How to Put a Photo on Canvas By Yourself-Easy Method

Canvas has been used for a long time for different purposes. The strength and durability of the material make it suitable for various functions.

One of the most common uses of the canvas is painting. It has been used for centuries by famous artists to do their paintwork which is still in good condition in museums across the world.

It has found an even more interesting function as photographic images are now transferred or printed on canvas. It is also suitable for simple mounting of photographs.

Why Use Canvas?

You may wonder why someone would use canvas for photography work while the traditional paper seems to work just fine. Canvas does not look to the eye like it would present as well as paper when it comes to photography.

However, canvas actually shares some qualities with paper when it comes to photography and has certain unique qualities that give it an advantage over paper as a printing material for photos.

Advantages Of Using Canvas For Photography Work

  • Here are some reasons to use canvas for your photos.
  • Canvas is generally a longer lasting material and would keep the photo for generations to come.
  • It is more resistant to humidity and as such photos can be mounted in areas that are humid such as decor in a sauna and kitchen among others.
  • It does not need a frame and looks very complete even without one.
  • The photograph on canvas has got a unique look that can only be achieved when a photo is put on canvas as opposed to paper.

Disadvantages Of Using Canvas For Photography

  • The very same unique visual quality it presents may not be appealing to everyone
  • The general design may not be suitable to mount in certain settings.

How To Put Photos On Canvas

For this process you will need:

  • Wooden frame
  • Gel medium
  • Soft brush
  • A hard, smooth card
  • Canvas
  • Printed photo
  • Spray bottle of water
  • A pair of scissors
  • File

Method

  • 1
    Get your canvas and nail it to the frame; the frame should be slightly smaller to allow the canvas to wrap around the edges.
  • 2
    Spread the medium gel across the canvas evenly though not to the sides.
  • 3
    Place the photo on the canvas making sure it is well centered. It should be slightly bigger in size than the canvas. Note that the photo should be mirrored when printing so that it appears the right side up when transferred onto the canvas.
  • 4
    Gently but firmly press the photo to the canvas evenly.
  • 5
    Turn the canvas upside down and use the hard card (an old credit card or something similar would do) to repeat the pressing but this time on the underside and ensure you straighten all creases and remove air bubbles.
  • 6
    Let the medium dry for at least 24 hours. During this time the project should not be disturbed at all.
  • 7
    After the drying period get the pair of scissors and cut the hanging edges of the photo as close as possible to the frame.
  • 8
    Use your file to even the edges of the cut photo until it is at the same level as the canvas.
  • 9
    Get your water in a spray bottle and spray lightly onto the canvas. Start peeling off the paper slowly; it will not come off at once but is a process you will have to repeat several times before your photo is clearly revealed. Do not stress yourself removing every bit of paper; small pieces will remain here and there, and that is what gives it that rustic, unique look
  • 10
    Spray a coat of clear varnish to give it a gloss and to protect the photo.

If you took notice the picture only covers the front part of the canvas. Now let’s see how to make it wrap around the whole frame; in this case, the photo size needs to be reasonably bigger than the canvas:

  • After the drying period, turn the project upside down and apply the medium gel to the sides of the frame.
  • Fold the photo over the sides of the canvas and use tacking pins to hold it at the back of the frame.
  • Press the photo onto the sides of the canvas where you have applied fresh medium gel and smooth out all creases again in a similar fashion to the first process and let it sit for a similar period of time.
  • After the whole project is dry, start the spraying process.

This additional feature takes twice as long to achieve but gives a unique look.

You can also add an effect by applying medium gel over the complete product and using a cloth to dub lightly over.

Mounting A Photo On A Canvas

Mounting A Photo On A Canvas

This does not involve transferring the image onto the canvas but simply pinning it to a canvas that has been spread across a frame.

Method

Place your photo evenly on the canvas and fold it over the edges using tacking pins. You could choose to spray a layer of clear varnish to give it a gloss.

Putting images on canvas using nail polish remover

This is an inexpensive technique that requires cheap nail polish remover to do the job.

Requirements

  • Nail polish remover
  • Brush
  • Mirrored image, permitted using a laser printer
  • Masking tape
  • A piece of cotton cloth

Method

  • 1
    Place the photo on the canvas and secure it using the masking tape.
  • 2
    Soak the cotton cloth in nail polish remover; do not soak it too much. It should be well soaked but not dripping.
  • 3
    Press the soaked rug over the image. Progressively do this until you cover the whole surface.
  • 4
    Let the nail polish remover dry and repeat the process until the image is transferred onto the canvas.

This method can also be used to transfer images onto other surfaces such as wood and tiles.

How to transfer a colored image onto canvas

How to transfer a colored image onto canvas

The general method works but does not give similar clarity and quality with colored photos.

Requirements

  • Gel medium
  • Canvas
  • Tissue paper or serviette
  • Spray bottle
  • Iron box

Method

  • 1
    Lay down the canvas and place a tissue paper on top of it. Trim it to the exact size as the canvas.
  • 2
    Put your iron on high heat setting and iron the tissue paper or serviette removing all creases.
  • 3
    Use the tissue as your printing paper; put it into the laser printer and print the image to be transferred.
  • 4
    Apply your gel medium evenly across the canvas covering all corners
  • 5
    Place your image on the canvas and use a foam brush to gently remove any creases and air bubbles; you have to be extra careful because of the fragile qualities of tissue paper.
  • 6
    Let the medium dry.
  • 7
    You can add a protective layer of medium gel or clear varnish.

You can choose to either have the photo at the exact size of the front side of the canvas; in this case, you will need to neatly cut and file the edges of the photo.

You may also choose to wrap it around the frame in which case you will need to apply the medium gel to the sides of the frame and press the image onto it just like you did in the first phase.

Transferring photos onto canvas is an easy and very entertaining art technique. It is relatively very cheap and can be easily taught through online tutorials.

The product is unique and refreshing. It can also be used in just about any setting. Try it out today. You will enjoy it.

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