Canvas prints can be displayed framed or unframed. For some, the unframed display can feel like the print is somewhat incomplete.
In the vast majority of cases, unframed displays are suited to minimalist displays, such as art hung on the wall as a feature piece, rather than part of a gallery wall display.
The other type of canvas prints suited to unframed hanging is gallery-wrapped prints, which have the edges printed, too. Standard canvas prints are only printed on the front. The edges remain blank, unprinted canvas.
Framing a canvas print does two things. It hides the unprinted canvas that’s wrapped around the canvas stretchers and depending on where the stapling/tacking was done, a frame can be used to hide staples and tacks, instead of what often happens in DIY efforts – the sides of the canvas get covered in tape.
Types of frames for canvas prints
- Traditional frames
- Floater frames
A benefit to having photos printed on canvas is that they require less protection. Photo paper prints need to be framed behind glazing to protect them from temperature and humidity fluctuations. Canvas, being fabric, is much tougher and does not need to be behind a protective front.
Due to canvas prints having stretcher bars, frames need to be a deeper depth. It can still be framed in a traditional picture frame by removing the glazing. Traditional frames do not have deep rebates, so when these are used for canvas prints, there is an overlap. Framers refer to this as the rebate or recess. Customers tend to be more familiar with the term “overlap”.
At The Picture Gallery, we stock a range of frame moulds, some with deeper rebates than others. Our online order process is to select a picture frame mould that you like (for canvas prints, it is the picture frame only option as a mount is not required), input the custom size you want the frame to be, then select from our various frame categories. As you browse through each frame mould profile, look for the “deep rebate” categories, which are the ones suited to canvas prints.
Some of our frames, such as our black wood frame mould is available with a 20mm “black” deep rebate. In other words, the interior is also coloured to match the front of the frame mould. Compare that with an Ayous wood poster frame, the rebate is just 7mm.
When a traditional frame is used for a canvas print, the glazing is removed, and the depth of the frame rebate will have an effect on how much of a lip there is between the frame and the canvas. The rebate is just an overlap.
Floater frames are what to use for a flush finish
When you want your canvas print to be finished with a surround that is flush with the frame, measure the depth of the stretcher bars the frame needs to cover.
The vast majority of canvas prints have standard sizing making it simpler to select a frame. For smaller sized stretched canvas prints, the stretcher bars are around 22mm. Medium can be 30mm deep, and large canvas prints can have stretcher bars measuring 40mm deep.
Canvas floating frames at The Picture Gallery are available in each of those depths of 22mm, 30mm, and 40mm. The width and height can be cut to fit any size at our factory.
The depth is what matters for how much of a lip there is between the frame and the front of the canvas. By matching the depth of the canvas to the depth of the frame, you can order a frame for a canvas print that will have a flush finish. Our canvas floating frames are designed to leave a 5mm shadow gap between the frame and the canvas giving it a floating illusion when it’s within the frame.
If you have a canvas print, or an oil painting on canvas that you feel would benefit from framing, browse our selection of canvas floating frames here, and read through the how to measure instructions.
Should you require assistance, please refer to our contact page for details on how to reach us.