A good canvas print comes down to four things: a tight, even wrap around a solid wooden frame, a frame depth that suits its size, inks made to resist fading, and sensible placement once it is on the wall. Here is what each one means, how our canvases are made, and how to keep yours looking as it did on the day it arrived.
What “gallery-wrapped” means
A gallery-wrapped canvas is stretched around a wooden frame, called a stretcher, and fixed at the back, so the image runs around the edges and the piece needs no frame. It is how most contemporary canvas art is displayed. On a well-made one:
- the surface is taut, with no ripples or soft spots;
- the corners are folded neatly, without bulky lumps;
- the edges are straight and the frame is square, so the piece hangs flush against the wall.
Why the depth varies
The frame's depth is how far the canvas stands off the wall. Ours are 0.75, 1.25 or 1.5 inches deep — roughly 2, 3 or 4 cm — chosen to suit the size you order. Deeper frames keep large canvases rigid and give them more presence; a slimmer profile keeps smaller pieces light and neat.
The inks: what keeps colour from fading
Our canvases are printed with water-based HP Latex inks, which are made to resist fading and are cured inside the printer, so the canvas arrives dry, durable and without a solvent smell. No printed ink is immune to strong sunlight, though. Ultraviolet light is what fades art — original paintings included — which is why where you hang a piece matters more than anything else you do.
Made to order, checked on arrival
Every canvas is printed after you order it, in the size you choose. When it arrives, take a minute to check the surface, the four corners, the edges and the back. If anything is damaged, take a couple of photos, including the packaging, and write to service@oriavi.com. We cover the return shipping for anything that arrives damaged, defective or incorrect.
Where to hang it
- Out of direct sunlight. Hours of sun every day will fade any print over time. Indirect daylight is ideal.
- Away from heat. Not directly above a radiator, heater or working fireplace: heat dries the canvas, and soot settles on it.
- Away from steam and grease. Poorly ventilated bathrooms and the wall right beside the hob are the hardest places for any canvas.
- On a dry wall. Damp exterior walls in older buildings can affect the frame over time; a small gap behind the canvas lets air circulate.
For height and spacing, see our size and hanging guide.
How to clean a canvas
Dust it every few weeks with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth or a clean soft brush, working gently from top to bottom. That is all it needs.
- Never use water, glass cleaner or household sprays on the printed surface.
- Do not press hard or rub at a mark; it can dull the finish.
- Handle the canvas by the frame edges rather than the face, especially with bare hands.
Hanging it securely
Every ORIAVI canvas comes ready to hang, with mounting hardware included. On plasterboard walls, use a fixing made for plasterboard rather than a bare nail. If you rent and cannot drill, picture-hanging strips can work for smaller, lighter canvases: check the weight rating on the pack and follow the instructions exactly, as they can lift paint when removed. For a no-fixing alternative, lean the canvas on a shelf, a sideboard or an unused mantelpiece.
Moving or storing it
Wrap the canvas in clean paper or cloth, protect the corners and store it upright. Never lay heavy objects on the face, or stack canvases face to face without a layer between them.
Colours on screen and on canvas never match exactly; our guide to colour on screen versus canvas explains why, and how to judge a piece before you order.
Questions
Does a gallery-wrapped canvas need a frame?
No. It is designed to hang as it is, with the image continuing around the edges. A floating frame is an optional extra, not a necessity.
Will my canvas fade?
Printed with fade-resistant inks and hung out of direct sunlight, it will keep its colour for many years. Strong daily sun will fade any print, and any painting, over time.
Can I hang canvas art in a bathroom or kitchen?
It is possible in a well-ventilated room, but steam and grease are hard on any canvas. If you have the choice, pick another wall.
How do I clean it?
With a soft, dry cloth or brush only — no water, no sprays.
What if my canvas arrives damaged?
Take photos of the canvas and the packaging and write to service@oriavi.com. We cover the return shipping for damaged, defective or incorrect items.
