Canvas Options
When the first box on our order form is checked, and no options are requested, your photo, artwork or poster will be stripped to the emulsion, bonded to 10 oz. canvas, and stretched over half inch artist stock. The staples holding the print run along the side and also along the back of the frame, and are hidden by the picture frame. The standard canvas stretch is primarily used for a more traditional look. Should you or your client want to display a print without a frame, there are two options, Gallery Wrap or Image Wrap.
Gallery WrapGallery Wrap is a very contemporary presentation of artwork, posters, and photos. MuseumBond currently offers two different size stretcher stock, 1 inch and 1 1/2 inch. If you do not specify in the "Special Instructions" box on the order form, you will receive the 1 inch stretcher stock.
With Gallery Wrap, the full image shows on the front, and bare canvas shows on the sides. The staples run along the back of the oversize artist stretcher stock, hidden from sight. This makes for a very clean presentation without needing a frame.
For Canvas Photos: You (or your lab) may add a color border around your photo or artwork, which would wrap around the side similar to an image wrap. (The white canvas works well for High-Key prints, the color borders work well with Low-Key and full color prints.) When adding a border please size according to which stretcher stock you prefer.
Image Wrap
Image Wrap is also a very popular choice. With this process, the actual photo, artwork or poster is wrapped around the over-sized stretcher stock. The staples are out of sight on the back. Before choosing this option, you need to make sure the photo, artwork or print will not lose any of the image as it is being wrapped. For example, make sure fingers, toes, heads and any other important parts are at least 1 1/2 to 2 inches away from any outside edge.
For Canvas Photos: Please note that when formatting your photo for the printer you will need to allow for the size stretcher stock of your choice, all four sides of the print will wrap around the stretcher stock (a 24x30 will show from the front as a 21X27 or 20X26 (depending again on which stock you choose).
Some photographers feel that they need to add an additional 1 1/2 to 2 inches on each side of the photo print. For example: requesting a 27"x33" or 28"X34" print from the lab to get a front view of a 24"x30" for the client. This will require a custom print from the lab. If you choose to do this don't feel that you need to have the lab trim your print at an additional cost, we will trim your prints for you at no additional cost. Please be sure to make it obvious where the trim should take place.
Some clients feel this step is unnecessary. The client pays for a 24"x30" and you will order a 24"x30" from the lab. MuseumBond will canvas a 24"x30". The customer is getting what they paid for. If you are concerned about what the customer will say after seeing a slightly smaller image on the front, the solution may be simple. You could choose to have a 24"x30" Image Wrapped display print to hang on your wall at your studio as an example. You can educate your client and inform them that it is a 24"X30" print however the dimensions are in a 3D orientation so they will see a slightly smaller image. This way they understand the process and know what to expect.
Brush Texture
Brushstroke texture, when properly applied to the right photo, artwork or poster can truly turn your print into a beautiful canvas for hanging on your wall. Not all photos benefit from brush texture. When considering a photo, artwork or poster, please keep in mind, our artist will attempt to show texture, in turn we need good detail in the artwork to build onto. In many cases, the texture will actually distract from the artwork.
What works - Large prints with simple, bold elements. If your artwork has elements that actually have texture, then adding brush texture to your artwork is a natural way to enhance these elements. An example would be an environmental portrait photographed in an area with trees, shrubs, rocks, or other objects that lend themselves to having texture added. Think of an artist painting a picture. If the artist were to use pronounced brush strokes to create an element, then that same object in a photograph would be more likely to benefit from a brushstroke texture.
What doesn't work - Small faces, small prints, too much detail, and high-key or low-key flat backgrounds. The subjects head size should be 2 inches across or larger, and print size should be 16"x16" or larger. Anything smaller and the texture will tend to overpower the artwork. Too much detail can be a problem. An experienced photographer defines his subject by throwing the background out-of-focus (keeping the subject as the focal point). Any artwork with excessive detail (a tree with all the leaves in focus) and texture will only further enhance the leaves and shift the focal point away from the subject.
A high-key or low-key background has no texture, so having MuseumBond's artist add brush strokes doesn't work. In fact, it distracts from your image because it looks unnatural. Likewise, if the subject in the artwork is against a monochromatic studio backdrop, texturing is not recommended. If your artwork doesn't have objects that show texture, adding brush strokes is not recommended.
Texture is a very subjective thing - Our artist paints over each element as if it were an original painting (i.e., our brush strokes trace the image). If you have some other technique you like, please include an example and we will try to duplicate it. However, some low-end photography chains use a thick laminate with embossed swirls to imitate brush strokes. We feel this lessens the quality of the piece of art and try to stay away from the manufactured look.
Drying Time - Allow an extra 5 -6 days for painting and drying. We apply two, and sometimes three coats, and each takes a few days to dry.
For Photographers: The prestigious look of brushstroke texture will set your studio apart from others, plus you gain an additional source of profit. Although additional profit may suggest that all your canvassed photos and artwork feature brush texture, we suggest restraint.
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