What Is Rolled Canvas Print?

What is a rolled canvas print? As the name suggests, rolled canvas prints are essentially unstretched canvas prints.

Recently, we shared some insights into the distinctions between a regular poster and a photo canvas print. Now, reading this piece might throw those distinctions into doubt – and if you took a quick look at a rolled poster and rolled canvas side by side, you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference. But even if a canvas print is rolled up like a poster, it’s a canvas print nonetheless! And here we explain the differences and similarities between rolled and stretched canvas.

It’s Basically a Frameless Canvas

When the word canvas is mentioned in the context of canvas prints, people usually tend to think of the full kit – the stretcher frame, possibly keys, and obviously the fabric that’s stretched over the frame. However, in its original meaning, the term canvas refers only to the fabric.

In short, a rolled canvas print is an unstretched canvas that isn't mounted on a frame. Rolled canvas prints offer a cost-effective and convenient way to transport or store artwork. They also provide flexibility for custom framing or mounting options later.

So really you can think of a rolled canvas print as simply a canvas print without a frame. With that said, there are a couple of differences that might help you choose when ordering your new canvas print.

Stretched canvas vs. rolled canvas

So rolled canvas is essentially a regular canvas before it’s stretched over a frame. In the majority of cases, the same material, the same inks and the same production methods go into creating both of them. Still, people might pick the rolled canvas version for the following reasons:

It (usually) costs less than regular canvas
Option to take the rolled canvas to a professional stretcher
Fear of damage that might occur during shipping
Option to roll your canvas and pack it quickly when changing apartments, etc.
Chance to stretch the canvas yourself if you prefer the DIY approach

The convenience factor is undeniable – there’ll always be room for a rolled canvas in your traveling bag. A rolled canvas can also be the most wallet-friendly option on the shelf, yet this isn’t always true. Long gone are the days when the inclusion of a stretcher frame automatically meant a significant increase in price.

Thanks to sellers like CanvasDiscount.com, the pricing ecosystem has changed beyond recognition, and today, finding a wallet-friendly yet high-quality canvas print is easier than ever. Simply paying an additional dollar or two means that experienced craftsmen will stretch your canvas in the factory before it’s shipped out to you.

For those who are keen to create their wall decor from scratch, the rolled canvas will always be the first choice. However, the DIY approach could mean you end up with a spoiled print, so if there’s no plan B or the print’s intended as a gift, caution is advised. All things considered, the stretched canvas photo print is definitely the safer option to take.

The Pros of Rolled Canvas

Let’s quickly weigh the benefits of rolled canvas print against those of its framed counterpart:
High-quality, exceptionally durable canvas fabric
Print quality equivalent to that of regular framed canvas (depending on merchant)
Increased mobility (print can be folded and rolled as you like
Chance to try your hand at making the frame yourself
Potentially, a wallet-friendly price tag

The Pros of Stretched Canvas