June 11, 2018
Look on any Pinterest board for home decor, and you’ll see that printed canvas is one of the hottest decorating trends around. It’s not hard to see why. Art canvas prints have a clean, frameless look that adds instant flair and texture to any room. Unlike traditional canvas painting, you make canvas prints using an inkjet printer with the same pigments that you see on regular paper from your home or office.
That’s convenient, but it also means that printed canvases can fade over time. Exposure to sunlight can be particularly damaging. Sunlight and UV rays can quickly become the bane of your favorite work of art. Whether it’s fading or yellowing, the sun can really do a number on your unprotected masterpieces. That’s why you should take steps to safeguard your artwork before displaying it so you don’t lose it to the unkind hand of time.
Here’s how to make sure your work looks as great next year as it did the day you printed it.
Start With High-Quality Materials
When printing on canvas, be sure to choose your materials well. For the best results, you’ll need a good printer set to use the proper amount of ink for a fully saturated print. The more ink that ends up soaking into your canvas, the richer and longer lasting the color will be, so never try to print on an ink-saving or “draft” setting. You’ll also want to make sure your printable canvas is durable and designed specifically for use in your printer. Some print canvas comes with UV protection, which will help keep colors from fading over time.
Seal Your Print
Once your canvas print has completely dried overnight, it’s time to seal the print with a protective coating. The best choice is a giclee gloss coating to give your canvas a professional look and lots of protection. Also known as canvas varnish, a giclee sealer will protect both the ink and canvas from UV rays that can cause fading or yellowing. It will also provide a hard shell that keeps water damage at bay and allows you to ice away smudges, fingerprints, and dirt.
To apply the giclee, use a foam roller to completely cover the print in sealer. Once you’ve rolled in one direction, roll again perpendicular to the original direction for full coverage. Allow the giclee to dry until the white film turns clear. Once the first layer has completed dried you’re ready to add your second coat. When the canvas is completely dry, you’re ready to stretch it to the final size and shape you want.
For everything you need to print and seal your next canvas masterpiece, come to Jerry’s Artarama. Our team is dedicated to helping you find what you need for your next art project. We have a wide range of canvas sizes, stretcher bars, and giclee products to get you started. Talk to one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members today to learn more about how to make your art last.
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FAQs
Seal Your Print
How to protect a canvas print? ›
Frame Your Prints: Another effective way to minimize sunlight fading is by framing your canvas prints. A well-made frame with UV-protective glass or acrylic can provide an additional layer of protection against the damaging effects of sunlight.
How to care for canvas prints? ›
Yes, canvas prints can be cleaned, but it's important to be gentle to avoid damaging the print. Use a soft, dry cloth to dust the surface of the canvas, and if necessary, lightly dampen the cloth with water and gently wipe the surface. Avoid using cleaning solutions or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the print.
Should I laminate my canvas print? ›
In truth, laminate is the most efficient way of safeguarding canvases from rough use or a harsh setting. A UV resistant coating can make sure a custom canvas print can last for many years. It can protect the paint or ink so your art will last.
How do I protect my unframed prints? ›
For unframed works, create protection “sandwiches.” For example, place unframed art between two pieces of slightly larger foam boards, cardboard pieces, or plywood. Use tape to keep the protection in place and use plastic bags for further shielding against water and air.
How long do canvas prints last? ›
The reproductions you receive will last for more than a hundred years if kept out of direct sunlight under normal indoor conditions. This means you need to pay attention to where you hang your image if you want the vibrant colors to remain as they are for years to come.
What is the difference between a canvas print and a giclee? ›
Canvas prints are basic inkjet prints that use dye inks, which are not fade resistant and have a longevity of 10-20 years. Giclée, or Pigment Printing, use pigments instead of dyes which are archival and have a longevity of 200+ years.
How do you permanently waterproof a canvas? ›
The best treatment for acrylic canvas is a fluoropolymer-based product. This type of treatment is compatible with the original finish, and it gives excellent and long-lasting results. Waterproofers that have a petroleum-based vehicle have demonstrated better performance on acrylic canvas than water-based treatments.
How do you seal canvas prints? ›
A simple and easy way to further elevate your canvas print is by applying a layer of varnish. Applying varnish to your canvas print not only makes the colors stand out and pop, but even more, a varnish layer also creates a non-porous layer that lays atop the print itself.
How do I keep my canvas prints from fading? ›
To prevent this, it's essential to hang your canvas print in a location that is not exposed to direct sunlight or to use UV-protective glass or acrylic to cover the print and protect it from the sun's rays.
There really is no need, sealing the canvas is to prevent the oil seeping into the material so you only need do this to the side you will be painting on, eg the front, the back can be left alone.
Is there a spray to protect canvas painting? ›
Acrylic varnish sprays work particularly well on porous surfaces such as canvas, wood and stone making them extremely versatile amongst many forms of art – from museum paintings to decorated rocks and pebbles.
How do you seal a picture on a canvas? ›
Brush a layer of Mod Podge on top of the photo using long vertical brush strokes. Make sure to cover the edges where the photo and canvas meet so the photo will completely adhere to the canvas background. Let dry.
Look on any Pinterest board for home decor, and you’ll see that printed canvas is one of the hottest decorating trends around. It’s not hard to see why. Art canvas prints have a clean, frameless look that adds instant flair and texture to any room. Unlike traditional canvas painting, you make canvas prints using an inkjet printer with the same pigments that you see on regular paper from your home or office.