Each day large numbers of people use the internet to search for photo on canvas prints. They type words which describe what they are trying to find into search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing as well as many others. They've got all kinds of motivations. Most of these motivations can be split into one of two groups; People seeking to transfer family photographs or pictures onto canvas or people trying to find a photo on canvas to be presented as a unique gift. No matter what the motive behind the search, most are shopping around for the exact same thing. They just simply want a attractive looking, top quality canvas print which will last and won't break the bank.

One will encounter, of course, both positive and negative experiences when buying photo on canvas prints. This is because, as with many other goods sold today, the marketplace is being inundated by "no frills" retailers selling poor quality products.

The best way to avoid having a negative experience is to equip yourself with a little knowledge first. The most important thing to know is that not all canvases are identical. The finish of your print will vary vastly from company to company and with the current economic climate, more and more cheap, sub-standard print sellers are emerging, so beware! This is making it increasingly more difficult for casual photographers (and even experienced photographers like myself) to know who to have confidence in when planning to buy a photo on canvas print.

So how do you know that the manufacturer you choose will do a good job?

From my experience, sticking to the below tips should enable you find a reliable supplier who will supply you with a marvelous looking print that will last for years.

1. Start by looking at the manufacturers website for signs of quality.

Does it look professionally designed?

Are thier contact details made available?

Do they have customer reviews on their site?

These are often crucial factors in deciding whether a company is professional, reliable and trustworthy.

2. Check out which equipment and techniques will be used to make your canvas print. When looking for indications of good quality materials and workmanship, it would be useful for you to know a few specifics about canvas prints. Below, I have put together a few things for you to look out for.

Frame quality: Beware of companies who use solid wood frames which are made in-house. A solid wood frame does not enable the canvas to be tightened again over time and the canvas will sag and lose its shape. Always opt for a 4-piece pine frame. These 4-piece frames should come with wooden wedges which are inserted into the inner edges of the frame enabling you to stretch the print repeatedly over time. It is very important to keep in mind when buying a print, that the kind of wood used and the structure of the frame is integral to its durability.

Canvas material: Always opt for a print that is made using 100% cotton canvas. This both improves the look of your canvas and prevents discolouring. This material also gives the print a more eye-catching matte finish.

Archival Inks: What are archival inks? Archival inks are inks which are fade resistant for up to 75 years. A lot of printers skimp on quality by making use of various other less expensive kinds of ink. Always ensure that the company that you choose uses archival inks. The best range of archival ink based, large format printers in the market today would have to be the Epson Ultrachrome 7880/9880 range. If these printers are being used, you can be certain of fantastic image quality.

Lacquering: A Lacquer coating should be applied to both prevent cracking on the edges of the canvas (where the canvas meets the wood) and also to enable you to easily keep your canvas clean by gently wiping it with a moist cloth. This kind of coating also guards the artwork from U.V fading in addition to preventing scratches and scuffs.

This lacquer increases both the quality of the finish and the durability of the canvas. Always ensure that such a coating will be applied to your print.

If you are considering shopping for a photo on canvas print, follow the steps laid out in this guide to ensure that you receive a stunning, hard wearing canvas print that will last for many years to come.