Custom Canvas Prints

Frequently Asked Questions

Product Specs

• What is canvas? What is a canvas wrap or print?

• Canvas is technically a plain-woven fabric that currently is most often made from linen or cotton. In the past hemp was also used to produce canvas. This type of fabric is most commonly used for painting and even for making sails and tents.

  Canvas is also an excellent material on which to digitally print your favorite and most memorable pictures or artwork. It is often wrapped around some kind of wooden frame and hung in personal and business settings. Hence, sometimes it is called a canvas print or canvas wrap. The two terms are usually interchangeable with the latter term usually implying that a wooden stretcher frame or bars are included. Our canvas prints come stretched over a wooden frame for a high-quality, finished look.

• If canvas is made out of cotton or linen, does my print lose any clarity or quality when printed?

• Our canvas prints are printed on a semi-gloss white canvas which means your artwork will be printed on a slightly textured surface. While you can’t expect the high glossy photo finish that you may get when printing on photo paper, we’re confident you’ll be pleased with the quality and clarity of your print. Canvas photo prints are a very widely used and a common way to print artwork and personal pictures for decorative purposes.

  Having said that, the clarity and finish of your canvas print will be determined first and foremost by the original picture you upload to the site. Pictures or files that are out of focus or have inferior resolution quality (low DPI or pixelation) will have the same issues when printed on canvas or any other material. Assuming you have a high resolution photo, especially for large canvas prints,you will end up with a high quality print.

• So is there a difference between stretcher frames/bars and a standard wooden frame?
• Yes. Typically a stretcher frame or bars is what you see canvas wrapped around or stretched across. This is a simple frame that the print is wrapped around and stapled to and can be easily hung from any rigid surface. This is the most common method for canvas wrapping. A standard wooden frame refers to an additional frame inside which the wrapped canvas sits. Our canvas wraps do not include additional framing.
• How is my canvas print attached to the stretcher frame? Will it lose its stretched appearance and become “loose” over time?
• After being printed, your custom canvas print is hand-wrapped by one of our experienced professionals across a durable, yet light, wooden stretcher frame. As described above, this stretcher frame is common in the art industry. The stretched canvas is attached to this “frame” by small staples on the back side. Whether you select the Mirror Image, White or Black edge option (described more fully below) these staples will not be visible from the front or sides of your print. While all stretched materials can lose tautness over time, assuming no damage to the print, your canvas should remain tightly stretched across the stretcher frame for a long time.
• Is there an option just to order the print and buy my own frame?

• Ordering just a canvas print without the stretch frame/bars or decorative frame is often referred to as buying “unstretched canvas” or “rolled canvas.” At the current time we do not offer unstretched canvas prints. All prints come stretched across the wooden frame with one of three edge options. We anticipate offering unstretched canvas prints, in addition to the wrapped or stretched canvas we currently offer, in the future.

  In terms of traditionally framing your canvas print, with our Standard Wrap (.75”) oftentimes you can buy a visible frame that still fits around the entire canvas wrap. This can include “floating frames” which leave a space in between the print and the stretcher frame (i.e. .25”) and makes it appear as if it is floating. We do not currently offer this or any traditional frames.

• What thickness is the stretcher frame? Any other thickness options?
• We currently offer two different frame/wrap thicknesses. The first is the standard frame/wrap size of .75”. The second stretcher frame size we offer is 1.5” thick. The former thickness is far more common in homes, offices and other personal settings. The latter, 1.5” thick, is commonly used in galleries and other professional institutions. We currently do not offer custom wrap thicknesses outside of these two sizes.
• Do you offer easel backs or another backing to display my print on my mantel?
• At the current time we do not offer easel backs (similar to photo frames) or backings that would allow you to prop up your canvas print on a table, mantel, or other flat surface. We’re hopeful we can offer this option in the near future.
• What sizes do you currently offer? Any custom size? Any restrictions?

• While we offer a wide variety of standard sizes, we currently do not offer custom sizes. If you need help cropping a picture or file in order to make your artwork fit one of the sizes listed below please contact us for free design services. All of the available sizes are listed below:

  Standard Sizes: 12" x 16", 12" x 18", 12" x 24", 16" x 20", 16" x 24", 18" x 24", 18" x 36", 20" x 24", 20" x 30", 24" x 30", 24" x 36"

  Panoramic Sizes: 12” x 36”

  Square Sizes: 12" x 12", 16" x 16", 20" x 20", 24" x 24", 30" x 30"

• Why is shipping so much if you offer free shipping?
• We offer free shipping on all orders over $75 with the exception of rigid signs that are over 36” in either dimension. Thus, for your custom canvas wrap order, shipping will only apply for a few of the many sizes we offer unless you have another large rigid sign as part of your order.
• Can I wrap my canvas on my own custom frame?
• As noted, we currently only sell canvas prints with one of the two frame thicknesses. We do not currently offer just the canvas print. We anticipate offering canvas prints without frames sometime in the near future.
• How long will my canvas print last for?
• Assuming no intentional or accidental damage to your signage during installation or day to day use, your canvas print should last for at least five years. If it’s mounted on a wall and hung out of harm’s way (no direct sunlight, water, humidity or incidental contact) it will likely last much longer than this.
• My artwork or picture is extremely detailed/complicated. Does this mean it will cost me more?
• No, we print everything full color and offer free design services. No matter the complexity of your artwork, your cost will be determined by the sign options, size, quantity, and shipping option you select while ordering.
• Do you offer color matching?
• In order to color match your artwork or print we need a solid coated pantone color call out in the customer comments field at checkout. Matching colors adds a $50 charge per order. This charge is done post-purchase over the telephone but the color call out must be done online while ordering the print.
• So will my artwork or photo appear on my canvas print exactly as I see it on my monitor?
• Colors can vary from monitor to monitor. The only way we can guarantee colors exactly as desired is through the color matching options referenced above. This is typically done with vector or design files that have been created with graphic design software. Photos or pictures printed on canvas will, in large part, be contingent on their original resolution and clarity. Assuming you have a high resolution picture, we’re confident you’ll have a high quality print.
• If you’re doing photo to canvas, what kind of services do you offer to help me fix my picture? Do you offer retouching services?
• When going from picture to canvas the most important thing to do is to use a high resolution picture or photo. While we can often fix design files by vectorizing them, the same can’t be done with photos or pictures. Nonetheless, we do have professional designers on staff that are able to help retouch and enhance your photo as best we can. If you’re at all uncertain about printing your photo on canvas due to quality concerns please contact us for free help. We’ll help you make your canvas picture absolutely stunning!
• Should I be concerned about the someone punching through or puncturing my print?
• The greatest risk of damaging your sign is during any kind of handling and installation of your custom print. Assuming you are extremely careful to not drop nor trip while doing these two things, the likelihood that your print will tear or be punctured in any way is slim. The danger of puncturing the canvas is, of course, greater with large canvas prints. Nonetheless, in the vast majority of cases, this shouldn’t be a concern given the proper amount of caution, safe handling and sufficient people handling the print(s).
• Is there such a thing as a double-sided canvas print?
• Canvas prints are single sided and almost always hung or mounted up against rigid surfaces. Please explore our other signage options if you are seeking a double-sided sign.
• What type of wood is the stretcher frame made out of? Is it really durable?
• The stretcher frame wood we use is a standard wood used for canvas wraps. As noted elsewhere, assuming there isn’t an intentional effort to cause damage the wooden stretcher frames should last for a very long time.
• Do you do any kind of raised lettering on the canvas print?
• No, your file or artwork is printed directly onto the print and does not feature any raised or embossed features. The final result is a semi-gloss finish.
• Can my print be cut to a specific shape?
• At the time we only offer the standard sizes listed above. There are not any options to cut your canvas print to shape. If you’re looking for cut-to-shape signs, please explore our other signage and decal options.
• Is there anything put over top of the canvas print to protect it?
• We do not add any protective coverings over our canvas prints. However, we use fade and scratch-resistant ink that should ensure a long-lasting print save for intentional efforts to damage or scratch the printed portion.
• What does the default material look like?
• A blank piece of canvas before printing is white in appearance with a slight texture. It has a semi-gloss finish.
• Are canvas wraps the same thing as canvas prints? What about canvas wall art?

• As noted above, the differences here are largely semantic. Both a canvas wrap and canvas print simply refer to a photo, picture or artwork printed on canvas material. Often, ‘canvas wrap’ is used when the print is stretched (i.e. wrapped) across some kind of wooden frame. So whether you use one term or the other, we’ll understand what you mean. Just remember that we currently offer only offer prints that include the stretcher frame and not just the prints themselves.

  Similar to the semantic difference between canvas prints and canvas wraps, canvas wall art is largely interchangeable with these terms. Whether it’s a small or large canvas wall art print for your home or business these work great as a piece of art that can be hung on our gallery frame thickness. Because it is a semantic difference you can create basically any custom canvas wall art you can imagine!

• I need my canvas print fast. How fast can you get it to me?
• All orders placed before 5pm EST print the same night and ship the next business day. Thus, you can get your canvas print in as little as two full business days.
• Any limit on what I can print?
• We can print basically any picture you may want for your custom canvas print. Having said that, we do retain the right to cancel any order that violates our terms of service. We also remind you that our terms of service require that you as the buyer have all permissions needed to print copyrighted materials.
• Should I use a certain type of file? Is there a file limit for my photo that I plan on using?

• Our online design tool (www.esp.com/design) is where you’ll upload the photo you want printed on canvas. It accepts a wide variety of file formats. These include: .AI, .EPS, .PS, .PDF, .JPEG, .JPG, .PNG, .GIF, .BMP, .TIFF, .TIF. We recommend using whichever file type provides the greatest clarity and resolution for your photo or picture. This is typically a high resolution JPG picture from a digital camera.

  The maximum file size limit for uploading is 25MB. For files bigger than 25MB there are two options. The first option is to send us the big file and we’ll set up a link to order with a smaller file online. We’ll then swap out the files before printing so we use the better file for printing. You can send us large files via DropBox, www.dropsend.com or other similar free file sharing websites or services.

  The second option is to create a lower resolution file that is under 25MB. Use this to order online and then send us the file post-purchase using the same services listed above. Just make sure to note in the customer comments field during checkout that the file needs to be replaced.

• How do the edge options work? Will I lose part of my image to the wrapping of the canvas around the wooden frame?
• You will not lose any of your image as uploaded to the website when we wrap it around the edge of the stretcher frame. For the black and white edge this is obviously not a concern. For the mirror image we simply mirror the edges of your picture to give us enough material to stretch the canvas around the wooden frame. This gives the print a beautiful appearance and it is almost unnoticeable to the naked eye that the edges have been mirrored. This ensures there is canvas on the side of your prints and that the wooden frame and staples are always hidden from view.
• Will my canvas print be safe to ship?
• Yes, we take great care in shipping your canvas print. Having shipped thousands of signs, we know a thing or two about packaging. In most cases your print will be wrapped with craft paper first, then in bubble wrap, and finally placed inside of a cardboard box. This should ensure that your print arrives in perfect condition.
• Your pricing is really good -- does that mean I’m getting a cheap canvas print?
• Rest assured that the only thing cheap about our “cheap canvas prints” is the price. After years of experience in the industry and efficiencies in our production processes, we’re able to offer rock-bottom pricing coupled with gorgeous, museum-quality wrapped prints. We use high quality canvas and ink, package them carefully and know you’ll love your canvas photos! Order a print today and join thousands of other customers who have highly reviewed Signs.com for canvas prints and other types of signage.
• Can I print my Instagram or Facebook pictures directly on canvas?
• Yes! We’re working feverishly on the capability to connect directly to your Instagram or Facebook account in order to print your favorite Instagram and Facebook pictures directly on canvas. Unfortunately, this functionality isn’t quite finished on our website. So if you’re looking to print your Instagram or Facebook pictures on canvas, contact us and we can help you get canvas prints of your pictures at no additional cost.
• Do you offer canvas collages or multi-panel canvas prints?

• Yes and yes! While we don’t have any preset filters or collage templates for a canvas collage print, we can definitely help you create one. Simply contact us to give us an idea of what you’re trying to accomplish along with the actual files and we’ll design/arrange your pictures for free.

  Similar to collages, multi-panel canvas prints are possible through our free design services. Simply contact us with the file(s) and dimensions you need for your multi-panel display and we’ll help design it so you can quickly order the prints online. Within a few days you can have your multi-panel print hanging in your home or office!

• What kind of guarantee do you offer on your canvas prints?
• Like the rest of our products, our canvas prints are backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If something isn’t right with your sign, contact us immediately and we will do everything we can to make it right.

Usage

• Will my canvas print fade over time?
• Assuming indoor use and proper maintenance, your canvas print should retain its clarity for at least five years and, in most cases much, much longer. Having said that, constant and direct exposure to sunlight can cause fading over time, even if the print is placed indoors as intended.
• Will my canvas print bend or puncture?
• As described above, intentional or incidental pressure directly on the stretched portion of the canvas print can permanently damage the product. Whether this is creases, a hole or puncture, staples coming out, or even a decreased tightness of the wrap, caution should be used when handling your print. Much like a window screen, once damaged the canvas print cannot just “pop” back to place and be as taut and beautiful as it was before. However, assuming normal usage and proper care, you shouldn’t have any issues.
• Are canvas prints suitable for outdoor use? Any other restrictions?
• No. Canvas prints are for indoor use only. Any exposure to elements such as rain, snow, etc. will ruin your canvas print. Extremely humid locations, such as a small bathroom or directly over a heat source, are also bad locations to hang your print. And, as mentioned elsewhere, your canvas print should not be in a location that gets constant direct sunlight. Further, in an ideal situation, soft lighting should be used whenever possible. Both sunlight and artificial lighting (to a much lesser extent) can cause discoloration breaking down of the canvas fibers over long periods. Hanging your print out of direct sunlight and in softly lit areas will ensure its longevity.
• Will my print scratch? What about smudges and fingerprints?

• As long as there isn’t an intentional effort to do so, scratching your canvas print is difficult to do. Nonetheless, we would still advise you to be very careful while handling and installing your print. These two events are the most likely times when a scratch could occur. In some cases, small nicks or scratches can be repaired with a soft tip felt pen or marker as a last resort.

  In general, your canvas should be resistant to smudges and fingerprints, but we would still recommend handling the print like you would a picture (i.e. hold and handle your canvas print by using the edges or the back of the print where it is stapled onto your wooden frame). As mentioned elsewhere, a slightly damp rag can help remove small smudges or fingerprints in most cases if they do occur. Do not use any kind of cleaner, solvent or other liquids -- whether sprayed directly onto the print or even just on the rag to be used.

• What are typical uses for canvas prints?

• While canvas prints are usually purchased for decorative reasons, the actual uses and locations where they are used vary as widely as any signage type we offer. For personal use, we’ve seen it used as artwork in baby or nursery rooms, kid’s bedrooms, formal rooms, living rooms, kitchens, and virtually anywhere within a home. Popular canvas print ideas include pictures of babies, family, weddings, vacations, pets, and expressions or quotes. We’ve also seen them in dorm rooms, frat houses, cabins, and other places that need decorating but are lived in only seasonally or temporarily.

  Professional uses of custom prints are just as varied. They are perfect for workplace offices, hallways, lobbies, receptionist areas, waiting areas, and even conference rooms. Likewise, schools, museums, art galleries, and government buildings. Businesses often use canvas prints for branding purposes and creating company culture.

  In both cases, canvas prints are perfect for landscapes, skylines, stadiums, or panoramic prints, pictures of family or other loved ones, branding and logos, and even artwork created by professional artists. So whether you’re a professional photographer, a DIY interior designer, or a mom or dad with a beautiful family, a canvas print will work perfectly for you!

• Can these signs be used with metal frames or even pre-existing frames I already have?
• In most cases our canvas prints can be used behind a standard frame. However, we currently only sell the canvas prints with the wooden stretcher frame and do not sell any additional decorative frames.

Installation & Care

• Will water damage my canvas print? Humidity?
• Canvas prints are for indoor use only. Water of any type has the potential to damage your print. Extremely humid locations can also damage your print over time. We’d suggest an indoor location that is typically low in humidity.
• How do I install my canvas print? / Where can I mount it?

• Your custom canvas print can usually be mounted on any rigid surface. While the process of drilling, anchoring, and hanging the sign will differ slightly depending on the surface where it will be hung, the process is generally the same.

  After measuring, marking and ensuring a level hang, you need to install the sawtooth brackets to the top center of the backside of your canvas. Each print will come with at least one accessory kit that includes one bracket and two screws. Using a handheld screwdriver, install the bracket(s) into the top center of the wooden stretcher frame on the backside of your canvas.

  Once the bracket is attached to your print you’ll need to put something (usually a nail or small screw) into the wall in order to hang the print. Smaller prints shouldn’t need to have these inserted into studs (if mounting on drywall) but for larger prints it is safer to drill or tap the nail into existing studs. Using your previously marked and measured location, tap the nail into the wall. Once finished you are ready to hang your canvas on your wall using the installed brackets.

• Do I need to clean my print? If so, how and how often?
• Beyond regular dusting with a non-abrasive dry rag, your canvas print will require little to no ongoing maintenance. In some cases a very slightly damp, non-abrasive rag can be used to clean the print when needed. But in most cases, just install it and keep it dusted as often as you would and should dust your furniture.
• How do I store or move my canvas prints?

• Moving or repositioning your canvas print is the activity most likely to damage your print. Be extra careful no sharp object punctures, rips, or tears your print. In almost all cases this can be avoided by simply being careful and using a sufficient number of people to help move larger prints.

  Storing your prints can also cause damage if not done correctly. Always store your print upright and never flat. Storing them flat with any kind of heavy object on them can ruin or puncture the print. Heavy objects placed on top of a print may also cause the print to become “loose,” which is irreversible. Store them like you would any other piece of art -- upright, in a cool dry room at room temperature -- and your print will last for years to come.