Are you seeking a unique and creative way to hang your favorite photographs at home? Or are you searching for a beautiful alternative to canvas paintings that look exactly like them? If yes, then bringing in canvas prints is the ideal option.
Whether to portray memorable family pictures or lovely snapshots of special get-togethers, personalized canvas prints solve every purpose. The unique texture and depth of canvas prints add visual interest to the bland walls. They are an excellent way of elevating and adorning a home’s blank spaces.
But, despite the benefits, people are often confused and indecisive about going for canvas prints. They have concerns over canvas prints' authenticity, final look, and myths related to them. Thus, this article is an in-depth guide that will help you understand everything about canvas prints.
This article will give you an overview of the essential information regarding canvas prints. You will learn about canvas prints’ significance, types, forms, preservation techniques, and more. So without wasting any time, let us delve deeper into canvas prints.
What is a Canvas Print?
A canvas print (is an imprinted picture reproduction on a canvas surface. These prints often get gallery wrapped and stretched onto wooden bars. Canvas printing uses inkjet printing techniques to make stunning outcomes of people’s chosen images on a canvas surface.
Canvas prints are sturdy and resilient and do not fade quickly. People prefer canvas over other printing mediums because of its versatility and durability. The imprints created using high-tech equipment make them long-lasting and less prone to fading or yellowing.
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Nowadays, canvas prints are primarily available in either cotton or polyester materials. Cotton fibers absorb the print’s ink, making a high-quality and enduring impression. On the other hand, polyester imprints are an affordable option that leaves a vivid and bright mark.
The unique shapes of canvas prints offer creative ideas to attractively set up the interiors of houses or working places. These canvases embellish the room as decor and add compelling elements to it. Thus, adding canvas wall art is the best way to showcase your taste and enhance the surroundings.
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Historical Significance of Canvas Prints
Canvas has been a popular art medium among artists for ages. We all know the utility and charm that canvas paintings and prints offer to an arrangement. But have you ever wondered where the canvas originated from?
Initially made from tightly woven hemp, canvas derives from the Latin Cannabis. In the 16th century, many Renaissance artists used canvas instead of wooden panels as their preferred painting medium. Canvas was a cheaper, portable, light-weight, and easy-to-use alternative to wood. It was less prone to warping and cracking and even gave the art a professional finish.
Renaissance Paintings on Wooden Panels and Canvas
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Renaissance Paintings on Wooden Panels and Canvas
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As the popularity of canvas increased, people started utilizing the woven fabric for various reasons. Among them was using canvas fibers to make boat sails, tents, bags, and shoes. The ready availability of canvas revolutionized art and gave rise to modern techniques.
In the late 19th century, a British man, Robert Barclay, invented the offset printing technique of creating prints on tin using metal plates. He then modified the method by transferring the imprint from the metal plate to a rubber sheet and onto a canvas.
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The canvas printing process evolved with time, allowing artists to experiment with new procedures. In the 1950s, another technique named Giclee emerged, which made refined digital printing using inkjet printers. This technology gave rise to good-quality, sharp-printed images with detailing and accuracy.
The widespread popularity of the printing process boosted the mass production of canvas prints. Today, people purchase customizable large canvas prints to decorate their unique wall spaces. The inexpensive feature and vibrant colors have made canvas prints a renowned, fantastic art form.
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Canvas Printing vs. Canvas Painting: Understanding the Difference
Many people are often confused between canvas paintings and prints. Though both canvas forms produce magnetic outcomes, the processes used to make them significantly differ. Despite the similarity in terms and visual appearance, canvas printing and painting are widely distinct.
This section will explore the differences between the two canvas art forms. To begin with, let's first understand what canvas painting is.
Canvas Painting
Canvas painting is an artwork type in which a person paints straight onto the canvas. The water-resistant and durable qualities of canvases make them an excellent painting medium. Artists prefer oil, acrylic, or watercolor paints on cotton canvas, as they blend and dry fast.
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Canvas Printing
Though canvas prints look similar to canvas paintings, they are different. Canvas printing is a technique for producing printed representations of a photograph on canvas. A canvas print's textured and sturdy surface resembles an oil painting.
Because of their high-quality material, canvas prints (are popular among people. One can stretch canvas prints over wooden frames or any other preferred frame. These prints vitalize the living spaces, adding exuberance and energy to them.
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Now that you know the primary difference between the two, let's move forward to understand the minute features of canvas prints.
Advantages of Canvas Prints
Though several print options are available, canvas prints offer exceptional benefits. Let us look at the advantages that canvas prints offer:
1) Durability
Unlike paper prints, canvas is a robust and sturdy fabric known for longevity. This tough material withstands the test of time and is not easily prone to wear and tear. The canvas fiber lasts much longer than traditional fine paper.
If nicely coated with protectants, the canvas can bear and resist the worst climate conditions. These art mediums are not moisture sensitive and are hard to pull apart. Thus, art galleries and museums have canvas prints in good condition existing for decades.
2) Budget-Friendly
The best way to add substance to your home’s bare walls is by hanging stunning canvas prints. Canvas prints are inexpensive and more affordable than any other framed prints. These durable and versatile prints are more cost-effective than buying a hand-made painting or any art piece.
For instance, getting a simple print on paper may have nominal costs, but the added prices of framing and mounting will increase the overall expense. On the other hand, canvas prints are pre-framed and can hang directly.
3) No Glare Effect
Framed prints on glossy paper give a shiny and appealing finish. However, when these lustrous paper prints hang in sunlit rooms, they radiate glare and reflection. These glimmering tones distract the viewer’s attention from the primary subject, giving a mediocre view.
Canvas prints have a satin and matte look, making them perfect for hanging in bright areas. The 3-D effect of pictures adds to the realism. Thus, the canvas prints bring life to the room and catch the attraction of spectators.
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4) Versatility in Shapes and Sizes
Canvas prints come in varied shapes and styles, allowing individuals to decorate their bare walls according to their preferences. The custom-shaped canvases with your favorite photos and unique messages displayed make for the best gifts on special occasions.
Besides the standard squares and rectangles, canvas prints are available in personalized shapes like circles, triangles, hexagons, and more. These creative options help make a visual statement in plain spaces.
The extensive range of canvas sizes helps people experiment with innovative settings. Individuals can select from a large canvas display to a miniature-size painting. They can also split a singular image composition into a multiple-grid layout. Thus, canvas prints give numerous options to help you set up impressive wall decor.
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5) Supreme Quality Compared to Other Print Mediums
Every print medium yields a different result owing to its distinct textures and materials. Compared to other printing frames, canvas, because of its character, gives an outstanding finish to colored prints. The durable plain weaving makes an ordinary picture come out as an exclusive and incredible one.
Canvas prints' superior quality makes them the best artistic investment. Archival inks and protective coatings also aid in the long-lasting nature of canvases. These shields help the canvas stay vibrant and new as ever. Thus, canvas prints are timeless masterpieces that enhance every nook or corner of a surrounding.
Debunking Myths Related To Canvas Prints
A canvas print is one of the best decor options to give a setup a striking and modern appearance. However, people have certain misconceptions about canvas prints and try to avoid them. Thus, to address and clarify, we will enlist the myths and clear them out.
1) Canvas Prints are Bulky
Many people believe that canvas frames are difficult to handle and carry around. However, this perception is untrue as canvases are light-weighted and cover less surface area. Their minimal thickness makes canvas prints easy to carry around and move.
Compared to stretched frames, unstretched and rolled-up canvases are more convenient to carry because of their less space-taking feature. Artists stretch canvases on wooden racks to assist in hanging them. Thus, canvas prints are sleek and easy-to-manage art pieces.
2) Canvas Prints are Costlier
Some believe that canvas prints are similar to traditional canvas paintings and thus conclude that they are equally expensive. However, there is a stark difference between the two. While paintings are handmade, canvas prints are an outcome of simple printing.
Canvas printing is quick and inexpensive because of the modern innovations and techniques invented. These prints are a budget-friendly and durable option for revitalizing wall decor. Therefore, these photo canvas prints can reproduce classic artworks, that too in a small fraction of the high costs of a canvas painting.
3) Canvas Prints Turn Out Blurry and Hazy
People have a common misconception that making vivid and good-quality canvas outputs requires high-definition pictures and professional photographs. They believe that to create a vibrant canvas print, one must hire an experienced photographer to capture shots.
Thankfully, this is not the case. Anyone can easily transform the pictures clicked from any digital device into a canvas print. After capturing, one can use a suitable editing application to improve the image quality further and add creativity with the filters.
You can even use various photo editing apps to denoise the background and upscale the colors, contrasts, values, and tones. So, you do not need professionals to capture pictures and make canvas-printed artwork.
4) Canvas Prints are Uncustomizable
Another common myth that floats among people is that one cannot customize canvas prints. To debunk this misconception, knowing that there are two types of canvas prints is essential.
A canvas print is available in two categories- ready-made ones and the other personalized ones. Artists make mass-produced canvas prints on themes like nature, landscape, monuments, fashion, etc. These prints are ready to pick and use in commonplaces.
Another type of canvas print includes customizable ones with a preferred choice of images. Specialist canvas providers design these canvases with a person’s favorite photos from vacations, family get-togethers, picnics, parties, etc. These canvas prints comprise the precious moments captured by an individual.
Apart from the pictures, you can even personalize the pattern and style of canvases you need to decorate the blank walls. You can go for a grid layout with different shaped and sized canvases.
Comparing Canvas Prints With Popular Print Options
In the world of modern decor, people cover their unique wall space with a mix of printed frame options. They try to enrich their settings with original artwork and impressive photo-framed prints. These artistic creations enliven the mood and boost positive energy.
In this section, we will analyze different printing mediums and framing options with canvas prints. So, let’s observe the contrasts between the various mediums.
1) Canvas Prints vs. Metal Prints
Metal prints are digital art prints infused in aluminum sheets to create artistic representations. Printing high-definition photos on thick metal panels refers to metal printing. The entire process involves intricate steps that lead to the creation of breathtaking and sleek photo prints.
These metal photos are durable, long-lasting, and scratch-resisting. This glass-free material has rounded corners which makes them break-resistant. Also, metal prints best work with high-resolution images with rich deep colors.
Metal print frames, a premium product, cost more than canvas prints. The versatility and ease of handling give the canvas an upper hand over metal prints. While the canvas prints have a textured matte finish, the metal prints have a metallic coating appearance. When canvas prints give an artistic appeal, a metal print gives a bold and contemporary look.
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2) Canvas Prints vs. Acrylic Prints
Even though canvas prints and acrylic prints are affordable and great alternatives to each other, it is vital to understand their distinctive features.
The direct printing of photographs on cotton and linen canvas refers to canvas prints. On the other hand, acrylic printing is a two-step process. It involves printing the image on photo paper and then pressing the printed paper between acrylic sheets and plexiglass.
Acrylic prints are resistant to moisture, humidity, and UV rays and can withstand harsh conditions and weather. Acrylics are more durable than canvas but are prone to scratches if handled adversely. Both canvas and acrylic prints have a vivid and bright appearance, but canvas prints give a museum-hung painting-like feel.
While canvas prints are cost-effective, acrylics are expensive and pricey. Thus, both have equal pros and cons and are beneficial in different situations.
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3) Canvas Prints vs. Art Prints
Art prints are image replications of original artwork created by a famous artist. These prints are produced in bulk quantities and printed on white cotton paper using high-quality inks. Art prints vary in size, texture, and thickness.
Compared to canvas prints, art prints are thinner, thus giving a sleek appearance. Both prints leave a rich, bright impression with a matte or glossy finish. However, the monetary value of unframed art prints is much lesser than canvas prints.
4) Canvas Prints vs. Printing on Paper
While canvas prints have a rough texture, printing on paper gives a smooth finish. Paper prints produce sharper and clearer pictures compared to canvas, specifically in small samples. If kept under bright-lit areas, prints on paper give a reflecting and glaring effect. In contrast, the images on canvas give a fine-painted view because of the rugged surface.
Unlike paper prints, canvas prints cannot sway out or remove from the frame. They are permanent, and you cannot withdraw them as per choice. While canvas prints are reasonable and budget-friendly, large paper prints are costly and expensive.
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Thus, all these factors create striking differences between the printing materials.
Can a Regular Printer Print on Canvas?
With technological development and new prevailing techniques, printing canvases have become more accessible today. Before the advent of modern printing equipment, making hand-painted oil art and acrylic paintings on canvas were prevalent. The invention of canvas printing techniques led to new experimentation and explorations.
Today, most people use a regular printer, inkjet, or laser to print on canvases. Both inkjet and laser have become household names for the convenience and comfort they provide. Yet, these printers have distinct features that differentiate them from one another and make them suitable for varied purposes.
1) Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers are compatible with paper, canvas, cardboard, or cloth. These printers produce deep rich, and high-quality colors compared to laser printers. The sharpness and accuracy of printing make inkjets an excellent choice for graphics or visual images.
Inkjet printing use ink droplets compared to standard printers that assist and enhance the printing process. The compact size and environment-friendly features are added benefits of using these printers.
Yet, the printing speed of inkjets is slower than lasers leading to a time-consuming procedure. Also, inkjet printing is prone to smudging if handled poorly when wet, thus requiring longer to dry up.
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2) Laser Printers
Laser printers are an upgradation of regular printers and thus offer several advantages making it people’s go-to choice. Laser printers print material at an incredibly high speed with lesser ink usage. Lasers are affordable as they cost less per page and are cheaper to operate.
But, as compared to inkjets, laser printers produce a low-resolution, low-quality picture. Dry ink components function best for black-and-white images and less for colored ones.
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Possible Printing Themes
There are infinite printing options available for canvas prints. Individuals print a single canvas or multiple canvases with varied themes and ideas. New and refreshing art pieces bring freshness and vitality to the entire setup resulting in blooming and radiant wall decor. Some of these printing ideas are:
- Landscape photos have a rejuvenating appeal.
- Nature photography connects humans with the serenity of natural surroundings.
- Abstract wall art functions as modern decor.
- Reproductions of famous paintings show the taste and preferences of owners.
- Retro and vintage themes give a classic touch to the arrangement.
- Expressions and quotes can keep individuals motivated and pepped up.
- Pictures of flora and fauna can give the blank space a realistic untouched feel.
- Adding personalized family photos is also an exciting way of showcasing love and affection towards near and dear ones.
Thus, you can uplift your home decor with canvas prints of your preferred patterns and compositions. You can even split up large canvas prints in a grid layout, giving walls a designer impression.
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Making Your Canvas Print
You do not always require an expert’s help making your custom canvas print. You can make the prints yourself by following some easy steps. This section will explore the different methods of transferring printed photos to a canvas.
1) Essential Elements Required for Canvas Printing
Here is a list of important art supplies needed during canvas printing. They are as follows:
- A photo-printed piece you want to mount on the canvas board.
- A canvas panel on which the entire process will happen. This base will have the outcome.
- Acrylic paints add a finishing touch to the sides of the canvas and give the whole artwork a beautiful look.
- Gel medium or gluing fluid to stick the printed photo on the canvas.
- Brushes and rollers to press out any air bubbles or spaces.
- A spare canvas fabric to provide the texture and consistency of a realistic canvas painting.
- Varnish to provide a long-lasting and forever-shiny effect to the customized prints.
- An extra polyester print in case you spoil your first canvas.
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2) Step-by-Step Guide for Creating DIY Canvas Prints
Here are some must-follow steps to create a mounted print:
a) Cover the Sides of the Canvas Panel with Acrylic Paints
After mounting the photo print, only the front of the canvas will cover up. Painting the sides of the canvas panel is a personal choice. If you want to leave the canvas sides unpainted, that is also fine. If you want to give the canvas a whole finish, using quick-drying acrylics is an excellent option.
- You can use black or brown shades to give the canvas an elegant and subtle look.
- Pick colors that are in cohesion with the shades of the printed canvas.
- After selecting the color shade, use a brush to apply the paint over the canvas edges neatly.
b) Coat the Canvas Front with A Sticking Agent
The next step is to cover the canvas base with a glue medium. Generously apply the sticking agent to avoid problems when working ahead. Also, after spreading the glue, you need to work quickly to prevent the drying up of the medium.
c) Lay the Photo Print on the Canvas Panel
While the glue is still wet, lay down your printed paper on the canvas. Do this step with accuracy and precision to avoid any mistakes. Line the edges of the canvas base with the borders of the printed photo to ensure exactness.
If the size of your printed photo is larger than the canvas, glue the extra paper on the sides or staple it up. Ensure the picture is not titled or shifted. Remove the printout if your picture shakes before finally pasting it.
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d) Use a Brush or Roller to Evenly Stick the Picture
Once you have stuck the photo print on the canvas base, press firmly so no side is left unstuck. Use a brush or roller to remove any air bubbles under the impression. Flip the canvas and press from the back to ensure proper fitting.
e) Add Texture if Required
To give your canvas print a realistic texture:
- Use canvas fabric to create it.
- Lightly spread the glue on the printed canvas, then paste the spare canvas sheet for a few seconds.
- On the count of five, remove the canvas sheet from the panel and let it dry.
This step will enhance your canvas print by giving it a perfect grainy touch. Once done, you may apply a layer of varnish to give your artwork a glossy finish and a protective coating.
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That’s it. Your canvas print is ready to hang and adorn your walls when the varnish dries.
Framing Options For Canvas Prints
After printing and stretching the canvas, we often get confused when deciding whether to frame the canvas or not. Every framing option comes with its aesthetic appeal and framing benefits. This section will help you understand the advantages, types, and methods of framing canvas prints.
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1) Benefits of Framing Canvases
Let us explore the usefulness and benefits that framing canvases adds to the artwork.
a) A Protectant Layer
Canvas prints that do not have a varnish or protectant upon it are susceptible to damage. In such canvases, framing acts as a defensive covering layer. It protects art pieces from sunlight, dust, acidic components, and unfavorable environmental conditions.
Frames are beneficial guarding edges that are a barrier between damaging elements and the art print. They can even prevent the canvas material from sagging or stretching. Thus, framing canvas prints increases the shielding levels.
b) Enhances the Artwork’s Presentation and Style
Framing a canvas adds to the overall representation of the artwork. Aesthetically appealing frames make canvas prints more valuable and attractive among people. The framed edges complement the color and style of canvas prints, giving them a professional and polished look.
Every frame style has a unique impact on the representation and mood of the artwork. While classic, traditional frames can give a vintage feel, a minimalistic frame can provide an abstract contemporary look. Thus, the shape, size, color, and texture of edging designs determine the final look of the art piece.
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c) Makes the Canvas Print More Versatile and Durable
Framing canvases makes handling and maintaining art prints rough and tough. Frames add versatility and durability to the art pieces decreasing the chances of wear and tear.
One can hang framed canvases on the walls or even leave them leaning against them without the risk of damage. Adding your preferred frames, you can give a personalized touch to the canvas prints.
2) Exploring Different Styles and Techniques of Framing Canvas Prints
While we have discussed the usefulness of framing canvases, it is vital to understand how to choose the best-suited frame. Frames come in many colors, styles, and materials, each giving an authentic charm. Let us review some tips and techniques to choose the most appropriate frames.
- You should pick the style of your frame according to the type of artwork. A classic vintage wooden frame fits best if your artwork has a traditional look. On the other hand, if the canvas print is abstract and modern, then a sleek metal frame will add richness to the work.
- Avoid choosing bright frames for canvas prints with rich, vibrant colors. Colorful framing options may overpower the artwork’s subject leaving no aesthetic essence.
- Select the color scheme of the frame that connects and complements the interior of the room or living space. The art piece and walls should not deflect from the theme or pattern.
- Always check the frames’ durability, material, size, weight, and shape before purchasing it. All these elements have a significant influence on the overall look.
- Adding a simple black frame can enrich a bright-colored canvas print, keeping the subject in focus. Likewise, a matte frame can give the whole setup a soothing and subtle impact.
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Preserving and Displaying Canvas Prints
1) Factors That Affect the Longevity and Fading of Prints
Art enthusiasts consider canvas the industry's most durable and versatile art medium. Yet, to ensure the longevity of any art medium, it is crucial to comprehend the factors that cause the breakdown of art pieces. So, let us explore the various weather conditions that can cause harm to canvas prints.
a) Exposure to Direct Sunlight
Like any other artwork, direct sunlight exposure negatively impacts canvas prints. Bright sun rays are one of the most significant causes of color prints' wear and tear. The UV rays in sunlight react with the colors' chemicals and generate a photolysis reaction.
Photolysis causes the decomposition and separation of chemical bonds with the action of light. Because of the consistent exposure to sunlight, the chemicals that give color to canvas prints start to break down with time.
Over the years, the continuous and harsh UV rays caused the vibrant colors to change into faded hues. The canvas print can even convert into grays or other dull tones. Also, artificial bright lights like fluorescent harm the canvas, making the prints lose their rich colors.
b) Presence of Moisture and Humidity
The damp and humid conditions drive the fading of canvas prints and badly affect their longevity. The excess moisture can degrade the image print quality causing it to decay much quicker.
Canvas readily absorbs water making damp areas unfavorable for the process. Tiny water droplets, sudden water splashes, or steam can ruin the canvas prints by interacting with the ink. Thus, it is best to avoid places with humidity and dampness to hang art pieces.
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c) Excessive Heat
Like canvas paintings, prints are also prone to damage because of extreme heating conditions. Heat damages the canvas fibers causing warping, creasing, weakening, and breaking the material.
Exposure to hot conditions can lead to fading and further deterioration. The image colors and quality degrade, ruining and damaging the canvas prints. Heat devices can distort, twist and split the canvas into bits and pieces.
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2) Tips to Preserve Canvas Prints
Following specific tips is essential to maintain and preserve canvas prints for decades. Thus, use these recommendations to make canvases look fantastic even after years.
- Avoid keeping or hanging canvas prints under sunlight or in overly lit areas. Avoid areas that have a constant flow of sunlight and UV rays. Keep the canvas print away from windows or spaces that have direct contact with the sources of sunlight.
- Seal your canvas prints with a spray varnish or a UV protectant. These sealers protect the colors and inks from damaging elements.
- Store canvases in places with the right temperature and humid conditions. The fluctuating climate conditions can cause the canvas to crack and propel microbial growth.
- Cover your canvas prints with a clean cloth to add an extra layer of protection. A cloth can prevent dust from reaching the canvas print and making it dirty.
- Keep your artwork away from heat-generating devices like heaters, fireplaces, and hot furnaces.
- Avoid hanging your prints near bathroom spaces, above sinks, or water sources. Moisture is a significant factor in damage to canvas prints.
- Regularly clean your canvas with a dry cloth and remove any debris deposited upon the art piece.
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Conclusion
With increasing popularity, canvas prints (have become a household’s first choice. These prints are a promising way of converting pictures into outstanding wall art. Canvas prints are an easy alternative to fulfill your artistic and creative desires.
Available in various themes, sizes, shapes, and materials, customized canvas prints are the perfect gift. Thus, canvas prints have the power to evolve a plain bland wall decor into a fun and interesting one.
