Types of Canvas Wraps
Canvas-wrapped prints are a popular and affordable way to display your favorite photos or artwork on your walls. They give a modern and elegant look to any room, and they are easy to hang and maintain. But did you know that there are different types of canvas-wrapped techniques that can affect the appearance and quality of your prints? In this article, we will explain the difference between gallery wrap, stretched edge, and mirrored wrap techniques, and how to choose the best one for your needs.
Gallery Wrap
This is when the canvas print is wrapped around the edges of the stretcher bar frame and stapled on the back. This creates a seamless look that does not require a separate frame. The image can either be extended or mirrored on the edges, or a solid color can be used
Gallery Wrap Gallery wrap is a technique where the canvas is stretched over a wooden frame (called stretcher bars) and secured at the back with staples or glue. The image is printed on a larger canvas than the frame size so that it covers all four sides of the frame. This creates a seamless look that does not require any additional framing or matting. Gallery wrap is ideal for images that have essential details near the edges, as they will not be cropped or hidden by the frame. It also gives a three-dimensional effect that makes your print stand out from the wall. Gallery wrap is suitable for any style of image, but especially for abstract, landscape or panoramic photos.
To create a gallery wrap print, you need to print your canvas with an extra border of about two inches on each side. This will allow enough canvas to fold over the edges of the frame without losing any part of your image. You can use Photoshop or other editing software to extend your border by cloning or mirroring your image. Then you need to line up your canvas with your stretcher bars and staple one end at the back. Next, you need to pull the opposite end tightly and staple it as well, starting with the corners. You need to repeat this process for the remaining sides, making sure there are no wrinkles or sagging areas on your canvas.
Finally, you need to fold and tuck in the corners neatly and trim any excess canvas at the back. Stretched Edge Stretched edge is a technique where the canvas is stretched over a wooden frame (called stretcher bars) and secured at the back with staples or glue. The image is printed on a smaller canvas than the frame size so that it leaves some space around all four sides of the frame. This creates an effect where a portion of the front side and side edges by stretching along the sides. Stretched edge is ideal for images that have uniform colors or patterns near edges, as they will not look distorted by stretching. It also gives an artistic look that adds some depth to print. Stretched edge suitable for any style image, but especially abstract, geometric minimalist photos. To create stretched edge print, you need to print smaller sizes than stretcher bars. You can use Photoshop or other editing software to resize according to desired border width. Then you need to line up your canvas with your stretcher bars and staple one end at the back. Next, you need to pull the opposite end tightly and staple it as well, leaving some space between the edge of the canvas and the edge of the frame. You need to repeat this process for the remaining sides, making sure there are no wrinkles or sagging areas on your canvas. Finally, you need to trim any excess canvas at the back. Mirrored Wrap The mirrored wrap is a technique where the canvas is stretched over a wooden frame (called stretcher bars) and secured at the back with staples or glue. The image is printed on a larger canvas than the frame size, so it covers all four sides. This creates an effect where the sides of your image reflect a portion of your front image to wrap the sides of your print. The mirrored wrap is ideal for images that have important details in the center, as they will not be lost by wrapping around the edges. It also gives a seamless look that blends smoothly without cropping. The mirrored wrap is suitable for any style image, but especially portrait, still life vintage photos. To create mirrored wrap print, you need to print larger sizes than stretcher bars. You can use Photoshop or other editing software to create a mirrored border by copying and flipping the outer edge image along each side. Then you need to line up your canvas with your stretcher bars staple one end at the back. Next, you need to pull the opposite end tightly and staple it.

Museum Wrap
This is similar to the gallery wrap, but instead of wrapping the image around the edges, a solid color (usually white or black) is used. This preserves the entire image on the front of the canvas and creates a contrast with the edges.
Folded corner wrap
This is when the canvas print is folded at each corner of the stretcher bar frame and stapled on the back. This creates a neat and professional look that does not require cutting the canvas
Cut corner wrap
This is when the canvas print is cut at each corner of the stretcher bar frame and stapled on the back. This eliminates any excess canvas and creates a tight and smooth wrap.
Outdoor Canvas Art - Wrap
Unique to Canvas Art Plus is our outdoor canvas pieces that are designed to be placed outdoors or in high-humidity indoor spaces like bathrooms, atriums, and kitchens. These prints use a specially preserved and waterproofed wooden frame as well as special latex inks. These prints will last for many years outdoors.
These are some of the common types or ways to wrap a canvas print on a stretcher bar frame, but there may be other variations or preferences depending on the artist or printer.
Art Resources
How to Buy Waterproof Outdoor Canvas Art
How to Buy Outdoor Art (other)
How to Decorate Your Living Room with Canvas Prints and Framed Prints
Wall Art - Museums Featuring Fantastic Wall Art
Framing Artwork for Preservation
How to Sell Art Online: A Guide for Artists and Photographers
Weatherprints: The Ultimate Outdoor Canvas Art
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Canvas Prints - Affordable Home Décor
Expertise in Art, Photography and Fine Art Printing
Adding Life to Your Walls: A Guide to Canvas Prints
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a canvas print?
A canvas print is a reproduction of an image or artwork printed on a high-quality canvas fabric. Canvas prints are popular because they have a textured and artistic look that resembles a painting. Canvas prints are also durable and easy to maintain.
What is a stretcher bar frame?
A stretcher bar frame is a wooden frame that is used to mount a canvas print and give it a gallery-like appearance. A stretcher bar frame consists of four pieces of wood that are joined together at the corners. The canvas print is wrapped around the edges of the frame and stapled on the back.
What is the difference between gallery wrap and museum wrap?
Gallery wrap and museum wrap are two types of ways to wrap a canvas print on a stretcher bar frame. Gallery wrap means that the image is wrapped around the edges of the frame and stapled on the back. Museum wrap means that a solid color (usually white or black) is used on the edges instead of the image.
How do I choose the right size of stretcher bar frame for my canvas print?
The size of the stretcher bar frame depends on the size of your canvas print and how much of the image you want to wrap around the edges. You can use our online calculator to find the best size for your canvas print. You can also customize your own size if you have specific requirements.How do I order a canvas print and a stretcher bar frame from Canvas Art Plus?
You can order a canvas print and a stretcher bar frame from Canvas Art Plus in a few simple steps. First, upload your photo or choose from our gallery of images. Second, choose the size and shape of your canvas print and select the type of wrap you want. Third, choose the style and size of your stretcher bar frame and add any accessories you need. Fourth, review your order and proceed to checkout. We will print your canvas, assemble your frame, and ship it to you in no time.How do I hang my framed canvas print on the wall?
You can hang your framed canvas print on the wall using different methods depending on the size and weight of your artwork. You can use nails, screws, hooks, wires, brackets, or adhesive strips. You can also use our hanging kit that comes with everything you need to hang your artwork securely and safely.How do I care for my framed canvas print?
You can care for your framed canvas print by following some simple tips. You should avoid direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and humidity. You should dust your artwork regularly with a soft cloth or a feather duster. You should not use any chemicals or abrasive materials to clean your artwork.What are some of the best museums and galleries to visit for art lovers?
There are many museums and galleries around the world that showcase amazing artworks from different genres and periods. Some of the most famous ones are: The Louvre in Paris,France: The largest and most visited art museum in the world, home to iconic artworks such as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. he Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, USA: The largest art museum in North America, featuring over two million artworks from various cultures and eras, such as ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, Japan, Europe, America, Africa, and more.- The Vatican Museums in Vatican City: A complex of museums and galleries that display the vast collection of art and artifacts owned by the Pope and the Catholic Church, including the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, and the Pinacoteca.
- The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy: One of the oldest and most renowned art museums in Europe, housing some of the finest masterpieces of Renaissance art, such as Botticelli's The Birth of Venus, Leonardo da Vinci's Annunciation, Michelangelo's Doni Tondo, and more.
- The National Gallery in London, UK: One of the most visited art museums in the world, containing over 2,300 paintings from various schools and periods, such as Van Gogh's Sunflowers, Monet's Water Lilies, Turner's The Fighting Temeraire, and more.