Canvas printing has become one of the most popular ways to turn digital images into stunning physical decor. Whether you’re an independent artist, photographer, interior designer, or aspiring entrepreneur, learning how to print on canvas can help you transform blank walls into personalized galleries and even build a profitable business.
As the global online art market continues to grow, with a 7.3% increase in digital art sales recorded in 2023 alone, the demand for high-quality canvas prints shows no signs of slowing down. From vibrant family portraits to minimalist line art, canvas prints offer a stylish, gallery-worthy medium that appeals to modern homeowners, office decorators, and online art collectors alike.
In this updated 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through how to print on canvas in five simple steps. Whether you’re using a Print-on-Demand (POD) service or exploring DIY canvas printing at home, this article covers everything you need to know, including:
- Choosing the best type of canvas for your artwork
- Preparing your digital file for print
- Selecting the right printing method
- Options for finishing and stretching your canvas
- Tips for displaying or shipping your final product
Whether you’re printing for personal enjoyment or launching a new product line, this guide will help you get started with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why You Should Start Selling Canvas Prints
If you’re looking for a low-barrier way to monetize your creativity or expand your product line, selling canvas prints is one of the smartest moves you can make in 2025. With demand rising steadily and technology making it easier than ever to print and ship artwork globally, canvas printing is no longer reserved for galleries. It’s a booming eCommerce niche with room for new players.
Here are a few reasons why starting a canvas print business is a smart idea right now:
1. High Demand for Personalized and Art-Inspired Decor
Modern consumers are shifting away from mass-produced decor in favour of unique, meaningful pieces that reflect their personal style. Whether it’s a minimalist quote, an abstract design, or a custom family portrait, canvas prints offer the perfect balance of elegance, quality, and individuality. From homes to cafes to office spaces, canvas art is everywhere, and it sells.
2. Low Startup Costs with Print-on-Demand
Thanks to Print-on-Demand (POD) platforms, getting started no longer requires inventory, expensive equipment, or a warehouse. Instead, you simply upload your designs, and your POD partner takes care of the rest, from printing and packing to shipping directly to your customers. As a result, this business model significantly reduces risk, eliminates upfront costs, and allows you to focus on what you do best: creating or curating art.
3. Scalable and Profitable Business Model
Canvas prints have a high perceived value, yet production costs remain relatively low. That gives sellers excellent profit margins, especially on limited-edition artwork or personalized pieces. As your customer base grows, so does your potential for recurring revenue, upsells (like framing or larger sizes), and brand loyalty.
4. Endless Creative Possibilities
Canvas printing isn’t just for traditional paintings. It works beautifully for photography, digital art, motivational quotes, pet portraits, and more. Whether you’re an artist showcasing your portfolio or an entrepreneur tapping into design trends, canvas offers a versatile medium to bring your vision to life.
5. It’s a Growing Global Market
Art and wall decor have become some of the top-selling categories in online marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, and Shopify stores. With more people shopping online for home decor and gifting, there’s never been a better time to enter the canvas print market and reach customers worldwide.
Why Sell Canvas Prints with Print-on-Demand (POD)?
If you want to break into the booming wall art market without taking on inventory costs or production headaches, Print-on-Demand (POD) is the way to go. It’s one of the most beginner-friendly, scalable business models for creatives and entrepreneurs alike, especially when it comes to canvas prints.
Here’s why selling canvas through POD makes so much sense in 2025:
1. Zero Inventory, Zero Risk
With POD, you only pay for a product after it sells. That means no need to buy stock in advance or worry about unsold items piling up in your home or office. The platform handles the printing, packing, and shipping for you, so you can focus on design, marketing, and growing your brand.
2. Professional-Quality Printing, Every Time
Moreover, leading Print-on-Demand (POD) providers utilize high-resolution inkjet printers and durable materials to produce stunning, gallery-quality canvas prints. This means you don’t need to invest in costly equipment or master complex techniques. Instead, your POD partner handles the heavy lifting, ensuring a professional, polished final product that your customers are sure to love.
3. Global Fulfillment with Local Shipping
Most POD platforms offer worldwide delivery through regional print hubs. That means faster shipping times, lower costs for customers, and fewer customs issues. A huge advantage is when scaling your business internationally or offering canvas prints asIn addition, most Print-on-Demand (POD) platforms offer worldwide delivery through regional print hubs. This setup results in faster shipping times, reduced costs for your customers, and fewer customs-related issues. Ultimately, this becomes a major advantage, especially when you’re scaling your business internationally or offering canvas prints as thoughtful, easily delivered gifts. gifts.
4. Flexible Product Customization
If you’re looking to offer your art in multiple sizes, orientations, or frame styles, Print-on-Demand (POD) makes it incredibly simple. With just a few clicks, you can expand your product range and provide a variety of canvas options, without adding any extra cost or complexity on your end. This flexibility allows you to cater to different customer preferences while keeping your workflow efficient.
5. Easy Integration with E-commerce Platforms
What’s more, POD services like Printify and Printful seamlessly integrate with popular eCommerce platforms such as Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and even social media shops. This means you can list your products, track orders, and manage your entire business from a single dashboard, without ever handling the product yourself. The result is a streamlined, hands-free operation that saves time and scales effortlessly.
6. Scalable for Side Hustles or Full-Time Income
Whether you’re just testing the waters or ready to build a full-fledged brand, POD lets you grow at your own pace. Start with a few designs, and as you learn what your customers love, scale your offerings, run promotions, and reinvest your profits, all without the limitations of traditional inventory.
5 Steps to Start Selling Canvas Today
Step 1: How to Prepare Your Images for Canvas Printing
Before you hit the print button, one of the most important steps in creating a beautiful canvas print is properly preparing your image. Whether you’re working with a high-resolution photograph, a digital painting, or a graphic design, taking time to fine-tune your file ensures your final product is sharp, vibrant, and true to your original vision.
This step lays the groundwork for professional-quality results, especially when printing larger canvases or selling your work online.
Understand the Technical Side of Canvas Printing
Knowing the right specs can make or break your final print. Here’s what you need to pay attention to before uploading your artwork:
DPI (Dots Per Inch) Matters
DPI refers to how many ink dots a printer lays down per inch. For crisp, high-quality canvas prints, aim for 300 DPI. This resolution keeps your image clear and detailed, even when blown up to larger formats like 16×24″ or 20×30″.
Tip: Never upscale a small, low-resolution image just to meet DPI requirements. It can cause blurriness or pixelation when printed.
Match Resolution to Canvas Size
A high pixel count is critical, especially if you’re printing large. For example, a 20×30″ canvas should ideally be at least 6000×9000 pixels at 300 DPI. Low-res images may look fine on screen, but they’ll lose detail and appear fuzzy on canvas.
Set the Right Colour Mode: RGB vs. CMYK
Digital images are created in RGB, but printers use CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black). To avoid unexpected colour shifts, convert your file to CMYK before submitting it for print. This helps ensure that the final canvas looks just as vibrant in real life as it does on your screen.
Include a Bleed Area
Canvas prints are often stretched over wooden frames, which means part of the image wraps around the edges. To avoid cropping key elements, include a 1.5 to 2-inch bleed area on all sides of your image.
Pro Tip: Keep important visual details (like faces or text) well within the safe area. At least 2 inches away from the edge so they don’t get lost during the stretching process.
Adjust and Optimize Your Image for Printing
Even with great resolution and the right colour mode, small adjustments can dramatically improve the final print quality.
Tweak Brightness, Contrast, and Sharpness
Canvas tends to absorb more ink than paper, which can make images appear slightly muted. To compensate, increase brightness and contrast by 10–15% and fine-tune the sharpness for more visual pop.
Crop Thoughtfully with Composition in Mind
Reposition your image using the rule of thirds to guide the viewer’s eye and create a more professional look. Crop out distractions and focus on the subject to enhance impact.
Save in the Right Format
Use JPEG for photos and detailed artworks with gradients, as it balances quality and file size. Choose PNG for designs with transparency or when maintaining exact colour fidelity is crucial.
Step 2: Decide How You Want to Print Your Canvas
Once your artwork is prepped and ready, the next decision is how you want to turn that digital file into a physical canvas. You have two main options: printing it yourself at home or using a Print-on-Demand (POD) service. Each approach has its benefits, depending on your goals, budget, and the level of control you want over the process.
Printing Canvas at Home: A Hands-On DIY Approach
If you enjoy experimenting and don’t mind getting a bit technical, home printing can be a rewarding option. It gives you the flexibility to test different print styles and materials while maintaining full creative control.
What You’ll Need:
- Inkjet printer: Make sure it supports thicker media like canvas paper. Laser printers won’t work here, as they aren’t compatible with canvas coating.
- Canvas paper: Designed specifically for inkjet printing, canvas paper has a textured surface and is usually available in pre-cut sizes that fit most home printers.
- Design software: Use tools like Adobe Photoshop or Canva to finalize your design, adjust bleed areas, and ensure colour accuracy.
Pro Tip: Check your printer’s specifications for media thickness limits. Selecting the wrong setting can damage your printer or lead to misprints.
While this method is cost-effective for personal projects, keep in mind it can get time-consuming and isn’t ideal for bulk orders or commercial sales.
Printing with a POD Service: Easy, Professional, Scalable
If you’re aiming for consistent, high-quality results, especially for customers, Print-on-Demand is the way to go. Services like Printify, Gelato, or Printful make it easy to sell canvas prints without ever handling inventory.
Why Use POD for Canvas Printing?
- Beginner-Friendly Setup: With platforms like Printify, you can upload your design, choose your canvas product, and launch it in an online store within minutes, no tech headaches required.
- No Inventory, No Upfront Costs: POD partners handle the printing, packing, and shipping. You only pay when a sale is made, making it ideal for online sellers, artists, or home decor startups.
- Professional-Grade Quality: Printify’s global network of vetted print providers uses commercial-grade printers and archival-quality canvas materials. That means rich colours, precise details, and long-lasting results.
- Perfect for Creators and Entrepreneurs: Whether you’re selling on Etsy, Shopify, or your own site, POD lets you scale without the usual logistical stress. It’s also great for creators who just want to produce beautiful prints without dealing with printing hardware or shipping logistics.
Step 3: Choose the Right Canvas Type and Size
Selecting the right canvas material and size will directly impact the visual impact, colour vibrancy, and overall quality of your final print. From texture to durability, each canvas type has its pros and cons depending on your artwork style and audience.
Types of Canvas for Printing:
Cotton Canvas
- Best for: Fine art and traditional paintings
- Pros: Soft, natural texture ideal for brushstroke-style art
- Cons: Less durable than synthetic alternatives, and often more expensive
Polyester Canvas
- Best for: Bright, detailed digital artwork
- Pros: Holds ink exceptionally well for bold, vivid prints
- Cons: Lacks the organic texture of cotton, which some artists prefer
Blended Canvas (Cotton/Polyester Mix)
- Best for: Versatile use across art styles
- Pros: Offers a balance between cotton’s texture and polyester’s durability
- Cons: May sacrifice some of the tactile authenticity of pure cotton
Canvas Paper
- Best for: Home printing and casual photography
- Pros: Affordable and compatible with home inkjet printers
- Cons: Thinner than fabric canvas, less durable, and not suitable for gallery display
Stretched Canvas
- Best for: Ready-to-hang wall art and professional presentations
- Pros: Pre-mounted on a wooden frame, no need for additional framing
- Cons: Bulkier, more costly to ship and store
Framed Canvas
- Best for: Premium prints or gift-ready artwork
- Pros: Comes pre-stretched and placed within a stylish outer frame
- Cons: Higher price point and added weight
How to Choose the Right Canvas Size
Canvas size is more than just a number. It affects how your art interacts with the space it’s displayed in. Here’s how to pick the right one:
Measure Your Display Area: Know the wall size and available space before choosing a canvas. You want a balanced look, not something that overwhelms or underwhelms the area.
Think About Viewing Distance: For large rooms, go for bigger canvases with detailed designs. In smaller spaces, such as hallways or offices, compact prints work best.
Plan Your Layout: A single oversized canvas creates a bold focal point. For variety, arrange several smaller prints into a cohesive gallery wall, great for showcasing collections or series.
Match Your Artwork’s Aspect Ratio: To avoid awkward cropping, choose canvas dimensions that match your artwork’s original ratio. For instance, a 4:3 image should be printed on a canvas with similar proportions.
Consider the Room’s Style: Modern interiors may call for sleek, minimalist designs in larger formats, while eclectic or rustic spaces might benefit from smaller, textured canvases arranged creatively.
Step 4: Print and Dry Your Canvas Like a Pro
If you’re taking the DIY route and printing your artwork at home, this is the stage where precision really matters. The way you handle your printing process can make or break the final result. Here’s how to ensure your canvas print looks professional and lasts for years.
Dial In the Right Printer Settings
Before hitting “print,” take a moment to configure your printer correctly. Choosing the wrong settings can result in faded colours, streaks, or even paper jams.
- Select the highest print quality: Most printers have a “Best Photo” or “High Quality” option. Always choose this to maximise colour vibrancy.
- Set the paper type: Opt for “Canvas,” “Fine Art Paper,” or “Thick Paper” if available. This ensures smoother ink application and prevents clogging.
Use the Right Ink for Longevity
When it comes to canvas printing, pigment-based ink is the gold standard. Unlike dye-based inks, pigment inks resist fading and offer better color retention over time, especially important if the canvas will be displayed near light sources.
Why it matters: Pigment ink bonds better with canvas material and is water-resistant once dry, making it ideal for long-lasting prints.
Always Run a Test Print First
Before committing to your canvas paper, do a quick test run on standard paper. This helps you check colour accuracy and alignment, saving time and costly materials.
Load Canvas Paper Carefully
Place your canvas sheet into the printer tray gently and ensure it lies flat. Canvas paper is thicker and more delicate than regular paper. Hence, mishandling can cause jams or skewed prints.
Drying the Canvas Properly
After printing, let the canvas air dry for at least 24 hours in a cool, dust-free area. Avoid direct sunlight or humid environments, which can interfere with ink bonding and colour accuracy.
Pro Tip: Once the canvas is fully dry, apply a clear acrylic spray varnish. This protective layer boosts colour vibrancy, adds a subtle sheen, and helps safeguard against dust, scratches, and UV damage.
Step 5: Mount and Finish Your Canvas for Display
Now that your print is complete, it’s time to turn it into a display-ready piece of art. Whether you’re creating a gallery wall or preparing for your first online sale, finishing and mounting your canvas adds the polish that turns a printed image into a professional product.
Trim the Edges for a Clean Fit
Before mounting, trim any excess fabric around the edges. Too much overhang can create bunching when stretched and prevent the canvas from sitting flush against the frame.
Stretch the Canvas Over a Frame
For a classic, ready-to-hang presentation, stretch your canvas over a wooden frame (called stretcher bars). Here’s how:
- Center the canvas face-down over the frame.
- Begin stapling at the middle of one side, then stretch and staple the opposite side.
- Repeat for the remaining sides, always working outward from the center to keep the tension even.
Pro Tip: Use canvas pliers for better grip and control while stretching. This ensures the fabric stays taut and wrinkle-free.
Secure and Finish the Corners
Neatly fold the corners for a gallery wrap effect, where the image continues seamlessly around the edges. This gives your canvas a professional, museum-quality look that doesn’t require additional framing.
Clean the Surface
Before displaying or packaging, wipe the surface gently with a lint-free dry cloth. This removes dust and any particles that may have settled during drying or mounting.
Effortless Canvas Printing with Printify: Create, Sell, and Ship Without the Hassle
Ever wondered if you can print stunning artwork on canvas without mastering printers, paper types, or DPI settings? With Printify, the answer is a confident yes.
Whether you’re an independent artist, a home decor brand, or someone who simply loves personalizing their space, Printify makes it incredibly simple to design and deliver beautiful canvas prints, no equipment, no inventory, no stress.
Why Use Printify for Canvas Printing?
- Professional quality: Printify partners with top-tier print providers who specialize in premium canvas printing.
- Global shipping: Your custom prints are professionally packaged and shipped worldwide.
- eCommerce-ready: Seamless integrations with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and more let you start selling in minutes.
How to Print Canvas Art with Printify in 4 Simple Steps
1. Create a Free Account
Head over to Printify and sign up for a free account. You’ll gain instant access to their entire product catalog and intuitive design tools.
2. Choose Your Ideal Canvas
Then, explore a wide range of customizable canvas options, from classic stretched canvas to ready-to-hang framed prints. Select the size and style that suits your artwork or brand.
3. Upload and Customize Your Artwork
Using the Printify Product Creator, upload your high-resolution image or design. You can easily adjust placement, scale, and preview the final result in real time. This step ensures your print looks exactly how you want it.
4. Order for Yourself or Start Selling
Place a sample order to see the quality firsthand, or launch your product online. Printify integrates with leading platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce, automating everything from order processing to shipping.
Final Thoughts: Step-by-Step Guide to Sell Print on Canvas
Custom canvas prints are more than just décor; in fact, they’re a timeless way to transform personal moments, illustrations, or fine art into beautiful wall displays. Whether you’re printing for your home or planning to start an art business, the process is easier than you might expect.
To begin with, a little creativity and the right tools go a long way. Printing photos on canvas at home allows you to preserve cherished memories in a tactile, artistic form that lasts for years. From selecting the best resolution to carefully stretching your canvas, every step contributes to a rewarding DIY experience, perfect for creators of all levels.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more hands-off approach, Printify’s print-on-demand service is an excellent option. With just a few clicks, you can create custom canvas prints without the need for printers, ink, or packaging supplies. Simply upload your artwork, choose a canvas, and let Printify take care of production and global shipping.
In the end, whether you’re looking to decorate your personal space or launch a canvas print business, the possibilities are endless and completely within your reach.
