evan_moor

Hello,

I am wanting to find out how to get the correct size for an image that I want t put on
a canvas. And wrap around like the studios do.
For instance. If I have an 8 by 10 canvas what size should I get the print for?
Also, Is it best to go with prints from an online store or easier and better to go somewhere locally and talk to someone face-to-face?

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

I use mpix.com. They show the entire image forward then give you options on what to print on the wrap.

evan_moor

Thanks. I should have been more clear. I want to get prints and put them on a canvas myself. I have a process I do, but I have never wrapped the canvas front AND sides. I have been just doing the front face.

I need to know the best way to size my photos about 1.5" larger (on all four sides) than the canvas dimensions so I can wrap the sides and some of the back of the canvas.

jcboy3

You want an 8x10 front with 1.5” depth then you need an 11x13 print. Some on the back (say 0.5”) means a 12x14” print.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

You can make your image larger in PhotoShop: https://www.photoshopbuzz.com/how-to-expand-image/ "Advanced Technique: Expanding Your Canvas Size", which is below "How to Enlarge an Image"

evan_moor

Thanks guys. I will use this info to make my prints.

cahale Loc: San Angelo, TX

Why would you want your print size to be 3 inches longer/wider than what you are going to use? If you are framing, then there is no need to print on canvas larger than the displayed size. And if you are wrapping without framing, the print need only be longer/wider by the depth of your backing material.

evan_moor

Not getting where you are seeing 3 inches. I stated 1.5 inches on all four sides meaning EACH side.
I am not framing the image. I am putting it on a canvas ONLY.

stan0301 Loc: Colorado

Most labs will do this for you - if not, find another

evan_moor

Stan,

I would like to add a personal touch to the finished product.

cahale Loc: San Angelo, TX

If you have 1.5 inches on the left side, 1.5 inches on the right side, 1.5 inches on the top, and 1.5 inches on the bottom, how can you NOT have 3 extra inches in width, and 3 extra inches in height?

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Figure out how thick the visible wrap is. Add 1/2 inch, double the wrap plus the half inch, and add that value to both width and height of the image you want on the face of the print.

For instance, a lab sells a canvas wrap that is 8x10 inches with a 2" side — the visible wrap. The canvas needs to be 2.5" wider on all sides of the 8x10 image, so the actual canvas is 13" by 15". That gives the lab plenty of room to staple the canvas to the back edges of the frame.

That is just one example. Actual framing dimensions will vary from source to source.

Some online companies will allow you to put your image on a "virtual canvas wrap" using their remote order entry system web page, and see what the finished product will look like.

Generally, you can "pad the canvas" of your image in Photoshop, or you can compose very loosely and use some of the unimportant border of the image to wrap around the frame. Some labs will "mirror" your image for the wrap.

My preference is usually to pick a color that is predominant in the image, sample it with the eyedropper tool in Photoshop, then use that color for my canvas border padding. But you do have to work with a reliable lab that can get the canvas centered properly on the frame...

My preference is to communicate in detail over the phone with an Internet-based service, then send them a small trial order or two to iron out any kinks before ordering a larger print.

Be sure you get the correct ICC profile for the printer/ink/paper combination they will use. They should make that downloadable, or email it to you. Use it when soft-proofing in Photoshop on your properly calibrated and profiled monitor if you are picky about color accuracy!

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Ahh, clarity ensues...

The method I mentioned earlier applies. Photoshop's Canvas Size tool is made for this. See Screenshot. (Windows keyboard shortcuts are different.)

I hope this helps.

After sizing your image (in this case, 10" by 8" at 300 PPI), choose Canvas Size

(Download)

Set the new CANVAS size (wrap size) and select Canvas extension color... Other

(Download)

You will need to have sampled the color in advance and added it to the palette to choose it here...

(Download)

Clicking okay and saving a JPEG for the lab produces this. (I chose a color of the pinwheel in that image.)

(Download)

evan_moor

Thank you Burkphoto. This is most helpful. I know I can always find the right answer when asking the Pros.