Gloss vs. Matte Canvas

One of the most asked questions we used to receive is should you print on gloss or matte canvas. It used to be when we first started in the canvas printing business there were only those choices. Back then we always recommend ordering on a gloss canvas since the protective coatings we used had to be applied very lightly or else it would become glossy. On the other hand, the Matte Canvas prints have very little glare so seemed to be better for high-contrast images containing a wide array of color combination. Gloss canvas prints do tend to make an image "pop" more, and help give the illusion of deeper, more vibrant tones even when they are more muted.

Glossy canvas

Matt canvas

All that changed as new satin coatings were introduced to the market which were specially formulated for canvas printing and our canvas supplier came up with a matte canvas which met the standards of the most discriminating gallery. The canvas provided the color and vibrancy we knew our customers would demand and the coating gave it the protection it needed.

But You Offer More than Gloss or Matte
That is now true. You may find that we also offer a Metallic canvas by Hahneuhle, the leader in giclee printing media as well as a more economical semi-gloss or satin level of canvas we call our Arisan Archival Canvas. If you really want your artwork or photography to "pop" then the Metallic canvas has a very high contast level that make details really standout. It is not really made of metal but instead like all our canvas is a poly cotton blend but has that pearlescent finish you find with metallic photo papers.

As for the Arisan Archival Canvas, it is now our most popular. We typically find it a favorite with interior decorators which may have us print hundreds of prints at a time or even artists and photographers who commison us to produce prints for commercial clients. This may include everything from hospitals, hotel chains and government clients. It has very little glossiness and some may even consider it more of a matte canvas, Consider the Artisan Archival Canvas as ideal for any type of imagery however if you want to print incredible black and whites, HDR photography then the metallic is the way to go.

Do I Have to Print Hundreds at a Time?
Not at all. Most people ordering prints on our website one or two at a time. Sure you save a little money in your cost per print if you order in a higher quantity but as a canvas print on demand service we price ourselves in the ability to produce smaller orders quickly and easily.

So, What Should I Order?
Today that same high-quality canvas is used regardless of if you order any of our canvas print options. The original base a bright white poly-cotton blend that is archival in nature. So there is not one answer since the gloss canvas and matte canvas are essentially the same but both the glossy or matte coatings do make a difference when it comes to the image you are printing.