subject: Print Photos On Canvas: A History [print this page] The history of canvas prints date back centuries. Earlier canvas was used for the purpose of showcasing masterpieces by artists. The texture of the canvas and its rough surface has a different effect on the paintings. Earlier, there were no techniques to overcome these effects which distorted the realistic feature of the paintings. Today with modern technology it is possible to paint better quality pictures using special paints specifically manufactured for the transfer of photos to canvas.
One other reason for low quality of canvas prints during olden days is because of the texture of canvas that was made using linen. Modern day canvas for printing are made out of cotton and this material seems to be much better when it comes to printing a photo on canvas. Not only is the quality of canvas better for higher quality picture but also has been designed to last longer. In fact, print photos on canvas can last for hundred years! Yet another feather to the cap is that photo on canvas looks like a handcrafted one while it really is printed using sophisticated machinery that involves software programs to transfer photo to canvas.
Knowing some of the techniques involved in making a photo to canvas print will help you understand the process better.
Repligraph: In this process of canvas printing images are reproduced from negatives, using oil based-paints. These works of art can be intact for over a century.
Digitograf: In this process oil based-paints are used to print images and a gel finish provided makes it last long. The image quality also resembles much nearer to the original.
IRIS Printers: In this process images are printed using organic dyes with the help of a computer and an inkjet printer this process is mostly used for recreating water color paintings. If you opt for this process for canvas prints get it coated with a UV protection layer to avoid quick fading of the image. Application of varnish to the finished product is one other way of preserving it for a long time. Apart from being a protective layer varnish can also add a glossy look to the painting.
Difference between digital colors and CMYK will let you get the right color for your photo on canvas. In digital outputs such as cameras or monitors or even in inkjet printer the primary colors, RBG, are used in different combination to produce millions of hues. Whereas, commercial printing uses a combination of CMYK colors to obtain desired colors. Service provider can assist you in choosing the best option according your needs.
Once the printing of the photo to canvas is completed the canvas is stretched and wrapped around a frame to make them look great. This requires special tools such as stretcher bars and after the required stretching the canvas is stapled to the frame and the staples are concealed behind the frame. And at last your photos on canvas are ready to be hung in your home.
