I spent several weeks researching canvas for a big print job (phase one is 270+ prints and that will be less than half when the project's done) with lots of big prints, 20x30 to 30x40 all from my existing stock.
I looked into Epson, Sunset, Breathing Color, and settled on the Fredrix 777 Vivid. The Epson was expensive and the last I used, the images peeled off with little effort. Sunset was also expensive. Breathing Color was priced well, but I never got my questions answered. I settled on Fredrix 777.
It's not the cheapest, but it was reasonably priced, the rolls, so far, in 24, 36 and 44 all give me consistent IQ. It's easy to profile and the prints look great!
I then coat them using Clear Star's LL Semi-gloss and the image comes to life!
I choose the Fredrix because when I e-mailed for info, their local rep called me the next day and not only knew the answers to all my questions regarding IQ, printers, lamination (coatings), mounting, etc., but would supply me with samples to see how the canvas would mount in the drymount press, different surfaces, etc. His knowledge was crucial to this project and customer service supurb!
The rep's support led to me simply purchasing about 40 rolls from 24 to 44 inches and 8 gallons of coating for this phase of the project.
So far, we've mounted the first batch on foamboard for framing. In the mean time, as I was gearing up for the project, I had customers who wanted gallery wraps.
Originally, I used Print Shield and Desert Varnish to protect the canvas. But now I'm using the ClearStar though a Daige laminator (coater) or simply rolling it on with a paint roller.
For mounting, I use canvas pliers and a staple gun on pre-cut 1.25 and 5/8th stretcher bars, thick for 11x14 and larger, the thinner for the smaller prints. It will take you practice to learn to pull tight enough and run your electric stapler. The tricky part is folding the corners inside the canvas to make it neater. I'm still learning to wrap the frames, but sure love the look of canvas after it is drymounted and framed.
Best thing to do is to purchase sample rolls (Breathing color and 17" x 20 foot rolls, Fredrix will sent you a 5 foot piece. Lexjet will sell you a roll and if you don't like it, you send back the rest for refund, as I recall.
Bottom line is that the Fredrix 777 Vivid works well with both my Epson 9800 and 9900. The images look great, I like them and best of all, the client loves them enough to give us a PO and a check for half. It's going to be a long spring printing but well rewarded!
