Hello All,
I'm testing out a new canvas print idea and want a very matte finish. They are not photographic images but fine art - think geometric color abstracts. I've tested out Breathing Colors' Crystalline canvas which doesn't need to be coated but it was too shiny and reflective for my taste. The surface also looked splotchy when viewing at an angle. I also tried Epson Natural Satin for the same reason - it wasn't splotchy but still too shiny and reflective.
I like the look of the true matte canvases like Epson Exhibition Matte but it seems like I would need to coat it for protection.
First question - these won't be stretched on frames, I have a different hanging system for unstretched canvas that hangs on the wall, more like a tapestry. Other than vulnerability to being scuffed from handling, what is the realistic time frame that an uncoated matte canvas will start to show degradation from the elements if hanging on a wall in a house? 1 year? 5 years? 10 years?
Second question - I'm looking at Eco print shield as a possible coating as many on this board seem to like it and low-toxic is best for my production situation. The instructions say to do 2 coats of glossy and a topcoat of Matte if you want a matte finish. Has anyone done this and how Matte is the final finish compared to the uncoated matte canvas? Does it pick up more reflection? Does it look plasticy like the canvases I mentioned above?
Also, has anyone tried any alternative coating ideas for a matte finish such as a traditional painter's acrylic matte medium?
I'm going to do some experiments but if anyone has ideas to share that would save me time and money!
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Mark