Topic: Should canvas gallery wraps have back covered? (Read 2184 times)

dgberg · « **on:** January 30, 2009, 07:10:35 am »

Have my new Epson 7900 and have completed a dozen or more canvas wraps. We are now starting to print for the new gallery. Should the backs be covered by black kraft paper? I have seen it done both ways. I have been screwing my hangers to the inside of the stretchers and will not be able to continue that if I enclose the back. Another issue I have is the back area with the staples attached is very uneven. I cannot see that it will take the adhesive and kraft paper and stay flat. I do not want to see any of this from the edge. These prints average from $150 to $450.00 so it is in the budget to make them as professional looking as possible. Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance
Dan Berg
Bergs Canvas Gallery
"Capture To Canvas"

jjlphoto · « **Reply #1 on:** January 30, 2009, 09:32:25 am »

I own quite a few original oil paintings on stretched canvas. (Some valued over $7K) Not a one of them his backed.

dgberg · « **Reply #2 on:** January 30, 2009, 10:03:40 am »

Quote from: jjlphoto

I own quite a few original oil paintings on stretched canvas. (Some valued over $7K) Not a one of them his backed.

Thanks John
The replies really run the gamut. Thought I would check here and see what people are doing that do their own printing,wrapping and then sell their finished product
Thanks
Dan Berg

Bruce Watson · « **Reply #3 on:** January 30, 2009, 10:37:19 am »

In my experience, limited though it is, the canvas itself is seldom if ever back-covered. If it's a gallery wrapped canvas it would be nearly impossible to do anyway. When you put it in a frame, the frame is back-covered. And not with craft paper. With an acid free sheet designed for the purpose, applied with an acid free adhesive.

bill t. · « **Reply #4 on:** January 30, 2009, 11:35:54 am »

Do not cover the backs.

Stretched canvases and their bars expand and contract with humidity and heat, don't do anything to prevent that. If you are using the classic tightening wedges then those will not be accessible. Also, customers will inevitably punch their fingers through the paper they can't see, it's not pretty.

By archival theory you want to keep the same temperature and humidity on both sides of the canvas, coverings and backings upset this equilibrium.

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