc: Maine

Thanks for the tips folks.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

I have had nice canvas prints from both Shutterfly and Adorama. I did not get a good result from one I got through Canvas Discounts (it was dull and flat-looking) but am not sure why - whether something I did or on their end.

Pay close attention to your choices about how to manage the edge. If you are not careful, you can accidentally instruct them to use key areas around the edge of your photo for the wrapped part. You HAVE to allow room for that edge (don't crop too tight, in other words), or you'll need to instruct them about extending the edge using a color that will suit your photo. Just study the edge options before making decisions.

I agree with the poster who suggested that softer/more saturated photos can look better on canvas. Canvas is expensive so I develop a photo for canvas deliberately. I use a little glow effect in whichever software I'm in, which softens and saturates. If I'm doing a portrait, I make sure I have a good catchlight, which adds to the impression of sharpness. Supersharpened photos don't look their best on canvas, which doesn't pick up fine detail.

sidney Loc: London.Eng.

I print my own Canvas photos,I use "MATTE".
make sure you print on the RIGHT side of the paper.

Yooper 2 Loc: Ironwood, MI

I up the vibrance and clarity almost to the point of overkill. Canvas absorbs color even if it's painted white. My monitor is calibrated. I choose reflective edges for the edge wrap. I use Easy Canvas Prints for printing. I am very satisfied with their work. If your printing company offers color adjustments allow them to do that for you if you don't know how to do it yourself.

flyguy Loc: Las Cruces, New Mexico

This, too, is what I would advise and maybe more contrast and sharpening has been used in those that pop.

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

here is the mistake I made the on the first couple prints I ordered!!! I sent the photo to the vender after doing all my post processing, when I got it I lost 1 1/2" vertically 1 1/2" horizontally !! I did not take in to account for what is wrapped around the frame! now I add a border 1 1/2" to the print and match it to a color in the print!! so I get to see WHOLE photo!! or crop wide, just take into account for the wrap!! and the sad part is the venders web site let me view and authorize the final print. it just slipped by me!!
crap happens!!

wolfman

Check out Canvas On Demand. I just received a few 16x20's that turned out really nice. I just did my normal PP. If you watch for a Groupon you can save a lot. My wife bought one recently for $50, good for 2 16x20 1 1/2 gallery wraps with shipping included.
Bob