Stretching CanvasTag:

Posted on by Shellie Terry Posted in Technology & Products
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Introducing: A Faster Way to Frame Canvas Prints

Goframe blog image

Getting a professional-level framed canvas with stretcher bars typically takes a lot of measuring and a bit of guesswork while you’re limited on pre-cut sizes. But with the new GOframe system, now available through LexJet, stretcher bars snap right in place, and a freshly framed canvas is ready in minutes.

GOframe is quicker and easier to install, compared to other brands, thanks to the reusable patented corner clamps that align the bars right into place, taking the guesswork out of placement and measuring. GOframe’s Starter Kit includes the reusable corner clamps, trimmer and extra glue and blades.

The stretcher bars, available in standard lengths from 8 to 60 inches, can be easily customized to odd sizes using the Starter Kit trimmer and are lined with a high-quality adhesive tape to keep them in place. Plus: GOframe stretcher bars are priced, on average, 30 percent lower than competitors’ framing systems.

“The GOframe is super easy to put together,” says Michael Clementi, who heads up LexJet’s Experience Center. “The corner clamps set up the layout for you so you get a professional finished product — it’s a perfect option for anyone looking to produce gallery-wrapped canvas.”

GOframe stretcher bars are available in a variety of lengths and two widths. The GOframe Stretcher Frame 1500 has a 1.5-inch bar depth by .5-inch bar width and is available in 16 packs. The GOframe Stretcher Frame 1500 Pro has a 1.5-inch bar depth by .875-inch bar width and comes in 8 packs.

Check out this video to see how easy GOframe snaps into place:

 

Posted on by Regan Dickinson Posted in News & Trends, Technology & Products
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Next-Generation Sunset Coatings for Canvas Now Available

Fine Art Print by Color Simulation Service with Sunset Gloss Coating
Randy Orgeron of Color Simulation Service found that Sunset Gloss Coating was easy to work with – it doesn’t set up too fast or too slow and self-levels – even on a large canvas piece, like this 18″ x 54″ fine art reproduction on Sunset Select Matte Canvas.

The next-generation Sunset Gloss Coating and Sunset Satin Coating are now in stock and shipping from LexJet’s Nationwide Delivery Network. The popular coatings have been reformulated to improve canvas coating performance with consistent results that can be applied with a brush, roller or spray.

Sunset Gloss Coating and Sunset Satin Coating are non-yellowing, pH-neutral water-based acrylic coatings that are self-leveling and ready-to-use straight from the easy-to-pour, easy-to-store containers.

Randy Orgeron of Color Simulation Service, Thibodaux, La., provided detailed feedback when he tested the updated formulation of Sunset Gloss Coating on Sunset Select Matte Canvas. Among his findings, Orgeron noted:

  • It rolls on easily with a foam roller
  • There do not seem to be any issues with it gunking up and it lays flat from the offset
  • Initially, the coating turns hazy, like car wax prior to buffing, but becomes crisp and clear
  • There were some bubbles that formed during application; however, once completely dry that concern proved to be unwarranted
  • The finish is gorgeous and really articulates the print, and there were no issues with the coating lifting the ink off the canvas

“The piece I tried this on at first was only an 11×14 canvas. Since the coating tends to set up rather quickly I was interested to see how fast I would have to work to cover a large canvas, and if could go back over missed spots on the first application,” adds Orgeron. “I’ve used other brands that dry so quickly you can only use them on smaller prints. With the Sunset Coating I found that you can keep working it after you apply it, so it’s going to be very effective for all of our prints, large or small.”

Other improvements to Sunset Coatings include:

  • Greater UV protection
  • Increase solid content so you get more coverage out of one container
  • NMP-free to comply with state and local safety and health regulations

Call a LexJet print specialist today at 800-453-9538 to find out more and to order the new Sunset Coatings.

Posted on by Regan Dickinson Posted in News & Trends
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SGIA Expo Redux at the LexJet/Fredrix Booth

LexJet and Fredrix at SGIAIf you missed this year’s SGIA Expo in Orlando last month, don’t fret… Check out the video embedded below to take part, at least vicariously, in the excitement in and around the LexJet/Fredrix Print Canvas booth.

The booth featured world-famous artist Wyland’s work on a variety of LexJet Sunset and Fredrix canvas, including sneak peeks at the latest generation of inkjet canvas that will roll out over the next few months.

Another big attraction at the booth was the ongoing demonstrations of the GAPP Canvas Stretch Master. The Canvas Stretch Master can wrap up to 60 canvas prints per hour. It’s pneumatically operated, easy to install and use and takes up relatively little shop space.

To see how the Canvas Stretch Master and Studio Canvas Master canvas stretching machines work, be sure to check out the videos at LexJet’s YouTube site:

Canvas Stretch Master Demonstration

Studio Canvas Master Demonstration

If you have any questions, give a LexJet customer specialist a call at 800-453-9538. In the meantime, enjoy a taste of SGIA at the LexJet/Fredrix booth…

Posted on by Regan Dickinson Posted in News & Trends, Tips & Tricks
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Last Call and Details on the Upcoming Hands-On Printer Workshops

Printing Workshops in California and TexasEverything you wanted to know about inkjet printing for a variety of fine art, sign and display and photography applications will be known at the upcoming free hands-on workshops in Irvine, Calif., on Aug. 13, and Irving, Texas, on Aug. 20.

Sponsored by Canon and LexJet, the workshops will feature a close examination of Canon’s printer technology and software, with operational and efficiency tips, followed by a treasure trove of in-depth information on working with photo papers, fine art papers, canvas, films and vinyl.

You’ll find out what makes each inkjet material tick and how to finish, present and apply them. Moreover, expert presenters from Canon and LexJet will guide you through the most profitable, unique and saleable applications you can accomplish in your market.

For instance, you’ll learn all about canvas from start to finish: how the inkjet coating, material composition and finish impact the printed image, followed by guidelines on coating and stretching canvas, and the most profitable applications.

When you attend the workshops you’ll also receive a $50 gift certificate from LexJet, inkjet media swatchbooks, special printer and inkjet media promotions, printed samples and other giveaways. A continental breakfast and lunch will also be provided.

To sign up for either Irvine, Calif. (Aug. 13) or Irving, Texas (Aug. 20), and if you have any questions, contact a LexJet customer specialist at 800-453-9538. Space is limited, so call to get your seat today, and before registration closes on Aug. 9 for Irvine and Aug. 16 for Irving.

Posted on by Regan Dickinson Posted in Tips & Tricks
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Free Downloadable Guide on Coating, Stretching and Wrapping Inkjet Canvas

LexJet has just released a detailed guide on how to coat, stretch and wrap canvas inkjet prints. The free downloadable guide includes the following sections:

  • Coating Canvas: Information on the types of coatings available and coating methods, including detailed written and video instructions on coating canvas with a roller
  • Canvas Wrap Options: A discussion of the three methods for stretching canvas – by hand, with an automated stretching machine, and using pre-made stretcher kits – as well as a link to an article by master printer, photographer and craftsman Ralph Cooksey-Talbot on how to make your stretcher bars and frames from start to finish
  • Sunset Stretcher Kits Step-by-Step Instructions: Step-by-step written instructions, as well as a link to an instructional video on using pre-made stretcher kits to create your own canvas wraps

To download the free guide, click here. Plus, you’ll also receive a special offer with the guide. If you have any questions, contact a LexJet customer specialist at 800-453-9538.