Canvas prints are an increasingly popular option for decorating the walls of homes and offices. The archival-quality prints look beautiful and add a touch of sophistication to any space. But, like any other artwork, it's also vulnerable to damage from environmental factors such as dust, UV light, and moisture which can diminish the beauty of this fine art piece.
Luckily, with advancements in technology, there are multiple ways to ensure that your canvas prints retain their aesthetic appeal for a long time. One such option is lamination, which involves applying a thin protective layer over canvas prints to enhance their life. In this article, we'll explore lamination in detail, its types, and its benefits that make it the perfect option for enhancing the durability of your prints.
What is Canvas Prints Lamination?
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Laminating a canvas print, involves applying a thin layer of plastic film onto the surface of the canvas. This is done to protect the print from scratches, fingerprints, and other physical damage and give it a more polished and professional appearance. The lamination can also be glossy, matte, or satin, depending on the desired effect.
Imagine having a print you curated from scratch hanging in your lounge on a blank wall. It's a statement piece in the house showcasing the memories your family spent in the Maldives last summer. The three split panel canvas prints arranged horizontally look breathtakingly beautiful and are great conversation starters in your house.
You want to ensure that the picture will stay as fresh as it is now, even a hundred years from today. The figure might seem unrealistic, but trust us, with lamination, it's possible. Let’s delve deeper into the mechanism to find out how!
Simply put, lamination is a means to prolong the life of your canvas prints. The thin film coated over your canvas prints is a shield that defends your piece from various environmental aggressors.
Usually, all printing firms make use of premium inks that give canvas prints the primary defense it requires. But if you want to ensure that no harm comes to your precious artwork in the long run, it's best to opt for lamination - the final call that makes your canvas prints timeless.
Types of Lamination
Lamination is a crucial component that helps extend your canvas prints' life. There are different types of canvas lamination, ranging from matte to satin and gloss finishes. Each finish has its characteristics, but the motto of all is to enhance the durability and longevity of the canvas prints.
The matte finish provides a non-reflective, velvety effect that gives the prints the edge. It is perfect for prints displayed in areas with a lot of natural light, with no shiny reflection glaring back. Matte lamination creates a subdued effect and works excellently with canvas prints that have subtle colors and fine details.
If vibrancy is what you're after, gloss lamination is the answer. This type of lamination provides a glossy finish to the canvas that helps to enhance its visual power. It works great with bright and vivid color canvas prints as it pops the color more and helps your artwork to stand out. However, it's important to remember that the ideal location for prints with this type of lamination is indoors, or the work will get lost in the glare.
Another popular finish type is satin lamination. It's somewhere between matte and gloss finish. So if you want your canvas prints to have a subtle shine that's not too overpowering, a satin finish is the right choice.
Some Common Lamination Materials
Before coming to this stage, it's essential that you do your homework thoroughly to pick the best coating for your canvas prints. Factor in the finish and location that you desire for your artwork.
If you're unsure, try to contact the professionals and decide with them. Once you've figured out these intricacies, it's time to choose the lamination material for your canvas prints. Below is a list of some typical lamination films that helps to increase the lifespan of your statement pieces.
Polyester Film
Polyester film is the best option if you plan to hang your canvas prints outdoors and in light. It provides high protection against humidity and UV light.
Pros
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Available in various finishes such as satin, matte, and gloss.
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Enhances the visual appeal of your canvas prints.
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Provides a maximum level of protection against scratches, such as chirping and cracking.
Cons
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Expensive.
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Not very eco-friendly as it's made from nonrenewable resources like petroleum.
Vinyl Film
Another hit option is vinyl lamination, as it's highly durable and acts as a protective barrier against moisture, UV rays, and other environmental factors. It's available in satin, gloss, and matte finishes and is easy to install and remove.
Pros
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Resistant to scratches, wear, and tear, and other forms of damage.
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It's water-resistant, meaning it protects your canvas prints against moisture damage.
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Can be displayed outdoors, indoors, and in high-traffic areas without any fear of harm that may come to the prints.
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Offers protection against UV radiation which helps maintain your prints' vibrancy.
Cons
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May not provide a high level of UV protection when compared to other lamination material types.
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Prone to yellowing over time.
Liquid Laminate
It's one of the most common and hit methods of laminating canvas prints. You can also DIY, as the application is easy and requires no technicalities. All you need is disposable gloves, a paint roller, a roller tray, and a liquid lamination solution, and voila! You have a laminated canvas print.
Pros
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Easy to do on your own at home.
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Multiple layers of liquid laminate can be applied for maximum protection.
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Provides an optimal level of protection against water and UV rays.
Cons
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Application is time-consuming and messy.
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May be less durable than other professional lamination options.
DIY lamination
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Technically going with a professional is a wise choice, but if you want to do it independently, here is a step-by-step guide to laminating your canvas print.
Material needed:
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Disposable gloves
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Canvas print
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Liquid laminate solution
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Paint roller
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Roller tray
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Clean, dry, and smooth surface
Step-by-step guide:
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Lay your canvas print on a clean, smooth surface.
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Wear disposable gloves to protect your hands from the lamination solution.
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Pour a small amount of lamination solution into the tray.
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Dip your paint roller into the tray.
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Starting from one end of the canvas, apply the liquid lamination solution directly onto the canvas in smooth, even strokes.
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Don't apply too much pressure, as it will affect the finish.
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Cover the entire surface of the canvas, including all the edges.
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Allow it to dry completely for a while before repeating the process. At least wait for 10-15 minutes.
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Once it's dried, apply the second coat following the steps above and wait till it's fully dried.
You can use as many coats as you want for your desired level of protection. Remember, too much and the print loses its charm, as multiple coats would make the print less delicate and fine.
Benefits of Laminating Canvas Prints
Laminating canvas prints offers a myriad of benefits, including:
Protection from UV rays
Exposure to sunlight can damage the quality of canvas prints over time. The harmful UV rays can cause color deterioration, losing image quality on your canvas print. Many professional companies use high-quality lamination material made of UV inhibitors that prevent color from fading.
Acts as a shield against humidity
The protective film ensures that your canvas prints don't lose their quality or vibrancy if it gets in contact with moisture. Many high-humidity areas can diminish the charm of your artwork if proper measures are not there. To ensure your canvas prints stay strong in the face of water (be it moisture, accidental juice spills, or anything else), it's wise to get your art pieces laminated so that no harm comes to them.
Scratch resistance
Laminated canvas prints are scratch and tear resistant as the films with which they are coated make sure that your artwork is adequately defended. It also protects your prints against wayward fingernails and strident objects. You can easily move your prints from one place to another without worrying about harm as they have their protective charm coating.
Since they last many years without losing appeal, the laminated prints make a perfect display for high-traffic areas such as museums or offices.
Saves money and time
Many people opt for canvas prints for two major reasons, trendy and long-lasting. From picking out a print that will go on the canvas to selecting the orientation, type, and size, a lot of effort goes into making sure that you have a pristine, professional, and visually appealing print in your hand.
Therefore, it's wise to go with lamination as it saves money and time by preserving your artwork in the face of time.
Guards its visual power
Another fantastic thing about laminated canvas prints is the finish it offers still your canvas prints. Regardless of what type of finish you go with, the glossy appeal your art piece gets is undeniable. The subtle shine on the surface can create a dramatic look that amplifies the power of your statement piece.
Lamination makes prints more impressive, attractive, and is a great attention grabber. So be it at home or the office, laminate your prints to guard their visual power and leave an everlasting impression on your visitors.
Easy cleaning
Cleaning the canvas is an easy breezy step, thanks to the thin protective film coating on the frame. Simply take a cloth to wipe the dust and other particles to give your canvas print the squeaky look it deserves.
Conclusion
Displaying memories in your home is the best way to provide a glimpse of your life. Even in office settings, canvas prints have a massive impact as it amplifies the aura of the space. From single-pane large canvas prints to split canvas, and panoramic photo canvases, there are multiple options you can utilize to decorate your space. But if you want to make your investment worth it, consider laminating or coating your canvas prints as it extends their lifespan.
At The Canvas Prints, we pride ourselves on producing high-quality canvas photo prints that stand the test of time. Our team of professionals is dedicated to ensuring that your canvas prints can withstand wear and tear, so you can enjoy them for years to come. Don't settle for less when preserving your cherished memories – contact us today to create the canvas print of your dreams!
