Canvas Print vs Gallery Wrap (What’s the Difference & Which is Better for Your Artwork?)

Canvas prints are any type of reproduction that involves printing an image onto canvas material. Gallery wrap refers to a specific method of stretching and wrapping canvas prints around a wooden frame with its staples on the back. Gallery wrap provides a more polished and professional look.

What Is the Difference Between a Canvas Print & a Gallery Wrap?

Are you an art enthusiast looking for the best way to showcase your favorite piece? Look no further than canvas prints and gallery wraps!

Although these two options may appear similar at first glance, they each have distinct features that could make one a better fit for your needs.

In this post, I’ll guide you through the advantages and disadvantages of each, so you can confidently choose the perfect option to display your artwork.

What Is a Canvas Print?

Canvas prints are a fantastic way to bring art to your home or office without breaking the bank. They are reproductions of art or photographs that are printed on canvas material. This makes them a popular choice among those who want to display artwork in a more accessible and cost-effective way than traditional painting methods.

One of the advantages of canvas prints is that they are durable, versatile, and affordable. Unlike traditional paintings, canvas prints are relatively inexpensive to produce, making them accessible to a wider range of consumers. Additionally, canvas prints are less likely to crack or fade over time, making them a durable choice for long-term display. The canvas material also adds texture to the artwork, providing depth and dimension to make it visually appealing.

However, one disadvantage of canvas prints is that they may not always accurately capture the colors and details of the original artwork or photograph. This is due to limitations in the printing process, and the final product may not always match the exact colors and details of the original. Additionally, canvas prints may not be suitable for all types of artwork. For instance, intricate or highly detailed pieces may lose some of their impact when reproduced on canvas.

When selecting a canvas print, consider the quality of the print, the size and format of the artwork, and your personal preferences. Opt for a high-quality print that accurately captures the colors and details of the original artwork. Consider the size and format of the print and whether it will fit well in the space where you plan to display it. Finally, select a design that speaks to your personal style and aesthetic preferences.

Stretched Canvas Print

A stretched canvas print is a type of canvas print that brings images to life on a three-dimensional canvas surface. An image is first printed onto canvas material and then stretched over a sturdy wooden frame, known as stretcher bars. The canvas is pulled taut over the frame, creating a smooth and even surface that showcases the artwork’s details and texture.

With their three-dimensional look and feel, stretched canvas prints make a stunning addition to any room. They can be easily hung on walls or placed on easels, giving you the flexibility to display your favorite artwork or photographs wherever you’d like.

So if you’re looking for a beautiful and versatile way to showcase your artwork or photographs, a stretched canvas print is definitely worth considering.

What Is a Gallery Wrap?

When you see canvas prints online or in stores, you’re most likely looking at gallery-wrapped canvas prints.

A gallery-wrapped canvas print is a type of canvas print that has been wrapped around the sides of a wooden frame (called stretcher bars), with the staples or tacks hidden on the back. Before gallery-wrapped canvases became popular, the staples could be seen on the sides of the stretched canvases.

There’s a common misconception that gallery-wrapped canvas must have sides that are 1.25 inches or more. But that’s not true! Even the standard stretched canvases, which are typically 0.75 inches thick, are gallery-wrapped canvases if the staples or tacks are hidden on the back. The depth of the stretcher bars has nothing to do with whether or not a stretched canvas is gallery-wrapped or not.

Here’s an example of Society6’s gallery-wrapped canvas print. The sides of the canvas do not have the image and are left white.

I love displaying beautiful artwork in my home. Gallery wraps are a fantastic way to do this, offering a clean and seamless look. What’s more, they’re a more affordable option as they eliminate the need for a separate frame. Additionally, gallery wraps offer a 3-dimensional aspect to the artwork, making it stand out in any room.

Gallery-wrapped canvases also allow for the artwork or photo to be painted or printed on the sides of the canvas since there are no staples. However, one of the main downsides is that the image can become distorted or stretched if it’s not properly aligned with the wooden frame. This can take away from the beauty of highly detailed or intricate artwork.

One thing to consider with gallery-wrapped canvases is that if they lack a separate frame, it can make the artwork more susceptible to damage over time. Since the canvas is stretched directly onto the wooden frame, any impact or pressure on the sides of the frame can cause the canvas to stretch or even tear. Additionally, changes in temperature and humidity can also affect the tension of the canvas and potentially lead to damage. In contrast, traditional framed canvases have a protective barrier around the edges of the artwork, reducing the risk of damage from external factors and adding an extra layer of protection for your artwork.

All in all, gallery wraps offer a modern and affordable way to display artwork without compromising on the beauty and elegance. Despite some potential drawbacks, choosing a high-quality product and aligning the artwork properly can create a stunning display that is sure to impress any viewer.

How To Take Care of Your Canvas Print or Gallery Wrap

Taking care of your artwork is vital if you want it to stay beautiful for a long time. Here are some essential tips on how to keep your canvas prints in tip-top shape:

• Keep it dust-free: Dust and debris can accumulate on your canvas prints, so make sure to dust them off regularly with a soft, dry cloth.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Exposure to direct sunlight can cause the colors of your artwork to fade over time. To prevent this, avoid hanging your canvas prints in areas with direct sunlight, or use UV-protective glass if possible.
• Handle with care: Always handle your artwork with clean, dry hands. Try to avoid touching the surface of the canvas print as much as possible.
• Keep it dry: Moisture can damage canvas prints, so make sure to keep them in a dry environment. Avoid hanging them in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens.
• Use proper cleaning techniques: If your artwork needs cleaning, use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe the surface. Avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the surface.

In addition to cleaning, here are some best practices for displaying your artwork:

• Hang it properly: Use the appropriate hardware and anchors to hang your canvas prints securely on the wall. Avoid hanging them in areas where they could be bumped or knocked over.
• Consider the environment: When selecting where to hang your artwork, think about the environment. Avoid hanging it in areas with high humidity, extreme temperatures, or direct sunlight.
• Rotate it regularly: To prevent uneven fading or wear, consider rotating your artwork periodically. This can also help keep it looking fresh and new.

Following these tips will ensure that your canvas prints and gallery wraps remain stunning for years to come.

Final Thoughts: Gallery Wrap vs Canvas Print

In a nutshell, here is the difference between canvas prints and gallery wraps.

• A canvas print is an image printed onto canvas material.
• A stretched canvas print is when the canvas material is printed with the image and then pulled taut over a sturdy wooden frame called stretcher bars. This stretching process creates a smooth and even surface that highlights the artwork’s texture and intricate details.
• A gallery-wrapped canvas print is a type of stretched canvas, in which the staples or tacks are hidden on the back of the canvas. When the staples are in the back and hidden from view, it’s much more aesthetically pleasing.

Canvas prints offer a timeless and adaptable option that can fit in with any decor. They are lightweight and easy to move, making them perfect for those who like to switch things up often. Gallery wraps, in particular, offer a seamless and contemporary look that is perfect for large pieces and offers a more immersive viewing experience.