Due to the popularity of Epson’s new Signature Worthy® line of Exhibition Canvas, we have received many requests for recommendations on how to properly print, top coat, gallery wrap, and display a finished canvas inkjet print. Unlike traditional photographic prints, canvas fine art requires certain techniques that differentiate this medium and add to the beauty of the finished product.
EPSON Exhibition Canvas Printing and Finishing Guidelines
Designed in collaboration with world renowned fine artists and professional photographers, EPSON Exhibition Canvas products offer industry leading Dmax for the richest blacks, extremely wide color gamut, exceptional white point for clean highlights and an innovative microfiber base that virtually eliminates cracking.
The following guidelines and recommendations are provided by Epson to insure that your Exhibition Canvas print is both produced and can be displayed with your vision in mind for many years to come.
Before Printing
Just as with printing on any high quality inkjet substrate, the proper selection of Epson ink and profile is essential to producing the finest quality Epson Signature Worthy® print. To insure a perfect print, please consult the Instruction and Handling sheet enclosed in the media’s package, and choose the recommended profiles and inks (download ICC profiles from proimaging.epson.com):
• For Exhibition Canvas Matte, use Matte Black ink only
• For Exhibition Canvas Satin, use Photo Black ink only
• For Exhibition Canvas Gloss, use Photo Black ink only
- Make certain that your printer is running the most current version of firmware (available on proimaging.epson.com).
- Make certain that you have downloaded the most current ICC profile. Remember that profiles are specific
to both the type of printer you have and the finish of canvas you are using.
- Please follow all instructions on the READ ME file associated with the ICC profile download including
Media Type, Color Density, etc.
Post Printing
As opposed to the display of photographic inkjet prints in traditional frames behind glass, prints made on inkjet canvas are usually presented in a "gallery wrap" format and can be either framed or unframed, but traditionally without a glass covering. (Click here to see the Epson instructional How To video on "Gallery Wrap"): Gallery Wrap Video for EPSON Exhibition Canvas
Because of the traditional display style for canvas prints, top coating is an additional process for those who wish extra print surface protection. Epson recommends this for its Matte finish canvas only. For those who do not want to top coat, it is recommended that Exhibition Canvas Satin or Exhibition Canvas Gloss be used. These two finishes provide a surface with excellent durability including abrasion, crack, and water resistance even without the use of a top coat.
Key benefits to top coating a canvas print:
Increases durability of the printed image on the canvas
Improves water resistance of the printed image on the canvas
Allows for adjustment of the surface gloss to desired levels
It is recommended for those top coating canvas prints to select Exhibition Matte Canvas:
Exhibition Matte Canvas is about 20% less expensive than Exhibition Gloss and Exhibition Satin canvas
Exhibition Canvas Matte can accept top coats in matte, satin or gloss finish
Exhibition Matte Canvas can accept top coats applied by either brushing, rolling, spraying, laminating or silk screening
If top coating Exhibition Canvas Satin or Exhibition Canvas Gloss, only a spray will work (brushing and rolling will transfer ink off of the canvas)
Prior to applying a top coat
Avoid touching the printed side of the canvas
Allow printed canvas to dry a minimum of 24 hours prior to coating
Do not stack printed canvas images
Allow to dry in a dust free / RH controlled environment
Recommended top coat applications
HVLP spray system in contained spray booth (or low cost HVLP spray system available for under $100)
Screen print
Liquid laminator
Recommended top coat products
(Not required for Exhibition Canvas Satin or Exhibition Canvas Gloss, but may be used if added protection is desired)
Clear Star ClearJet (brush or roller) *
Triangle D412 (brush or roller)
Premier Art Eco Shield (brush or roller) *
Golden Varnish Archival Spray
Bulldog Ultra Gloss Liquid Laminate Spray
Print Guard UV Water Resistant Lacquer Spray
Premier Art Print Shield
*Exhibition Canvas Matte Only
Source: Epson USA