What is a Gallery Wrap?

Gallery wrapped canvases – Everything You Need to Know

If you choose to hang one of our hand-painted reproductions without a frame, we can provide the canvas as a ‘gallery wrap.’

In this case, you can have the canvas stretched over a wooden stretcher frame by a local framer after receiving it. To avoid visible white, unpainted edges on the sides, we can extend the painting a few centimeters in the style of the artwork. This technique is called a gallery wrap.


3 of our hand-painted replicas of Van Gogh's sunflowers as gallery wraps

Why choose a gallery wrap instead of framing the painting?

While frames can enhance and complement a painting, you might prefer a gallery wrap for several reasons:

• Natural, raw appeal: It allows you to see the painting as it might appear in the studio. 
• Design: A painting stretched over a stretcher frame has a clean, modern look.
• Cost savings: Frames, especially ornate ones that are artworks in their own right, can be quite expensive.

Does any part of the original painting get lost with a gallery wrap?

The example below of Van Gogh's "Landscape at Twilight" shows the additional painted edges surrounding the artwork, which are wrapped around the stretcher frame. These edges form the sides of the painting when it is displayed on the wall. The central section contains the full replica of the original artwork, so no part of the painting is lost.


Extra painted border without losing any of the original painting

How many extra centimeters are painted for a gallery wrap?

For most stretcher frames, an additional 2.5 cm / 1 inch of painted canvas is sufficient to avoid visible white edges when the painting is hung as a gallery wrap. If you require more centimeters, for instance, because you have a thicker stretcher frame in mind, let us know, and we can accommodate your request.

Is a gallery wrap more expensive?

We do not charge extra for painting the additional edges around the artwork. You can rely on the prices listed on the website.

Is a gallery wrap easy to hang?

A gallery-wrapped painting is significantly lighter than one with a frame. In fact, you only need to hammer a nail into the wall at the desired height and hang the stretcher frame on it. No mounting system on the stretcher frame is necessary, and this also allows the painting to sit flush against the wall.

Can a gallery-wrapped painting be framed at a later stage?

It is no problem at all if you later decide to frame your gallery-wrapped painting. Your framer will already have your stretcher frame (with the stretched painting) and can easily place it into a custom-made frame.

Are replicas in stock available as gallery wraps for immediate delivery?

No, it’s better to paint the additional edges for the gallery wrap at the same time as the main painting. Please allow 6–7 weeks for the painting to be completed and dry, so it can be delivered rolled up in a protective tube.

Do you want to frame your gallery-wrapped painting at a later stage after all?

Check out this video for tips on choosing the perfect frame for your painting.

Contact us for questions about your gallery wrapped replica.

If you have any questions or specific requests, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

We do not supply frames for standard-sized replicas. Would you like a ready-to-hang painting? Take a look at our special collection of smaller paintings with antique frames available in stock.