Ideas Corner Feature: Wedding Instagram Booth!

Although we've been in this business for a while, every so often a client will order a product and implement it in a way we had never dreamed of before! Such was the case a couple of weeks ago when we had a customer come in to order a poster that was to be mounted on foamcore for his fiancee's bridal shower - except he also requested us to cut a window into it, so it would become an Instagram photo booth!

Super neat! This project was made by drymounting the client's already printed poster onto white foamcore, then reinforcing the cut window with extra matboards to serve as a photo "frame". Wish we could've seen it used in person, we loved this idea!

Got any creative mounting ideas for us? Let us know in the comments below! Want to order one for your bridal shower? Check out our dry mounting prices here!


KeenArt Media specializes in customized canvas and fine art printing and reproduction. We also offer services in dry mounting, plaque mounting, and plexi-face mounting. We also do custom cut boards in various materials, such as foamcore, plexi, aluminum and matboard. Check out our website or contact us for details for custom orders such as today's feature.

KeenArt Media Ltd. 604-421-8000 (KeenART)
www.VancouverOnCanvas.com
8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Thursday
8:30 AM to 4:00 PM Friday
info@keenartmedia.com

[NEW PRODUCTS] Art and Framing Supplies

At VancouverOnCanvas, we have worked along side countless talented artists and photographers to meet their printing and framing needs. Aside from getting custom giclee prints, picture frames and dry mounting done, we know that many artists prefer to be involved with almost all aspects of their work. This includes the small finishing touches to complete a piece and make it ready to show!

We now offer an array of art, framing and finishing supplies to help you get your artwork ready for art galleries, showcases or clients. They are also great for personal projects that you are doing for yourself, friends or family. 

CANVAS

For our traditional visual artists, we have artist canvases that come in standard and custom sizes.  If you need a custom canvas or just canvas by the foot we have a variety of canvas material to fit your needs. If you are looking for tools to complete your artwork, we also have finishing supplies, such as: stretcher bars, canvas pliers, cloth tape and the protective canvas coating. 

MOUNTING BOARDS

Foamboard, Gatorboard and Matboards

Dry mounting is one of the most popular services we offer.  It allows you to mount prints for easy displaying, which takes away the fuss of a picture frame and has a modern look.  However, it isn't limited just for prints. If you need a rigid surface for a creative project or for a picture frame we also supply mounting boards such as: gatorboard, foamboard, matboards, cork boards and birch wood boards.

WOOD PANELS 

 

Wooden panels are great for arts and craft projects, and we've seen a growing popularity in using wooden panels for prints and artwork. If you were looking for a substrate that has more weight than a mounting board, this is a great option.  The rigid surface allows artists to create a complete work of art that doesn't need to be to framed or mounted later. 

Wooden panels can be used as an alternative for canvas for either prints, paintings, drawings or mixed media art projects.  One of the most popular use of wooden panels is for applying resin coating to paintings or prints. The strong surface allows the epoxy to evenly spread across and support the extra weight.  

1) Wooden Panel with Painted Edge. 2) Wooden Panel with Natural Edge

FRAMING

All our custom made picture frames come assembled with the hanging hardware. However, if you are in need of extra hardware or you want framing supplies for your own picture frames, you can now order them from our website. 

We have a large assortment of framing hardware for wooden and metal frames. This includes: wall hooks, ring hangers, wires, and offset clips.  If you need tools to complete a frame we also have tapes, adhesives and univ wedges. 

We also have premade metal frames that can be used for exhibitions or displaying certificates. If you have a keepsake that you want to frame, we also have shadow boxes for jerseys or special memorabilia. We have the traditional jersey shadow box and a frame light shadow box that will make your keepsakes shine!

EASELS AND DISPLAY RACKS

 

For resellers or artists selling their work, we have display racks that neatly display and organize your prints. We also have easels for a traditional way of displaying artwork and it can be used for painting.


If you are starting a new piece or need tools to complete your project, be sure to check out our new art supplies page! Visit VancouverOnCanvas.com for all your printing, framing and mounting needs.

Artwork Displaying Methods: Which one should you choose? (Part 3)

We have gone over dry mounting, plaque mounting and plexiface mounts in the previous two sets in this series. Each method has its pros and cons in terms of: usage, look and feel and shelf life. I think these aforementioned methods are the most widely available, most popular and commonly known mounting methods.

We have recently started selling wooden panels on our website and they can be used for various art projects. I've seen a lot of different D.I.Y projects online using wooden blocks  which includes photos being mounted and displayed on wood. 

The natural wood material can make a space feel warm and cozy. It is also very durable and goes well with many spaces. Photo wood block mounts can be hung on a wall or stacked on a table.

The most common photo block mounts I've seen online have a rustic aesthetic to it. The wood usually shows through the print or the print is cut in a way to incorporate some of the wood texture into it. 

At Vancouver On Canvas, we not only sell the wood blocks but we also have mounting services (as of now it is by request only). Unlike the most typical wooden mounts I've seen online, that have a matte finish or protected with mod podge, we apply a coat of epoxy resin on the print to give it a glossy finish. This helps to enhance the colours and give the print dimension. 

The resin has a glass appearance but it is less fragile and it is frameless. Unlike plexiface mounts, the wooden panel has depth to it. The piece looks weighted and paired with the exposed wood grain it helps add depth to any space or brighten up a dark room.

Wooden photo panels are long lasting and work well in homes or personal spaces. If you're interested in buying a wood block or getting a wood block with resin visit VancouverOnCanvas.com to order yours today. 

Artwork Displaying Methods: Which one should you choose? (Part 2)

In my last blog post, I described the process of dry mounting and what you may need to consider if you wanted to use that method for displaying your photos.

In this post, I will be describing how plaque mounting works and what types of media you might want to get plaque mounted. I will also be writing about plexi-face mounts and what you might need to know.


2. Plaque Mounting
I mentioned in my last blog post that plaque mounting is a type of dry mount that uses medium density fiberboard (MDF) as the mounting surface. The biggest difference between plaque mounts and other dry mount medias is that it is sturdier, more durable, and a UV protective laminate is applied on top of your prints.

It has a minimalistic, modern appearance that is great for offices and modern homes. Many people like to plaque mount photos that are tokens of achievements such as awards, certificates, blueprints, newspaper clipping and etc. It is perfect for mobile display panels, or prints displayed in high-activity areas. Plaque mounts will protect your photos and have a longer lifespan than other types of dry mounts.


How It Works
The process is the same as regular dry mounting. An adhesive fiber is placed between the photo and the MDF board and then heat sealed with a UV protected laminate on top. The result is a smooth surfaces free of bumps and bubbles with a matte finish. One set back is that you cannot get a glossy or textured finish because of the laminate.

Plaque mounting is a less expensive alternative to custom picture framing. It has the protective qualities of a picture frame that is simple, easy to care for and easy to move around. To hang it, a keyhole is drilled out from the back and you can hang it on a screw on the wall.

Plaque mounts have beveled edges that come in a variety of colours to suit your home or complement your photo. At Vancouver on Canvas we also have different styles of plaque mounts that suit your preference. The most standard plaque mount is almost frameless (with a thin beveled edge) and lays flat against the wall. We have other versions that allow for a "frame" appearance or even a canvas style look with a thicker edge. Visit our site to view all the options.

Like dry mounts, this is a permanent procedure and you must consider the value of your artwork and photo before you get it plaque mounted. However, aforementioned, plaque mounting is a lot more durable in the long run than dry mounting on foam core.

Plaque Mounts with different coloured edges and mounting styles

4. Plexiglass Face Mounts
Instead of using a film laminate, plexiglass or acrylic is applied on top of the image, hence the name plexiglass face mount. The plexiglass intensifies the colour gamut of all images because of the way light refractions occur inside the glass - making the colours pop and stand out more.

Even though the photo is placed behind glass we can still print on glossy paper because the finish can actually add more intensity to the colours when the plexiglass is applied on top.

How It Works
First, a transparent, double-sided adhesive is applied onto the front of the print. The protective film is peeled back and then the plexiglass is mounted on top of the print. Different thickness of glass can be used but you must consider two things: where you are hanging your prints and the type of backing you're going to use because it can get very heavy.

After the acrylic is mounted on top of the print, you can either get it plaque mounted or dry mounted to hang your artwork.

Currently, we do offer plexi face mount services but it is by request only and pricing will vary depending on the print and size. Please email us here for requests or price quotes.


Plaque mounts and plexiglass face mounts are a modern and stylish way to display your photos. If you don't want the look of a bulky or traditional picture frame, these two methods are a good alternative. You don't need to worry about glass breaking or changing your frames to match your decor if you move or renovate.

Visit Vancouver on Canvas now to get your photos dry mounted or plaque mounted.

Artwork Displaying Methods: Which one should you choose? (Part 1)

Our name, Vancouver on Canvas, probably gives away what we specialize in - everything to do with canvases from canvas stretching, custom stretcher bars, floater frames and of course canvas prints! 

However, we also provide services and products related to just regular prints on paper or artwork on paper (ie. watercolour paintings, sketches, posters and etc). We offer many different ways for our customers to display and show off their artwork and photographs. 

Generally, you need to consider a few factors: decide where you are displaying the photograph, the importance of longevity, how much value it has to you and the overall look-and-feel. You must consider these factors to make your choice in how you want to mount the image because different methods of displaying your photo will be for different purposes.

We offer dry mounting, plaque mounting and custom pictureframing. You’re probably wondering how to decide which one works best for you.

1. Dry Mounting

I'll start the first segment of this article about dry mounting. Many photographers and artists use this method to display their photos and artwork for gallery showings. Dry mounting is quick, inexpensive and it can last for a long time if handled with care. There are many different materials you can dry mount on.

Many people are probably familiar with wet mounting, as a child you probably done a lot of arts and crafts where you take a liquid-like glue to paste your artwork onto cardboard or heavy papers. Dry mounting, as you can guess is the opposite, the adhesive is a dry fibre that is heated to stick the pieces together. No mess, no bumps or lumps and no worry of liquid bleeding through your artwork.

How It Works
Drying mounting is a process where a paper print and a foam board are permanently attached to each other. A sealing tissue is placed between the artwork and the board and it is heated by using a mounting press to permanently adhere the pieces together.

Dry mounting is great way to insure that the print will have no appearances of bubbles or waves – your photo or artwork will look clean and crisp while on display.   This displaying method is inexpensive and easily portable it isgreat for ready to hang posters, maps, presentation material and any prints on paper.

Vacuum Dry Mount Press

Dry mounting is permanent so you must consider the value of the print before you consider dry mounting. If your artwork is a one-of-a-kind or limited edition piece you must keep in mind that dry mounting will affect the value of the artwork. Although all our mounting and print material are acid free, dry mounting is not considered an archival method of mounting.

The term "archival quality" is thrown around a lot but many people don't understand what it means. Of course the sound of museum archival quality makes us believe that it is better, but what makes something archival quality? It is the standards that curators follow to handle rare or old artifacts. To meet these standards, the item can be treated to prevent any deterioration but it must be reversible and the original piece must be in tact with no changes. Most people don't have curators handling their pieces and even though archival paper is acid free, not all acid free paper is archival quality.

Therefore, dry mounting does affect your artwork's longevity or how you want to present it. It is just not a good displaying method for valuable artwork or museums. This method of display can last for a very long time if it is handled carefully, it is a clean and non-intrusive way of displaying photos and artwork.

At Vancouver on Canvas, we offer a variety of mounting material for all your photos and artwork. The most popular ones are foamboard and gatorboards and the difference between these to boards is the durability. Both boards are constructed in the same way two pieces of paper-like material with synthetic material between them.

Foamboard is better for short term displaying because it is not as strong as gatorboard. The paper part of the gatorboard is a lot thicker than on foamboards and it can be used for both indoor and outdoor.

We also have sintra (plastic), dibond (aluminum), matboards (cotton rag) and MDF (plaque mounts) for dry mounting.

Dry mounting has a sleek and simplistic form that is quick and an affordable method for displaying all your artwork and photographs. You can easily transport all your work and change where you want to hang it.


Visit Vancouver on Canvas to get your photos and artwork printed and dry mounted!