Bay Photo - Please read

[snyper77]

I am a fairly new customer of Bay Photo. I recently placed an order for a 16x20 on canvas board (gator foamboard is what they call it). It was very lightweight and it just felt "cheap". In the past, I've done business with WHCC and I bought a 16x20 canvas mounted on masonite and it was more solid and heavy.
What's your thoughts here? What's your mounting preference when it comes to canvas prints? Thanks in advance for your time.

[LBaldwin]

Masonite and foamcore or gator board are vastly different in their comp. Masonite is made of wood chips. My favorite mount, is gallery wrapped.

[Dennis_Hammer]

My prefrence is stretched on a wood frame

[asysin2leads]

I did a 20x24 gallery wrap (1.5") from Millers Lab as a gift for a friend and was impressed. I have never mounted to foam core before, though.

[snyper77]

So, for canvas prints that need framing, you advise to go with stretcher frames? I'm not sure if the "common" person even knows what that is and I don't want to "shock" them with a stretcher frame that they have to have a special frame built to accomodate it. Just a frame alone for a 16x20 stretcher canvas could be hundreds of dollars. Please advise more on how I can handle all this? Thanks.

[amfoto1]

Gallery wraps, on stretcher frames, don't need a frame. They are finished all the way around.

Because of that, you need to choose or prepare and image that has some extra space around the perimeter.

[snyper77]

Gallery wraps, on stretcher frames, don't need a frame. They are finished all the way around.

Because of that, you need to choose or prepare and image that has some extra space around the perimeter.

Yes, I very educated on gallery wraps, but for people who want a 16x20 on canvas so they can frame it, should I offer "Gatorfoam" mounted, "Masonite" mounted, or "Stretcher frame" mounted? If you offer stretcher frame, I don't think the "common person" knows how expensive it would be to have a 16x20 frame made that accomodates a stretcher frame.

[amfoto1]

I think that mounting on a stretcher frame is the classiest way. Especially if the printing is on real canvas, not just paper made to look like canvas.

If they want it framed, it's often no different frame than might be used on any matted print, actually.

The only difference is no glass is used and the way it's fastened in the frame. Depending upon the thickness of the stretcher frame, the rabbet in the frame might need to be deeper, so you might have a more limited selection of frames.

There are even metal, modular frames in even inch sizes, that can be bought relatively inexpensively. Pretty modern looking, though.

But my point is that it's not necessarily any more or less expensive than any other framing job.

Makes preparation for printing easier because you don't really need a gallery "wrap"... You just need it printed on canvas and then have it mounted on stretchers, or do it yourself. Just have it centered on an oversize piece of canvas, do the mounting, then trim off the excess.

The standard stretchers used for artists canvas are not nearly as thick as those sometimes used for gallery wraps. They are typically 3/4" thick. You can probably find the stretchers at a local art store. Michael's would have them I'm sure. Aaron Brothers too. Aaron Bros. could probably also advise you about how to mount it in the frame.

I'd go shop for the stretchers and a frame, before having the print made. That way you can size it to something relatively standard and less expensive. Framing gets a lot more expensive when you have to have custom sizes made.

Why not offer two or three options - if possible - at different prices?

[snails]

Yes, I very educated on gallery wraps, but for people who want a 16x20 on canvas so they can frame it, should I offer "Gatorfoam" mounted, "Masonite" mounted, or "Stretcher frame" mounted? If you offer stretcher frame, I don't think the "common person" knows how expensive it would be to have a 16x20 frame made that accomodates a stretcher frame.

As long as the print is sturdy enough for framing, I don't see why it would matter if the canvas is on foam or masonite. If you think your customers are going to perceive a difference between the two, I'd go with whichever you think they are going to feel has more "quality." Where, many people think weight is directly proportional to quality, this may mean masonite.

On the other hand, shipping costs are proportional to weight. You may be able to save yourself or your customers some money giong with the lighter option.

I'm not clear on why someone would want to frame a canvas print though. I also prefer mine gallery wrapped. But, that dosn't answer your question.