A mirror border on canvas, also known as mirrored edges, is a technique used when printing images onto canvas where the very edge of the image is duplicated and wrapped around the sides of the canvas frame.
Understanding Mirror Borders
Mirror wrap canvas prints are crafted specifically by wrapping the closest part of the image over the sides. This method takes the pixels located at the outer edges of your photograph or artwork and replicates them to cover the thickness of the canvas stretcher bars.
This process effectively creates a reflection-like appearance on the edges of the canvas print. Instead of losing part of your original image to the wrap or having a solid color border, the mirrored edges make it look as though the image seamlessly continues or is reflected onto the sides.
Here's a breakdown of how it works and why it's used:
- How It's Created: The software duplicates the outer pixels of your image and flips them like a mirror image. This duplicated section is then used to print on the edges of the canvas.
- Why Choose It: This technique is popular because it allows the entire original image to remain visible on the front of the canvas without cropping any crucial parts to accommodate the wrap.
- The Result: The sides of the canvas feature a 'mirrored' extension of the main image, providing a sense of depth and continuity.
Alternatives to Mirror Borders
While mirror borders are a common choice, other options exist for finishing the edges of a canvas print:
- Image Wrap: The outer part of the original image is directly wrapped around the sides. This crops the original image slightly but provides a seamless look.
- Solid Color Wrap: The edges are printed with a solid color, often black, white, or a color picked from the image. This is a simple and clean finish.
Mirror borders offer a compelling visual solution, ensuring the integrity of your original artwork on the front while providing an attractive, reflection-like finish on the sides.
