Choosing the Right Canvas Options: Giclée Gloss vs. Metallic Gloss, Edges & Float Frames

1) Canvas Finishes: Giclée vs. Metallic

At Artbeat Studios, both of our canvas styles feature a semi-gloss finish—but they deliver very different looks.

Giclée Canvas

A classic, fine-art aesthetic with a smooth, glossy topcoat.

• Look & feel: Natural tonality, accurate skin tones, refined detail.

• Best for: Portraits, weddings, landscapes with subtle gradients, painterly art.

• Why choose it: Archival giclée reproduction with a polished sheen that adds depth without over-intensifying highlights.

Metallic Canvas

A modern, high-impact surface with a luminous “pop.”

• Look & feel: Pearlescent highlights, deeper blacks, heightened contrast and color.

• Best for: Night cityscapes, seascapes, cars, abstracts, saturated color work.

• Why choose it: Eye-catching dimensionality under gallery or directional lighting.

  
  

Lighting tip: Metallic thrives under controlled, directed light. For bright rooms with wide windows, giclée gloss typically preserves detail more gracefully.

2) Edge Options: Mirrored Edge vs. Border Color

We offer two professional edge styles to complete your gallery wrap:           

• Mirrored Edge The outer perimeter of your image is reflected onto the sides, preserving the full composition on the front.

  • Use when: You don’t want to lose any subject matter to the wrap.

  • Pro tip: Keep key subjects at least 1” inside the visible front area to avoid visual tension at the edge transition.

• Border Color Edge A solid-color side (white, black, or custom color) for a crisp, contemporary profile.

  • Use when: You want a clean border, your image has tight cropping, or you prefer a graphic look.

  • Pro tip: Match the dominant tones in the artwork or echo wall/trim colors for a designer finish.

3) Canvas Depth: 0.75″ and 1.5″ Wraps

The canvas wrap depth determines your print’s profile and presence on the wall.

• 0.75″ Slim Edge: Available for canvas sizes 8×8″ to 12×18″. Perfect for smaller prints or when you plan to frame your canvas. Offers a lighter, subtle appearance.     

• 1.5″ Gallery Depth: Standard for all larger sizes. Creates a bold, dimensional profile ideal for standalone wall displays.

  
  

Guideline: Keep important details (like faces or signatures) at least 1″ inside the visible front area to ensure they don’t wrap onto the sides.

3) Frame Options: Float Black & Float White

Elevate your canvas with a museum-style float presentation.

• Styles: Float Black and Float White

• Frame Size: 0.375″ × 1.5″ (profile)

• Mount: Wire hanger (standard)

• Note: Cleat hangers are not available for framed prints.

  
  

Why float frames? The frame surrounds the canvas with a small gap (the “reveal”), creating the illusion that the canvas is floating—a sleek, modern look that adds depth without covering the image. Our float frames are perfectly sized for our 1.5″ gallery-depth canvases.

https://www.artbeatstudios.com/products/frames

4) Quick Selector: Finish • Edge • Frame

Goal	Finish	Edge	Frame
Timeless fine-art look	Giclée Gloss	Mirrored Edge	Float White
Bold, modern statement	Metallic Gloss	Border Color (Black or Custom)	Float Black
Subtle presentation for small prints	Giclée Gloss	Border Color	Optional
Vivid contrast under lighting	Metallic Gloss	Mirrored Edge	Float Black

5) FAQ

• Q: Do both canvas types have a gloss finish? A: Yes. Both Giclée and Metallic canvases feature a gloss coating for enhanced depth and color.

  
  

• Q: What edge styles are available? A: Choose between Mirrored Edge or Border Color (white, black, or custom).

  
  

• Q: What canvas depths do you offer? A: We offer 0.75″ wraps for sizes 8×8″ to 12×18″, and 1.5″ gallery wraps for larger prints.

  
  

• Q: What framing options do you provide? A: Float Black and Float White frames (0.375″ × 1.5″), mounted with wire hangers only — cleat hangers are not available for framed prints.