5 Tips for Caring for Your Canvas

There's no better feeling than unboxing a beautiful piece of art and hanging it just so on the wall. But now that you have this fantastic piece of valuable canvas art, how to maintain it? We have 5 tips below for caring for your canvas print.

1. Keep It Out of the Sun

All of our canvases are sprayed with a special UV resistant coating that sets the ink within the canvas. However, it is still best to keep it out of direct sunlight and fluorescent lighting, as continued exposure can degrade through the coating over time.

2. Clean with a soft, microfibre cloth, or feather duster. 

No force is necessary; just gently wipe to dust, or dampen the cloth with a little water if need be. Make sure not to press as you skim over the center, as this is where the canvas is most vulnerable. Do not use any chemicals when cleaning, as this can react with the UV coating and damage it. Dusting daily is also recommended, as it helps prevent dust buildup that may eventually be harder to clean.

3. Keep It Out of Hot and Wet Environments

Humidity, heat and air pollutants can damage the canvas and inks. To avoid this, keep your canvas out of kitchens, bathrooms, or heat sources such as air vents, air conditioners, and radiators. For bathroom and kitchen decorating, we recommend framed fine art prints, which are protected by plexiglass. In general, keep such artwork out of heat, sunlight and moisture as much as possible.

4. Hold Onto the Sides When Moving

Sometimes canvases have to be moved, and in which case we always recommend holding the print by the wooden stretcher frames inside. Do not lean anything against either the front or the back of the canvas, as it can stretch the fabric, create a dent, or worse, tear it.

5. Spray Behind the Dents

In the event that dents are unavoidable, there is a simple solution to minimizing it. Simply spray the back of the canvas with a bit of water where the dent is, and leave it overnight to 24 hours. By then, the moisture should help reset the fibers and sooth out the dent.

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VancouverOnCanvas is a local printing, framing, fine arts and reproduction company. We also supply artist materials such as custom canvases, primed and unprimed, as well as stretcher bars, wood panels, etc. Check out our supply section today!

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 

We Heart this Valentine's Coupon!

The first of February marks the beginning of yet another sweet holiday around the corner - you guessed it, Valentine's!

While Valentine's Day is usually associated with romantic pairings and lovebirds, it is also a day to just show anyone you love just how much you love them - whether they be friends or family. No matter how big or small the gesture, a sentimental thought will be sure to brighten anyone's day.

If you choose to give a Valentine's gift this year, we can help you make it especially thoughtful and personalized.

For friends, why not print a 8x8 canvas gallery wrap of one of their Instagram shots? 

For family, why not a metal print of their latest vacation photos? 

And for an especially special sweetheart, the possibilities are endless...but poetic Word Arts, Word Clouds, and Collages are our favourite.

And now we have an even better way to help - with a coupon!

Until February 14th, use the coupon code HEART30 to receive 30% off all regular-priced canvas, metal, plexi, fine art prints and plaque mounts! Order by Feb 7th for guaranteed Valentine's arrival. So heart this coupon code and get started!

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KeenArt Media is a family-owned printing company specializing in fine art prints and reproduction services, such as scanning, dry mounting, and dye sublimation (onto metal or wood!). Whether it's for the home or for the gallery, we have you covered.  Inquire today!

KeenArt Media Ltd. Toll Free: 1-88-533-6278
www.VancouverOnCanvas.com
Working Hours:
8:30 AM to 5:00PM Monday to Thursday
8:30 AM to 4:00PM Friday

Artists - How to Sign Your Artwork

Happy Friday again everyone!

As part of our new year's resolution to broaden our topics, today we will be sharing our tips for signing your art. Although it may seem very simple, signing your name can actually be an art in of itself (no pun intended). Just like any brushstroke, your signature is an integral and important part of your piece, and requires careful consideration and thought. Before you sign-off with your initials, keep these tips in consideration:

• Sign your artwork, legibly and clearly
• You can sign it anywhere (back, front, sides, corners, etc), but…
• Keep it consistent from piece to piece
• Sign with the same medium as your artwork
• Date it (on the back)

Having a unique, recognizable, and consistent signature helps market and preserve your brand, while preventing thefts or third-party replications in the future. Providing as much information about your piece on the back also allows historians and collectors to better track and place your artwork in context of history and value.

For example, 17th century Dutch artist Judith Leyster always signed with her initials (JL) with a star attached. It was a play on words (Leister meant 'lead star' in Dutch), and also acted as a watermark in certain paintings - for in some of her works, a star-shaped mark can often be found in the north part of the painting.

In addition to signing consistently, consider creating a certificate of authenticity to go with your work. Unique methods of identifications provide extra touch to the artwork buying experience and legitimacy. You can also use an embossing stamp on the certificate or print itself.

Finally, make sure you use proper materials to sign your originals or prints. For original artworks, try to sign with the same material as the artwork, as this would help deter counterfeits. For prints, stick to pencil or ink, either on the back or the bottom corners in the margins. This will help keep the focus on the art itself, while looking clean and professional.

And that's it! We hope this has been a helpful article for all our artists out there.

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KeenArt Media is a family-owned printing company specializing in fine art prints and reproduction services. Whether it's for the home or for the gallery, we have you covered.  Inquire today!

KeenArt Media Ltd. Toll Free: 1-88-533-6278
www.VancouverOnCanvas.com
Working Hours:
8:30 AM to 5:00PM Monday to Thursday
8:30 AM to 4:00PM Friday

Happy Canada Day!

We're so proud and thankful to live here in Canada. From all of us here at VancouverOnCanvas, happy birthday, Canada!


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Check out our Ideas Gallery for that next big special day!
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