Yes that has been my professional experience. The reason why many photographers do not print on canvas is because they do not know how to stretch it. What they do know is that a frame shop will charge a substantial amount for this service. On the other hand many know how to find an inexpensive frame mate and glass kit to create a final product with photo or art paper in there office or garage. Still I say that if they only knew how to stretch canvas, they could create a product with a greater profit margin potential.
Another tip about increasing profit margin when it comes to canvas is this. If you gallery wrap your canvas, then your canvas can be hung on a wall without a frame and still be considered a finished product. So in other words, you will be able on occasion, to sell your canvas art prints without a frame for a comparable price. Gallery wrapped means the image on the canvas goes from the surface of the image to the sides of the image all the way to the back of the image. Basically the picture wraps.
Now there are a few things to consider that are very important when it comes to stretching fine art canvas and those considerations are the materials you choose. Canvas, sealer and stretcher bar. We will talk about them in that order. When selecting a canvas its imaging properties need to be superb. I have found mate canvas to be superior to gloss or semi gloss canvas when it comes to imaging. Mate canvas calls for mate black ink in you printer. When you stretch your canvas it should not crack on the edges. One of the things that can help in this regard is a good sealer. When sealer adheres to the printing surface it causes the canvas to be more malleable. A good canvas coupled with a good sealer will result in absolutely no cracking. Stretcher bar needs to have a raised lip so as to prevent ghosting. It also needs to be sturdy.
Now I now that all of this may seem like a bit of a learning curve. It is. The good news is, that you don’t have to go through it by means of trial and error until you master it. At www.zazagallery.com on the product info page you will find a picture demonstration of how to stretch a canvas from beginning to end accompanied by instructions. This site is very resourceful if your looking to print on canvas. At this point in my career I print exclusively on canvas. The encouragement that I can give to those who are considering fine art canvas printing is, the payoff far out-ways the investment. For any of you out there that would like some feedback from someone who is doing it please visit the contact page of my website.
