Photo On Canvas Prints. A Buyer's Checklist

							Each day large numbers of individuals use the internet to search for photo on canvas
prints. They type words that describe what they are looking for into search engines
like Google, Yahoo, Bing as well as many others. There are all kinds of motivations.
Most of these motivations can be split into 1 of 2 groups; People wanting to transfer
family photographs or pictures onto canvas or people trying to find a photo on canvas
to be given as a present. Regardless of the reason for the search, most are searching
for the same thing. They simply just want a great looking, top quality canvas print that
will last and won't cost the earth.

One will encounter, of course, both good and bad experiences when buying photo on
canvas prints. Mainly because, as with many other products sold today, the
marketplace is being flooded by "no frills" retailers selling very poor quality products.

The easiest way to refrain from having a negative experience is to equip yourself with
a little information first. The most vital thing to remember is that not all canvas prints
are the same. The quality of the print will vary significantly from company to
company and with the present economic climate, an increasing amount of cheap,
sub-standard print sellers are surfacing, so beware! This is making it increasingly
more difficult for recreational photographers (and even professional photographers
like myself) to know who to rely on when planning to purchase a photo on canvas
print.

So how do you find out whether or not the supplier you choose will do a good job?

From my experience, sticking to the below steps should help you find a reliable
supplier who will supply you with a fantastic looking print that will last for many
years.

1. Start by looking at the suppliers website for signs of quality.

Does it look professionally made?
Are thier contact details provided?
Do they have customer feedback on their website?

These are often crucial factors in ascertaining whether a supplier is professional,
reliable and trustworthy.

2. Take a look at which materials and techniques will be used to make your canvas
print. When looking for signs of good quality materials and workmanship, it will be
useful for you to know a few specifics about canvas prints. Underneath are a few
things for you to look out for.

Frame quality: Beware of suppliers who use solid wood frames which are
manufactured in-house. A solid wood frame does not make it possible for the canvas
to be tightened again with time and the canvas will sag and lose its shape. Always opt
for a 4-piece pine frame. These 4-piece frames should come with wooden wedges
which have been inserted into the inner corners of the frame enabling you to stretch
the print repeatedly with time. It is very important to take into consideration when
buying a print, that the kind of wood used and the structure of your frame is vital to its
durability.

Canvas material: Always opt for a print which is made using 100% cotton canvas.
This both improves the look of the canvas and prevents discolouring. This kind of
material also gives the print a more attractive matte finish.

Archival Inks: What are archival inks? Archival inks are inks which are fade resistant
for up to 75 years. Quite a few printers skimp on quality by using various other less
expensive varieties of ink. Always be sure that the supplier that you choose uses
archival inks. The highest quality range of archival ink based, large format printers on
the market at present would have to be the Epson Ultrachrome 7880/9880 range. If
these printers are being used, you can be certain of fantastic image quality.

Lacquering: A Lacquer coating should be applied to both prevent cracking on the
edges of the canvas (where the canvas meets the frame) and also to make it possible
for you to easily keep your canvas clean by gently wiping it with a moist cloth. This
kind of coating also protects the artwork from U.V fading as well as preventing
scratches and scuffs.

Lacquering increases both the quality of the finish and the durability of the canvas.
Always ensure that such a coating will be applied to your print.

If you are considering purchasing a photo on canvas print, keep in mind the points
made in this guide to ensure that you receive a wonderful, hard wearing canvas print
that will last for many years to come.