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What Is a Rolled Canvas Print?

canvas prints
What Is a Rolled Canvas Print?

By CanvasChampNovember, 13 2025November, 13 2025Comment

A rolled canvas print is one of the most flexible and affordable ways to preserve photos or artwork. It offers the same print quality as gallery-wrapped canvas but without the wooden frame. This option is perfect for anyone who prefers to frame their artwork later or wants to save on shipping within Canada.

What Is a Rolled Canvas Print?

A rolled canvas is a premium photo printed on canvas fabric but delivered without stretching or framing. It’s also known as an unstretched canvas, where the artwork remains in its original, flat form.

In rolled canvas printing, the photo is printed on cotton or poly-cotton canvas using fade-resistant inks. The canvas print is then carefully rolled up and shipped inside a durable tube for protection. This makes rolled canvas prints ideal for photographers, artists, and homeowners who prefer a custom framing solution.
 
Many buyers search what is rolled canvas to understand the difference between a ready-to-hang product and one that allows flexibility. The rolled version provides the same quality as stretched prints but gives complete freedom in framing and display.

Rolled Canvas vs Stretched Canvas: The Main Difference

The easiest way to explain rolled canvas vs stretched canvas is by looking at how they’re finished. A stretched canvas is mounted on a wooden frame and ready to hang, while a rolled version is unmounted.

When comparing stretched vs unstretched canvas, the key factor is convenience. Stretched prints are display-ready, whereas unstretched versions are more affordable and easier to ship.

If you’re searching what does rolled canvas mean, it simply describes a print that hasn’t been stretched. Likewise, what does unstretched canvas mean refers to artwork that has not yet been attached to a frame.

For artists who enjoy customizing their own displays, unstretched canvas prints offer creative freedom. Professional studios also use unstretched canvas roll or canvas roll for printing for bulk production.

Here’s a simple breakdown for quick reference:

Feature

Rolled Canvas

Stretched Canvas

Structure

Unframed and flexible

Mounted on frame

Shipping

Lightweight, rolled in tube

Larger, boxed

Cost

More affordable

Higher due to framing

Readiness

Requires stretching

Ready to hang

Ideal For

DIY framing

Immediate display


Why Canadian Buyers Choose Rolled Canvas Prints

For Canadians, rolled prints are a practical option. They reduce shipping costs and are easier to store or transport between provinces. Ordering rolled canvas prints online ensures you get professional quality with added flexibility.

The rolled canvas art option lets you choose your frame style, from classic wood to sleek metal. Many local artists in Toronto and Vancouver also use custom rolled canvas prints to maintain creative control.

Unlike heavy framed decor, rolled canvas wall art can be mailed easily to gift recipients anywhere in Canada. The quality remains the same as gallery-wrapped canvases since the inks and materials are identical.

Those looking for rolled canvas for sale often prefer it for large prints that would otherwise cost more to ship framed.

Drawbacks to Consider

Although rolled canvases offer several benefits, they do require some handling before display. The print needs stretching or framing before it can hang on the wall. If done incorrectly, it can crease or lose tension.

Buyers unfamiliar with rolled canvas frame assembly should consider professional help. You can take your unmounted canvas prints or loose canvas prints to a local framer for stretching.

For those curious about what is a canvas print without frame, it’s essentially a rolled or unframed canvas roll that still contains high-quality printing but no structure for hanging.

Another factor to note is time—unlike ready products, you’ll need a few extra days to stretch and mount it.

How to Frame a Rolled Canvas?

Learning how to frame rolled canvas is simple once you have the right tools. Here’s a step-by-step method:

  1. Lay your rolled up canvas on a clean surface.
  2. Attach the edges carefully to stretcher bars.
  3. Use a staple gun or tacker to secure the corners evenly.
  4. Ensure the tension is smooth across all sides.
  5. Add hanging hardware or frame it as desired.

If you’d rather not DIY, many local framing shops in Canada offer framing rolled canvas services at affordable rates.

Understanding what is a rolled canvas print helps buyers know that this type of print gives them freedom in choosing the final presentation. Once framed, it looks identical to a stretched canvas.

Rolled Canvas vs Poster: Which Should You Choose?

Buyers often compare canvas vs poster when decorating. Posters are printed on thin photo paper, while canvases are printed on textured fabric.

A canvas material poster has a rich, artistic feel compared to regular photo paper. When comparing poster vs canvas, the latter offers more durability and depth.

If you’ve seen a rolled up poster, they look similar to roll up art, but the quality and texture differ. Posters can fade or tear easily, while a print on rolled canvas lasts for years.

For those unsure about what is a canvas poster, it’s a hybrid product—printed on canvas but displayed like a poster. Still, most customers prefer true canvas for longevity and elegance.

How to Store and Handle Rolled Canvas Prints?

Proper storage protects your investment. Keep your roll canvas inside its original packaging until you’re ready to frame it. Store it horizontally to avoid bends or creases.

Never place a rolled up printing near moisture or direct sunlight. If you need to roll up canvas again after checking it, do so gently with the image side facing outward.

Some artists use canvas roll prints or canvas rolled artwork for exhibitions, as it makes transport simple and secure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is a rolled canvas?

It’s an unframed, flexible canvas print that you can stretch or frame later.

Q2. What does stretched canvas mean?

It refers to a canvas that has been mounted on wooden bars and is ready to hang.

Q3. What is unstretched canvas art?

It’s artwork printed on canvas that hasn’t been fixed to a frame yet.

Q4. How to hang rolled canvas?

After stretching or framing, attach hanging wire or hooks at the back for wall display.

Q5. What is a canvas roll?

It’s a long piece of canvas used for printing multiple images before cutting or framing.

Q6. What does canvas print mean?

It describes a photo or design reproduced on high-quality canvas material instead of paper.

Q7. What is an unstretched canvas print?

It’s a flat, unmounted print that requires stretching before display.

Final Thoughts

A rolled canvas offers flexibility, affordability, and the same visual appeal as a framed piece. Whether you’re decorating your living room or gifting family photos, rolled canvas art prints give you freedom to choose your framing style.

If you’re exploring canvas prints without frame, unwrapped canvas prints, or canvas print without frame options, CanvasChamp provides professional-grade printing and nationwide delivery.

Bring your memories to life with print rolled canvas options designed to suit every Canadian home.