What is the difference between an inkjet print on canvas and a canvas transfer? Canvas Transfer FAQs Seattle

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1 : What is the difference between an inkjet print on canvas and a canvas transfer?
An inkjet print on canvas is made by printing a digital image directly onto canvas. This is known as a Giclée print on canvas. The name is derived from the French gicler, meaning "to spray"; the inkjet printer sprays ink onto the canvas surface.

A traditional canvas transfer uses an existing physical print, and then chemically lifts the ink off of its paper backing with a special film or laminate. The ink is then transferred onto a canvas, and fixed in place with a hot press.

To determine which method best suits your needs, consider the following factors.

Giclée On Canvas VS Traditional Canvas Transfer

	Giclée On Canvas	Canvas Transfer
Color	Since the inkjet method begins with a digital file of the image, you can exercise a degree of control over color adjustment by using image-editing software, either to color-match the digital image to the original, or to manipulate the colors to achieve the desired result (e.g. changing an original color photo to black and white; enhancing the blue tones in an image to create a cooling effect, etc).	With a canvas transfer, the color appearing on the resulting print is comprised of the amount of ink lifted from the original print, usually by a heat press, and transferred onto the canvas substrate. The degree of control over color adjustment you have with inkjet printing is not available with canvas transfers.
Archivability	Our archival, pigmented inks from our inkjet printer are extremely durable, UV- and fade-resistant, and water-fast. Using these inks, your image is printed on a heavyweight, water-resistant, acid-free canvas. The coating then applied to the canvas finishes it with additional UV buffers. Your print is well protected and made to last.	The UV barrier and water-resistant finishing applied to the canvas protects the print, although the durability of the color is dependent upon the quality of the ink lifted from the original print.
Size	With a digital image file, you can choose the size of your giclee prints, whether you'd like to print them the same size as, smaller than, or larger than the original.	The transferred print must be the same size as the original print, as it is essentially the same physical image as the original.
Quantity	Multiple copies of the same image can be printed from the same digital file.	Limited to one transfer for a single original print.
Side-bars	We offer a variety of side-bar solutions, allowing you to choose what your artwork looks like from the sides that are folded around the wooden frame. You can select a solid color or a visual effect, using the image as a guide. Effects can be viewed on our Side-bar/Edges page.	Black or White fabric tape is often used to finish the sides.
Price	High-quality machinery and equipment can be used in both methods, and as both processes take a certain amount of time and labour, the price for inkjet printing on canvas and canvas transfers work out to roughly the same.
Copyright	Permission from copyright owners is needed to create prints using either method. It is possible that, for example, an artist will allow their poster artwork to be transferred onto a single canvas. Other artists may not allow this. It is necessary to obtain permission for transfers and reproductions from the copyright owner in order to respect copyright laws.

Canvas Transfer services page.

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