The Price Difference of Canvas Art Prints – What to Know Before You Buy

Canvas Quality Matters

One of the biggest price factors is the quality of the canvas and printing process. A low-cost canvas picture may look appealing at first glance but will probably not stand the test of time. We do not sell the cheapest canvas prints! High-quality canvases use:

• 100% cotton canvas material
• High-resolution printing with professional, calibrated large-format printers
• Branded, long-lasting pigment inks
• Solid wooden stretcher bars (preferably FSC-certified wood)

Cheaper wall prints may use polyester or a cotton-poly mix, which can look less authentic and lack texture. Some mass-produced canvases also skip protective coatings, making them prone to fading or damage. At Fotoviva, our canvases are finished with a UV-protective varnish for added durability and easy cleaning.

Frame Depth and Construction

Canvas artwork is stretched over wooden frames known as stretcher bars, and the depth of these bars plays a role in both aesthetics and cost. Shallower frames (around 18mm deep) are cheaper but may look less striking on the wall. We recommend deeper 38mm frames for a more substantial look and gallery-style presentation.

Responsibly sourced wood (such as FSC-approved) will also increase the price slightly but ensures better quality and environmental responsibility. Learn more about FSC certification and why it matters.

Print Quality and Detail

Another factor to consider is the image resolution. To print canvas art at large sizes without losing detail, the image must be of a high enough resolution. At Fotoviva, our prints are created from professional photographs, allowing us to produce large canvases without compromising sharpness or colour depth.

Mass-Produced vs Made to Order Prints

Big homeware retailers often sell canvas artwork at very low prices because they are mass-produced – typically in overseas factories using automated processes. While this keeps costs down, it also means the art is widely available and usually printed in bulk with lower quality standards.

When you buy canvases from a UK-based online gallery like Fotoviva, you’re getting a made to order product crafted by skilled professionals. Each print is produced on canvas individually (on demand) with care and attention, and many of our designs are more exclusive – not churned out by the thousands. That adds value and uniqueness to your canvas art. Find out more in our Real Photography vs Generic Prints blog post.

Supporting Artists and Photographers

When you order prints and canvases from companies that work directly with photographers and artists, a portion of the sale price goes to the creator. Supporting photographers through fair commissions means you’re helping them continue their craft while receiving a premium quality product. You can explore the work of our contributing photographers on our website.

Delivery Charges and Hidden Costs

Always check the delivery terms before completing your order. Some companies offer free UK delivery, while others may add a delivery fee during checkout. If you’re sending canvas artwork abroad, shipping costs can increase significantly due to the size and packaging needed to keep the artwork safe. We have a print partner in the US which means any orders from customers the other side of the pond(!) don’t have to pay expensive shipping costs. Check our delivery and help page for full details.

Choose Quality Prints That Last

Whether you’re buying canvas wall prints as home décor or gifts, it’s worth spending a little extra to ensure lasting quality. At Fotoviva Art Prints, our canvases for sale are made to order using high-grade materials, professional print processes, and expert craftsmanship. Having said that, we always aim to keep our prices as low as possible whilst still paying our photographers for each sale.

We offer a wide selection of canvas art styles – from tranquil landscapes and abstract art to floral and coastal prints. Each piece is available in various sizes and formats, including acrylic and framed art options too.

Hopefully this handy guide has given you a better understanding of pricing differences when buying canvas pictures. We believe our photographic prints on canvas are a fair price when we factor in the royalty model we give our contributors. Any questions? Just drop a comment below and we’ll reply.

If you’re unsure whether canvas is the right style for you, have a read through our guide on choosing the right artwork format to ensure you buy the perfect print for your home walls.