Last year, I conducted a secret shopper experiment to determine which canvas print company offered the superior product. In that head-to-head review, CanvasHQ emerged as the clear frontrunner.
Determined to discover the Best Canvas Print company of 2020, I broadened the competition from three to seven contenders and incorporated new evaluation criteria. You can watch my detailed comparison of each canvas print in the PhotographyTalk video below:
[PhotographyTalk Video Link Here – Placeholder]
As detailed in the video, my sister-in-law placed each order to ensure the companies remained unaware of my involvement in this canvas print shootout.
Furthermore, I deliberately included a prominent, unattractive logo on the print files. This was a strategic test to assess whether these leading canvas print companies would proactively contact my sister-in-law to address the logo issue or take the initiative to correct it themselves. As highlighted in the video, the responses varied significantly. Now, let’s delve into the canvas print comparison!
CanvasPop
My experience with CanvasPop in the quest for the best canvas print company of 2020 was underwhelming.
I ordered a 12×24 canvas print, and the quality fell short of expectations.
As illustrated above, the canvas arrived with an unexpected floating frame. Since I hadn’t requested a frame, its presence was puzzling.
Upon closer inspection, I concluded that the frame was likely intended to create the illusion of a taut canvas. While it superficially masks the problem, the underlying canvas remains flimsy and of low quality.
Regarding color accuracy, the CanvasPop print isn’t the worst, but it’s far from impressive. The print appears overprocessed, lacking subtlety and nuance.
The frame itself seemed to be recycled, evidenced by unfilled holes that were clearly visible. Additionally, the deliberately placed fake logo remained uncorrected. Numerous other issues were apparent, which are discussed in the comprehensive CanvasPop review.
Here’s a breakdown of the costs associated with this canvas print:
- Print: $62.50 (after 50% discount using code Cheerful50)
- Shipping: $14.00
- Tax: $5.55
- Total: $82.05
CanvasChamp
The testing process didn’t improve significantly with the CanvasChamp print. In fact, it’s a strong contender for the title of worst canvas print in this comparison.
Initially, the CanvasChamp print seemed promising. However, closer scrutiny revealed that the initial impression of quality was merely an illusion.
The canvas material is notably coarse to the touch. Color reproduction is flat and lacks depth. The green tones specifically suffered a loss of vibrancy.
Furthermore, CanvasChamp made no attempt to rectify the prominent logo, nor did they reach out to my sister-in-law to address this obvious issue.
Adding to the disappointment, the canvas corners were carelessly finished and improperly stretched, resulting in excessive canvas overlap on the back.
Perhaps the most concerning aspect is the backing construction. The canvas is mounted on what appears to be pressed wood, designed to mimic the appearance of a tightly stretched canvas. The frame lacks central and corner supports, further compromising its structural integrity. This underwhelming “craftsmanship” came at the following price:
- Print: $28.03 (after a $1.48 discount)
- Shipping: $14.99
- Tax: $0.00
- Total: $43.02
Canvas on Demand
To put it bluntly, this Canvas on Demand print is among the poorest quality canvases I have ever purchased. Unsurprisingly, Canvas on Demand will not be crowned the best canvas print company of 2020.
My disappointment is amplified by the fact that Canvas on Demand is one of the more recognizable names in this test. I had anticipated that their reputation would translate to a superior print. Unfortunately, this was not the case.
The canvas itself is thin and flimsy, and notably, it lacks a traditional wooden frame. Instead of a robust wood structure, the frame is constructed from a type of rigid cardboard, folded together in a manner reminiscent of a pizza box. This flimsy construction is inadequate for long-term durability and resistance to sagging over time.
The print quality is equally lackluster.
Colors appear muted and washed out. The image also seems to have lost sharpness and definition. Furthermore, there’s evidence of pixelation, indicating a lack of image fidelity. This is far from ideal.
Compounding these issues are the sloppy corners, misaligned mounting hardware, and the absence of custom sizing options. Having to compromise on a pre-made 14×20 size instead of my desired 12×24 further detracts from the experience. The combination of these shortcomings positions Canvas on Demand as one of the lowest-ranked performers in this year’s canvas print shootout.
The cost breakdown for this subpar canvas print is as follows:
- Print: $27.99 (with a significant discount of $158.01)
- Shipping: $19.49
- Tax: $3.68
- Total: $51.16
Max Art Pro
Prior to this test, I had neither ordered from Max Art Pro nor even heard of the company. Consequently, I approached its evaluation for the best canvas print company of 2020 with no preconceived notions.
I was pleasantly surprised by the image quality. While not the absolute best in the group, it certainly ranks in the upper echelon.
Green tones are slightly muted, but overall, the print exhibits excellent detail and sharpness—significantly better than many of its competitors in this review.
Although Max Art Pro didn’t resize the oversized logo (or contact me about it), they commendably recentered the photograph, effectively eliminating the logo from the final print. I consider this a preferable solution compared to displaying a portion of the logo or having it wrap around the canvas edge.
The back of the Max Art Pro canvas initially presents a very favorable impression.
I appreciate canvases that include a backing cover, and this one appears well-finished.
However, upon closer inspection, peeling back the cover reveals that despite numerous staples securing the canvas, there is no center or corner bracing within the frame. The abundance of staples is less effective without a robust frame structure to maintain long-term canvas tautness.
I did appreciate the quality of the included mounting hardware, and unlike some companies in this comparison, Max Art Pro correctly centered it. More details about Max Art Pro and the specific print I ordered are available in a dedicated review.
The pricing for this canvas print is as follows:
- Print: $110.00
- Shipping: $23.00
- Tax: $0.00
- Total: $133.00
Elephant Stock
I had high hopes for the Elephant Stock canvas print, fueled by their positive online reviews.
Unfortunately, my enthusiasm diminished rapidly upon receiving the print.
The flatness of the colors was immediately apparent. Even worse, an unattractive blur marred the outer edge of the canvas, as visible in the image above. To compound these issues, the print exhibited noticeable pixelation.
Adding to these shortcomings, the Elephant Stock canvas is among the thinnest and flimsiest in this comparison, definitively disqualifying it from consideration as the best canvas print company of 2020.
The frame supporting the print is cheaply constructed with only a single center brace. The absence of corner supports is problematic, further exacerbated by significant gaps in the frame corners, as shown above. This flimsy frame construction does not inspire confidence in the canvas’s long-term durability.
Another limitation with Elephant Stock is the lack of custom sizing options. Consequently, instead of the standard 12×24 print I requested from each company, I was forced to select a different, less suitable size.
Similar to several other contenders, Elephant Stock overlooked the conspicuous logo during their quality control process. A more detailed account of my disappointing experience with this print is available in a separate review.
The cost breakdown for my Elephant Stock order is as follows:
- Print: $54.95
- Shipping: $9.95
- Tax: $3.98
- Total: $68.88
CanvasHQ
As mentioned in the introduction, CanvasHQ was the victor in last year’s secret shopper canvas shootout. Therefore, my expectations for CanvasHQ in this year’s best canvas print company competition were exceptionally high.
I initially believed that expanding the field to seven companies might introduce a contender capable of challenging CanvasHQ’s superior quality. However, I was mistaken. Just as in 2019, CanvasHQ distinguished itself as the unequivocal leader in 2020, surpassing all competitors by a considerable margin.
Among all the prints evaluated in this year’s head-to-head comparison, the CanvasHQ print exhibited the most vibrant and accurate colors.
The colors are rich in contrast and strikingly vibrant. Crucially, they are also remarkably accurate, reflecting the original image faithfully.
The print quality is exceptionally detailed and sharp, capturing intricate elements with precision.
Notably, CanvasHQ was the only company that proactively addressed and rectified the intentionally problematic logo. They expertly resized it, seamlessly integrating it into the print as if it were a deliberate design element.
However, the impressive image quality and color accuracy are only part of the CanvasHQ story. The canvas construction is even more remarkable.
The corners are impeccably tight, neat, and meticulously finished. The canvas is stretched drum-tight, conveying a sense of lasting tautness and durability.
The generous use of staples securing the canvas to the frame further reinforces its resistance to loosening or curling. Speaking of the frame, it incorporates substantial bracing, ensuring structural integrity and shape retention over time.
The frame itself is constructed from the highest-quality materials among all tested companies – kiln-dried pine, a significant upgrade from the pressed board alternatives used by many competitors.
As you might gather, a consistent theme emerges with CanvasHQ.
This canvas print excels in visual appeal, construction quality, and material selection. This combination unequivocally positions CanvasHQ as a repeat champion in the canvas print shootout.
Remarkably, despite its superior quality, the CanvasHQ print was among the least expensive in this comparison, an unexpected bonus.
- Print: $60.95 (after 30% discount using “Honey” promo code)
- Shipping: $0.00 (included with “Honey” promo code)
- Taxes: $0.00
- Total: $60.95
CanvasWorld
My initial impression of the CanvasWorld print was dominated by its lackluster colors – they appeared noticeably flat.
Specifically, the rendering of green tones was unsatisfactory, leaning too heavily towards yellow for my preference.
Consequently, the print lacks the vibrancy and contrast exhibited by other canvases in this competition.
However, a more significant concern lies in the canvas material itself.
Among all the canvas prints in this year’s shootout for the best canvas print company, the CanvasWorld print felt demonstrably the cheapest. Pressing a finger into the canvas leaves a visible indentation, highlighting its lack of resilience.
The inexpensive frame on the back further detracts from the overall quality.
The absence of center or corner bracing compromises the support and stability essential for any canvas, particularly a thin and inexpensive one, to prevent bubbling and sagging over time.
On a positive note, the clean cuts of the canvas on the back are commendable. Another minor advantage is the inclusion of rubber bumpers on the back, intended to prevent the print from directly contacting the wall.
However, these minor features are insufficient to compensate for the print’s fundamental shortcomings. The cost analysis for this canvas print is detailed below:
- Print: $83 (after a 30% coupon was applied)
- Shipping: $14.95
- Tax: $6.43
- Total: $104.38
So, there you have it! Out of the seven companies rigorously tested, CanvasHQ emerged as the unequivocal winner – a decisive victory. Kudos to CanvasHQ for consistently delivering such an exceptional product!
While the CanvasHQ print impressed, the majority of the other prints were underwhelming. This is concerning, as many consumers may unknowingly settle for inferior canvas prints, perhaps unaware of the significant quality variations within the industry.
Hopefully, this comprehensive canvas print comparison will illuminate the discernible differences in quality among prominent canvas printing services, empowering you to make informed decisions and order superior canvas prints in the future!
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