Once upon a time, to get high quality prints on fabric, it was necessary to hire an artist who could copy the work onto the fabric. The photographs could only be transferred to canvas through the intervention of a professional specialized in the photographic printing process. Today however, with today's technology, you too can print on canvas. You can achieve high quality fabric prints using the right computer programs, fabrics, printers and images.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparations
Step 1. Purchase your favorite fabric from an office supplies supplier or hobby center
There is a large variety of printable fabrics, varying in texture and quality. The fabric must also be of a type suitable for use with an inkjet printer.
- A shiny fabric leads to results of comparable quality to the professional one you would buy in the store.
- If the artwork is valuable or represents an important memory, you can protect it by choosing a canvas that is also resistant to UV rays.
Step 2. Search online if you want to buy pre-digitized reproductions of artwork
To get an idea of what you can find, you can visit the art supply stores and the shops of museums and art galleries. So choose the image file that you print on canvas.
- The images already scanned and saved on file are ready to be printed on fabric.
- Before finally choosing it, make sure that the image is sharp, appropriately contrasted and of the size you want.
Step 3. Alternatively, you can use a photo you already have on your computer
- With a PC, open the Photo and Fax Viewer for Windows. Open the image within this application and go to the print options. You can choose between different sizes, from the wallet format (approx. 5x7 cm) to the full page. Also set up the printer.
- With a Mac, open the image in Preview and edit it according to your preferences; select the printer if you haven't already.
Step 4. Choose the size of the image you want to create
Print a test copy on plain paper to get an idea of the final result. If you want to create a print to hang, leave a border on each side of the canvas.
If you choose to leave a border, about 4 cm on each side can fit, but it depends on the size of the fabric you use and how much you try to achieve a 3D effect
Part 2 of 3: Load the Printer
Step 1. Use the manual loading opening on the back of the printer
It is the best choice for canvas printing. It allows you to print without margins and to use the entire printable area of the sheet.
Use the paper feeder on the back of the printer, not the ones on top. It can handle thicker sheets much better
Step 2. Add guide bands to the canvas
A small strip of paper will allow the fabric to be fed into the printer. It must extend the full width of the sheet, on the bottom side, the one that will be "hooked" by the printer. If you are using a 13 inch (33 cm) wide canvas, you will need two strips of paper. Here's how to do it:
- Each strip of paper should be approximately one inch (2.5 cm) wide. Cut them "straight" with a pair of scissors.
- Tape each strip of paper to the "back" of the canvas, on the underside, the one you will feed into the printer. They must be flush with the edge of the fabric and as straight as the edge of a regular sheet of paper - otherwise the sheet will enter crookedly.
Step 3. Due to the additional 2.5 cm, you will need to re-center the image on the computer
If you are using Photoshop, click on the image drop-down menu and choose "Canvas Size". Otherwise, simply open the "Print Settings" panel and add the extra 2.5cm to the underside.
- Let's say you have a 13x9 inch (33x23cm) canvas sheet and you want to fill it completely. With the addition of the 2.5 cm on the underside, it will become 14 inches long. To keep the image centered, add 2.5 cm to the "Canvas Size" panel - even more if the image doesn't need to fill the entire canvas.
- If you have an "anchor" option, use it. It allows you to increase the size of the document in any direction, so click on the central anchor at the bottom and add 2.5 cm of space at the bottom of the sheet.
Part 3 of 3: Printing the Artwork
Step 1. Insert the canvas into the printer, starting at the edge with the guides and with the side to be printed facing up (if that is the print side, of course)
Also make sure it goes in absolutely straight.
-
And of course, make sure that the printer is on, that there is enough ink in the cartridges of the colors you need, and so on.
1372771 8
Step 2. Set the paper source
Manual rear feed is unlikely to be the default print setting on your computer. Therefore, set up the printer correctly. Also adjust the color and gradient and, if possible, also set the width of the paper.
Go to "User Details" and make sure that the height and width of the image (not the canvas) are set correctly. Check the anchors, the margins and everything else
Step 3. Print the artwork
Let the fabric dry completely before proceeding to avoid smudging.
You can then wrap it around the edges of a small frame or other type of support to create an original and unique work of art on canvas
Advice
- Go to a nearby office supply store if you want to print a larger image for framing. They can also print on large fabrics. Remember to bring with you the image you want to reproduce and that it is ready for printing.
- A professional who specializes in textile printing will know how to maintain high print quality. Consider hiring a professional especially if printing on canvas is a one-time occurrence.
- You can use a frame or wrap the canvas around its edges of the frame. However, try to keep a style that suits your decor.
