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How to Convert Canvas Paintings to Prints

The explosion of the giclee printer industry has given many artists the opportunity to offer high-quality reproductions of their original work by converting their canvas paintings to prints. Artists can now purchase their own high-quality graphic equipment and supplies to bring their paintings to customers one at a time or en masse. Alternatively, they can use professional print-on-demand vendors and professional photographers for all or any part of the process.

Things You'll Need

  • Original canvas painting
  • Digital scanner or camera
  • Computer with graphics processor
  • Photo editing software
  • High-quality ink-jet printer
  • High-quality ink-jet archival quality ink
  • High-quality ink-jet archival paper or canvas
  • Parchment paper
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Instructions

  1. Digitize the Image

    • 1

      Digitize your original artwork with a digital camera or digital scanner. Take a picture of your artwork outside in natural light with an 8-to-12-megapixel camera or scan it with a minimum 300 to 600 dots per inch resolution scanner.

    • 2

      Download the digital image of your artwork from the camera or scanner to a computer with a graphics processor capable of running photo editing software.

    • 3

      Load, or confirm working installation of, photo editing software.

    Enhance the Image With Photo Editing Software

    • 4

      Crop out all background objects or framing and resize the image as desired.

    • 5

      Sharpen blurry edges or lines; color balance and correct the image.

    • 6

      Apply additional artistic effects as desired and save the image in JPEG or GIF format in the highest resolution available.

    Print, Proof and Store the Image

    • 7

      Print an initial proof on the highest quality print setting available. Examine the proof for image quality and color. If the image is blurry or colors are not true to the original artwork, further enhance the digital image with photo editing software and print proofs until you are satisfied the print is a quality reproduction of your original artwork.

    • 8

      Allow 24 to 48 hours for the ink to cure -- in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations -- on a clean, dry and flat surface. Do not cover or set anything on top of the print until it has fully cured.

    • 9

      Store the prints in a clean, flat and dry environment using parchment or colorless paper between prints to protect and retain print quality.

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