The Difference Between Canvas and Poster: Canvas vs. Poster

Is there such a thing as a canvas poster? Well – not really. We run through the most important differences between posters and canvas!

The initial differences are obvious enough. A canvas print is a rather sturdy piece composed of a hardwood frame with canvas fabric stretched across it. A photo poster, on the other hand, is a simple paper-thin format suited for a lighter subject – perhaps a group shot of the cast members from your favorite TV series.

Historical Significance

Before we get into canvas and posters, let's clarify another potentially confusing detail: what is the difference between posters and prints? A poster print uses lower quality inks and paper compared to photo prints. Glossy poster paper is available in various flexible shapes and sizes. While not as high quality as photo paper, poster paper is made to be water-resistant and doesn't tear easily when wet.

Posters and canvas prints share pretty much the same origin story, as both were made possible by the invention of lithography. However, the rise of the poster format is usually associated with the introduction of chromolithography, which was the first step towards modern mass print reproductions.

Earlier, stretched canvas had been introduced as a more convenient and more advanced alternative to wooden panels, and had replaced that medium entirely by the end of the 17th century. Spreading throughout Europe as the dominant backing for painted artworks, it also became the preferred option in numerous other art mediums, such as acrylic painting, embroidery and eventually photo canvas printing. To this day, it’s one of the formats most sought-after by professional photographers for exhibiting their work. Here, another major difference arises.

The original purpose of the poster was to provide information, and therefore the medium frequently used both graphic and textual elements. Canvas prints, on the contrary, were first developed as a backing for popular art pieces, and to a certain extent have the same function to this day. Quotation posters might be all the rage these days, but displaying textual information was never the main purpose of canvas prints.

They’re Two Distinct Physical Objects

There are important physical differences between a poster and a print on canvas. Posters, even the top-quality items sold at MYPICTURE.co.uk, are made of paper, meaning they’re somewhat prone to tearing. Canvas prints, meanwhile, are made from canvas material which has all the resilience of any sturdy fabric.

Of course, the big difference in materials used also explains the significant difference in pricing. Although there are some exceptionally expensive posters, artworks that have seen their value increase with time and that are now regarded as collectibles (the original “international” poster for Fritz Lang’s Metropolis was reportedly sold for $690,000), regular posters rarely exceed the $100 mark and mostly sit comfortably in the $10-$20 range.

A canvas print, on the other hand, is usually priced above the $20 level and can easily cost several hundred dollars, depending on the size, the wood used in the manufacturing process, and the exact printing service you choose. Fortunately, the CanvasDiscount.com product range sets itself apart from the standard price range, offering excellent-quality canvas prints at prices ranging from as little as $5, up to $90 for the biggest available format.

Print Quality

Now, this is where your preferred medium will reflect your own aesthetic values. While printed posters often boast vivid and, at times, appealingly synthetic hues, canvas goes for harmony and a somewhat muted color palette. This can sometimes result in a certain garish quality in the case of the former and slightly diminished tones in the case of the latter.

It’s worth noting that while posters are often high-quality giclée prints, they can age quickly as they’re prone to sunlight and moisture damage. By contrast, a good-quality canvas will be printed using solvent-free HP latex inks that should ensure the image lasts for decades in all its original splendor. As long as your canvas is not placed in a particularly unsuitable environment, it will stay as good as new.

As for the resolution – once again, this can depend on the original photo and the quality of service you choose. The difference in quality between canvas and photo poster shouldn’t usually be that great – the sharpness levels should be pretty good in both cases. With that said, canvas prints will always have the advantage of their three-dimensional bulk, which can enhance the impact of the image shown. There’s also the option to customize the edging of the frame, giving you room to experiment with complementary border styles.

Conclusion

Today, posters fulfill a similar function to the canvas and are incredibly popular amongst the younger generation, as they’re a fast and easy way to personalize interior space. Canvas, meanwhile, is built for a different kind of photo display and is far superior in its material composition. Make sure you check out the canvas prints section at CanvasDiscount.com, and snap up a premium canvas for the price of a poster!