Canvas printing is the process of transferring an image or design onto canvas fabric, usually for wall art or decoration.

Traditionally, canvas prints were made using inkjet printers that sprayed pigment-based inks onto the canvas. After printing, the canvas was often stretched over a wooden frame for display.

Now, printing canvas at home has become much easier because some newer options, like UV printers, are more accessible. You don't need a big studio or special skills-just a few tools, some space, and a little setup.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the complete, hands-on process of printing on canvas using UV printing as an example.

Step 1: Getting Your Image Ready

A good canvas print starts with the right image.

Pick high-resolution files, 300 DPI or more is best. Low-quality images may look fine on screen but can blur or pixelate on canvas. Make sure your image is bright enough and has enough contrast. 

Also, check your composition. If you plan to wrap the canvas around the frame edges, keep key parts of your image away from the margins. Otherwise, faces or details may get folded over the sides.

Step 2: Choose the Right Canvas

Before printing begins, you also need a quality blank canvas.

In our example, we’ll use a premade blank canvas that’s already stretched and ready to print. This is the easiest option, especially for beginners.

But you can also print on flat canvas sheets and stretch them later, or mount raw canvas onto a board before printing. 

As for material, Cotton and polyester blends are popular; polyester canvases hold vibrant UV ink better, while cotton offers a more traditional texture.

Inspect the canvas for any debris or loose fibers. A clean, tight surface will ensure your print turns out sharp and consistent. If your canvas includes stretcher wedges, hold onto them for use later when tensioning the final piece.

Step 3: Prepare the Canvas for Printing

With a UV printer, you can print directly on canvas in just a few steps.

Once your canvas is clean and dry, it's time to load it onto the UV printer. On flatbed models like the eufyMake E1 UV Printer , gently place the canvas on the print bed, aligning it with the bed markers.

Open eufyMake Studio on your computer and connect to the printer. Use the Snapshot feature to capture a live view of the canvas position on the print bed. This is essential for accurately aligning your design.

Next, upload your artwork. In this case, the Calgary skyline. Once uploaded, click and drag the image directly onto the canvas preview. eufyMake Studio shows the live canvas boundary so you can scale and position the design precisely.

Use the corner anchors to resize the image proportionally. If necessary, use the rotate tool for orientation. Ensure the image sits evenly, with enough margin on all sides to avoid edge clipping.

If you want an over-the-edge "waterfall" effect, oversize your image slightly. Changing the opacity of your design can help with this-just don't forget to set it back to your desired opacity before sending it to print. The preview automatically updates as you move or adjust the image.

Once positioned, click the Start print task button and on the next screen select your material settings from the dropdown menu. Choose "Custom" for non-default materials.

Enable white underlay if you're printing on a colored or textured canvas. "Texture" ink mode and "High Quality" print resolution were selected for this print.

Before printing, double-check the preview to ensure nothing has shifted. If you moved the canvas after the initial snapshot, retake the snapshot to re-align the bed preview.

Step 4: Start the Print Job

With your canvas in place and your design ready, hit "Start Printing" in eufyMake Studio.

You just need to hit the start button on the E1, and the printer will begin applying the ink in smooth passes.

The ink cures instantly under UV light, so the design is touch-dry by the time the print completes.

How long this stage takes depends on resolution and coverage. Avoid disturbing the canvas until the printer completes the job and returns to idle.

Step 5: Post-Printing Finishing Touches

After printing, inspect the canvas to ensure ink coverage is even and the edges are clean.

Now, it's time to finish tensioning the canvas with the included wedges. These small wooden pieces help stretch the canvas tightly across the frame.

You can also apply a clear UV-protective varnish to prevent fading, especially if the print will be exposed to light or touched often.

Step 6: Display Your Finished Canvas

Now your print is ready to hang. You’ve turned a simple image into something bold, personal, and long-lasting, right at home.

Canvas prints are perfect for decorating your space, giving personalized gifts, or even making small-batch products.

Other Methods to Print on Canvas at Home

If you don’t have a UV printer, you can still print on canvas using other methods. Let's break down the most common options and how they work:

Inkjet Printing

One of the most common ways to print digital art on canvas. Use a home inkjet printer that supports thick paper. Load coated canvas into the rear feed (to avoid bending), then print and let dry.

Giclée Printing

A high-end version of inkjet printing, using pigment-based inks and archival canvas. It’s ideal for professional artists or anyone printing photos on canvas with museum-quality results.

Sublimation Printing

Best for polyester-coated canvas. You print your design on sublimation paper and use heat to transfer it. The result is vibrant and permanent, though it doesn’t work with cotton canvas.

Heat Transfer Paper

Beginner-friendly and affordable. Print your design onto transfer paper, place it face-down on the canvas, and press with a heat press or iron. It may not last as long but is fast and accessible.

How to Transfer an Image Onto Canvas

If you don’t have access to a printer but still want to put your image on canvas, here’s a simple method you can try at home.

Step 1: Print your image on regular paper.

Use a laser printer if possible. Inkjet prints may smear in later steps. Black-and-white images or vintage-style graphics work best.

Step 2: Apply gel medium or Mod Podge to your canvas.

Spread a thin, even layer over the entire canvas surface using a brush. This will act as the transfer base.

Step 3: Place your image face-down on the canvas.

Carefully smooth it flat, removing any bubbles or wrinkles. Press firmly to ensure full contact between the paper and canvas.

Step 4: Let it dry completely.

Leave the canvas to dry for at least 8 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 5: Dampen and rub away the paper.

Once dry, use a damp sponge or fingers to gently rub away the paper backing. The printed image will stay behind, embedded in the gel medium.

Step 6: Seal your image.

Apply a final layer of clear Mod Podge or gel medium to protect the image and add a slight sheen.

This method won’t give the sharp detail of UV printing, but it’s a great DIY option for handmade decor and crafts.

Best Canvas Printing Machine

The eufyMake E1 is a smart choice for anyone who wants to print on canvas. This canvas printing machine helps you create eye-catching canvas prints with ease. Photos, designs, and artwork appear sharp and colorful. It offers up to 1440 DPI resolution for crisp detail and great color.

Printing on canvas is simple and mess-free. You can make custom canvas art, decorate your home, or produce memorable gifts. Thanks to its advanced canvas printing technology, your prints look vibrant and stay that way. The printer is easy to set up and use, making daily operation straightforward.

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FAQs about Canvas Printing

Can a normal printer print on canvas?

Generally, no. Only if it supports thick paper or has a rear feed slot. Most standard home printers can't handle real canvas unless it’s thin and pre-coated.

How much does it cost to print onto canvas?

Home printing costs depend mainly on size and materials. Most basic photo or art prints on a letter-sized (A4) canvas can cost between $5 and $15 per print, including ink and blank canvas. Larger stretched canvases or premium archival prints may run $20 to $100 or more if ordered through a professional service.

What is the best ink for canvas printing?

For inkjet or giclée printing, pigment-based inks are considered the best because they produce deep colors and resist fading over time. UV printing uses special UV-cured inks which dry instantly and are highly resistant to scratches and light. Sublimation inks are best for use with polyester canvases.

What is the best format for printing on canvas?

Use high-resolution JPEG or PNG files (300 DPI or higher). For artwork or prints with transparent backgrounds, PNG is better.

Why is my canvas print blurry or dull?

Your image might be too low in resolution, or the canvas surface isn’t coated properly for your printer type.