What Is a Wrapped Canvas?
A wrapped canvas refers to a piece of canvas material that has been stretched tightly over a wooden frame, with the artwork or image continuing around the edges. This presentation style creates a clean, modern look without the need for additional framing, allowing the artwork to stand out on its own.
What Is a Wrapped Frame Canvas?
A wrapped frame canvas specifically describes the wooden stretcher bars or frame that support the stretched canvas. This frame provides tension to keep the canvas smooth and taut, while also giving the artwork structural stability. The frame is typically hidden behind the canvas edges, making the canvas appear as a seamless, floating piece.
What Is the Difference Between Rolled and Wrapped Canvas?
Presentation and Form
Rolled Canvas: The canvas is loosely rolled into a tube for storage or shipping, leaving the artwork flat and unmounted. It requires framing or stretching before display.
Wrapped Canvas: The canvas is already stretched and fixed around a wooden frame, ready to hang with the image continuing around the edges.
Handling and Convenience
Rolled Canvas: Easier to transport and store in bulk, but needs additional work to be displayed properly.
Wrapped Canvas: More fragile to handle but immediately displayable without extra preparation.
Visual Impact
Rolled Canvas: Typically shown inside a frame or mounted later, which can add decorative borders but may limit image edge visibility.
Wrapped Canvas: Offers a frameless, contemporary look with the image flowing over the sides, creating depth.
Canvas Wrap Edge Types
- Gallery Wrap: The canvas image continues seamlessly around all four sides of the frame, often with the image mirrored or extended to maintain continuity.
- Mirror Wrap: The outer edges of the image are mirrored and wrapped around the sides, preserving the main image on the front.
- Colored Wrap: Instead of continuing the image, the edges are wrapped with a solid color—usually black, white, or another neutral shade.
- Blank Wrap: The edges are left blank or unprinted, emphasizing the front image only and often requiring framing.
How to Wrap a Canvas
Preparing the Canvas and Frame
Start by selecting a high-quality canvas and a sturdy wooden frame (stretcher bars). Ensure the frame corners are square and the wood is smooth to prevent damage to the fabric. Cut the canvas larger than the frame dimensions, leaving enough material to wrap around the edges.
Stretching the Canvas
Lay the canvas face down on a clean surface. Place the frame centered on top. Begin stretching the canvas by pulling it tightly over one side of the frame and stapling it securely to the back of the stretcher bar.
Move to the opposite side, pulling evenly to avoid wrinkles, then staple. Repeat this for the remaining sides, alternating sides to maintain tension and keep the fabric smooth.
Folding and Securing Corners
When wrapping the corners, fold the excess fabric neatly to create a flat, clean finish. Common corner folds include the hospital fold or mitre fold, which prevent bulky overlapping. Staple the corners firmly, ensuring the canvas remains taut and wrinkle-free.
Final Touches
Once fully stapled, check the front surface for any sagging or imperfections. If necessary, add additional staples or use canvas pliers for extra tension. Trim any excess fabric on the back, and your wrapped canvas is ready for hanging or display.
