Paper vs. Canvas - Pros and Cons
There are so many options when it comes to choosing the finishing touches for your artwork. It can be overwhelming deciding if you want your piece framed or unframed, what kind of decorative lighting you’re going to use, and if you want the piece printed on canvas or paper. It’s good to know the advantages and disadvantages of each option. The finish can make all the difference in bringing out the details of an art print.
Let’s explore Juniper Prints paper vs. canvas - pros and cons of each.
Is canvas or paper better for art prints?
Well, that depends on the type of print and your ultimate goal. Canvas will last longer over time, but both hold up well when properly framed. Both mediums are wrinkle, tear, and UV resistant. Mostly it comes down to personal preference and the finish and texture differences between the two.
Does canvas or paper work better for photographs?
We recommend paper for photographs. It has a smoother finish with no glare. The smooth surface highlights print details perfectly.
Which medium is better for paintings?
Canvas is the best choice for paintings. It emphasizes the detail and texture of each piece. It has a satin, low-glare finish. There is a smooth, subtle texture. It is made of a cotton-poly blend with an acrylic gesso topcoat.
Is canvas or paper more affordable?
Both canvas and paper are very affordable. Paper is slightly less expensive. Our oversized paper prints are priced less than at places like Staples and FedEx Office! If you’re on a budget, our prints work great with the inexpensive IKEA Bjorksta frame.
In which sizes are canvas and paper prints available?
The image quality of a print will determine the size offering and not whether it is paper or canvas. All of our images undergo a thorough image quality test to determine in which sizes we can offer them. All prints are offered in paper and canvas in sizes 8x10, 11x14, 12x18, 16x20, 18x24, 20x30, 24x36, 30x40. Some of our horizontal images are offered in 12x30 and 22x55. Our ‘oversized prints’ include sizes 22x55, 31x47, 40x55 and 55x79. Not all prints can be offered in the largest sizes, but when they are, those sizes will be listed and come in both canvas and paper!
How come all prints aren’t available in every size you offer?
We try to offer all of our prints in as many of our sizes as we can. Sometimes, due to the size, shape or other characteristics of the original artwork (such as small vintage art and photography shot on analog film), the art cannot be printed in all sizes and ratios and still meet our image quality standards. All sizes offered are listed on the individual product page for each print.
How are canvas and paper prints shipped?
Unframed canvas comes rolled, ready for stretching or mounting. Unframed prints are shipped rolled or in a rigid envelope, depending on the size. Framed prints come shipped in a box with padding. Both options are printed in house and many are available for same-day shipping!
Can I use the IKEA Bjorksta frame with canvas and paper prints?
Yes! Both work well with the IKEA frame. Find our tutorial here.
Can I custom frame an oversized print?
Absolutely! If purchasing a print on our Juniper paper, please note that the use of spray adhesive, heated mounting mechanisms, or glue can ruin the print. When installing a paper print at home, we recommend using small pieces of double sided adhesive to secure the print to any backing support. If you are using a custom framer, tell them that they can successfully mount paper prints on foam core or Gatorboard by heat mounting at 140℉ for one minute instead of the traditional 3 minutes. Paper prints are also easily mounted using self-adhesive mount board. Canvas prints are less susceptible to damage so may be adhered using spray adhesive and traditional heat mounting methods.
Here’s a recap:
JUNIPER CANVAS
- Archival-quality giclee canvas
- Cotton-Poly blend with an acrylic gesso topcoat
- Satin, low-glare finish
- Smooth, subtle texture
- Crisp detail with a rich, tonal range
- Available framed or unframed
- UV Resistant
- Unframed canvas comes rolled, ready for stretching or mounting
- Compatible with the IKEA Bjorksta frame In the following sizes: 22x55, 31x47, 40x55, and 55x79
- Printed in-house and often ready for same-day shipping
- Unframed, rolled canvas prints will come with a 1” white border that can be used for stretching or simply cut off with scissors
JUNIPER PAPER
- Wrinkle and tear resistant, anti-curl material
- Smooth surface that highlights print details – perfect for photo prints!
- Super matte finish with no glare
- Available framed or unframed
- UV Resistant
- Affordable – our oversized paper prints are priced less than at places like Staples and FedEx Office!
- Unframed prints are shipped rolled or in a rigid envelope
- Oversized prints are compatible with the IKEA Bjorksta frame
- Printed in-house and often ready for same-day shipping!
Juniper Prints Paper vs. Canvas - Pros and Cons
We hope this helped you understand a little more about our paper and canvas options here at Juniper Prints. If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to shoot us an email or a DM. We love sharing our art and decorating ideas with you over on Instagram and TikTok. Be sure to tag us if you purchase one of our prints so we can feature your beautiful spaces!
