Canvas or Paper Prints?
Everything You Need To Know
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Choosing Between Canvas and Archival Paper Prints
When deciding between canvas and archival paper prints, it’s important to consider the unique qualities of each medium to find the best fit for your art and display preferences.
Canvas Prints
1. Texture and Appearance:
Texture: Canvas prints have a textured, fabric-like surface that mimics the look and feel of an original painting. This texture adds depth and dimension to the artwork, making it visually striking, while giving creations a more raw and authentic look like an original creation.
Finish Options: Canvas prints can come in a variety of finishes, including matte, glossy, or satin. The choice of finish can influence the overall appearance and feel of the print. Here at Avid Art Works we select the style of finish that best represents each individual creation.
2. Presentation and Framing:
Ready to Hang: Canvas prints are typically stretched over wooden frames, making them ready to hang right out of the box. This eliminates the need for additional framing unless desired for aesthetic purposes.
Framing Options: If you prefer a more polished look, canvas prints can be framed in a variety of styles, or they can be displayed as-is for a modern, minimalist look. Frame-stretched canvas prints mounted within a traditional frame provide an amazing feel and look.
Here at Avid Art Works, we provide our prints to clients either stretched onto a frame (ready to hang) or rolled up for the client to select their own mounting and framing options.
3. Durability:
Longevity: High-quality canvas prints are durable and resistant to fading, provided they are properly cared for (example, not mounted in a location where they are subject to the elements, or receiving direct sunlight for hours on end, day after day. They can last for decades without significant degradation. Here at Avid Art Works, our prints utilize either UV-resistant inks, or UV-protective varnish, or both, depending on the type of print process that best suits a particular creation. However, even these measures can't take the place of proper care over the years.
Maintenance: Canvas prints are relatively easy to maintain. They can be gently dusted to keep them looking their best.
4. Display Flexibility:
Versatility: Canvas prints work well in a variety of settings, from homes and offices to galleries. Their textured surface and substantial presence also make them suitable for larger spaces.
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Archival Paper Prints
1. Texture and Appearance:
Smooth Finish: Archival paper prints have a smooth surface that allows for fine details and sharp lines. This medium is ideal for works that emphasize precision and clarity that simply can not be fully appreciated on canvas.
Paper Quality: Archival paper is designed to be acid-free and lignin-free, ensuring that it won’t yellow or deteriorate over time. It is available in various weights and finishes, such as matte, semi-gloss, or glossy. Here at Avid Art Works, we utilize the weights and finishes that best represent a particular creation.
2. Presentation and Framing:
Framing Required: Unlike canvas prints, archival paper prints must be framed behind glass to protect them and make them ready for display. This in turn offers an opportunity to choose a frame that complements your decor, as well as the style of the artwork.
Matting Options: Archival paper prints can be matted within the frame, which adds an extra layer of protection and can enhance the visual appeal by providing a clean, professional look.
3. Durability:
Longevity: Archival paper prints are designed to last a lifetime without significant fading or degradation, provided they are displayed under glass and kept away from direct sunlight and humidity.
Maintenance: These prints should be framed under UV-protective glass and can be gently cleaned with a soft cloth to avoid smudging or damaging the paper.
4. Display Flexibility:
Elegant Look: Archival paper prints offer a classic, elegant look that works well in traditional settings or when a refined presentation is desired. They are ideal for showcasing fine details and intricate work.
Size Flexibility: Paper prints can be produced in a wide range of sizes, making them versatile for different display spaces.
Making Your Choice
Ultimately, the choice between canvas and archival paper prints depends on your personal preferences, the style of the artwork, and the intended display environment.
Consider the following:
Canvas Prints: Choose these if you prefer a textured, original paint-like look and want a piece that’s ready to hang without additional framing. They can be ideal for more compact spaces where a bulky traditional frame could be an issue. They also equally suited for both contemporary or rustic spaces.
Archival Paper Prints: Opt for these if you value fine detail, a smooth finish, and the ability to customize the framing. They are perfect for a classic, elegant presentation and for artworks that benefit from more precise and detailed reproduction on a smooth surface.
Both options provide high-quality reproductions of your favorite artworks, ensuring that you can enjoy them for many years to come!
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If you have any further questions or concerns regarding this topic, please feel free to email us.
