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.