Eco-Solvent vs Pigment Ink Canvas

Overview:Compare eco-solvent and pigment ink canvas for wide format printing. Learn coating differences, durability, color performance, and how to choose the right printable canvas roll supplier.


When sourcing a printable canvas roll, many printing companies and distributors ask the same question:

Should we use eco-solvent canvas or pigment ink canvas?

Although both materials fall under the category of canvas for inkjet printing, their coating structure, ink absorption performance, durability, and application scenarios are very different.

In this guide, we break down the key differences between eco-solvent canvas and pigment ink canvas, helping printing companies choose the right solution for their production needs.
 

Eco-Solvent Canvas

1. What Is Eco-Solvent Canvas?

Eco-solvent canvas is specifically designed for printers using eco-solvent or mild solvent inks. The coating layer allows the solvent-based ink to penetrate and bond effectively to the surface.

Key Features of Eco-Solvent Canvas:

•Designed for eco-solvent and mild solvent printers

•Strong outdoor durability

•Excellent water resistance

•High scratch resistance

•Suitable for advertising and décor applications

Eco-solvent printable canvas is widely used in:

•Wall décor prints

•Advertising graphics

•Photo enlargements

•Commercial art reproductions

Because of its durability, eco-solvent canvas is often preferred by wide format printing companies focusing on signage and décor production.
 

Pigment Ink Canvas

2. What Is Pigment Ink Canvas?

Pigment ink canvas is coated specifically for water-based pigment ink printers such as Epson, Canon, and HP aqueous systems.

Unlike eco-solvent canvas, pigment ink canvas emphasizes color accuracy and fine art reproduction.

Key Features of Pigment Ink Canvas:

•Designed for aqueous pigment printers

•Superior color gamut

•Smooth matte surface

•Ideal for giclée printing

•Indoor fine art applications

Pigment ink printable canvas is commonly used for:

•Fine art reproduction

•Photography prints

•Museum-quality artwork

•Gallery displays

For printing companies specializing in art and photography, pigment ink canvas is often the preferred choice.
 

3. Coating Structure Differences

The main difference between eco-solvent canvas and pigment ink canvas lies in the coating technology.

Eco-Solvent Canvas Coating:

•More porous structure

•Solvent-resistant resin layer

•Strong adhesion to solvent inks

•Better outdoor performance

Pigment Ink Canvas Coating:

•Micro-porous ink receptive layer

•Optimized for water-based inks

•Higher detail sharpness

•Smoother surface finish

Choosing the wrong canvas coating for your ink type can result in:

•Ink bleeding

•Poor color density

•Surface cracking

•Reduced durability

This is why selecting the right canvas roll supplier is critical.
 

4. Durability Comparison
 

Feature Eco-Solvent Canvas Pigment Ink Canvas
Outdoor Use Excellent Limited
Water Resistance High Medium
Scratch Resistance High Moderate
UV Stability Strong Good (Indoor)


If your printing company produces wall décor or commercial graphics, eco-solvent canvas provides better durability.

If your focus is fine art reproduction, pigment ink canvas delivers better color fidelity.
 

5. Color Performance and Print Quality

Pigment ink canvas typically offers:

•Wider color gamut

•Better shadow detail

•Smoother gradient transitions

Eco-solvent canvas provides:

•Strong color density

•High contrast output

•Bold commercial print appearance

For giclée printing and museum-level artwork, pigment ink canvas is usually the better option.

For commercial décor printing, eco-solvent printable canvas is more practical.
 

6. Printable Canvas GSM Options

Most professional printable canvas rolls are available in:

•240gsm

•280gsm

•320gsm

•380gsm

•420gsm

Higher GSM provides:

•Better stretching performance

•Reduced cracking

•Premium texture feel

When sourcing from a canvas roll manufacturer, confirm GSM consistency and coating uniformity.
 

7. Which Printable Canvas Should You Choose?

Choose eco-solvent canvas if:

►  You use eco-solvent printers
►  You produce wall décor or advertising prints
►  You require waterproof printable canvas
►  You need outdoor durability

Choose pigment ink canvas if:

►  You use Epson/Canon/HP aqueous printers
►  You produce fine art prints
►  You require high color accuracy
►  You focus on gallery-quality artwork
 

8. OEM & Bulk Supply Considerations

For distributors and large printing companies, sourcing directly from a printable canvas manufacturer in China offers advantages:

•Stable coating quality

•Custom roll width and length

•Private label packaging

•Competitive bulk pricing

•Short production lead time

When choosing a canvas roll supplier, verify:

•Ink compatibility testing reports

•Coating stability

•Crack resistance after stretching

•Roll core strength

•Moisture resistance packaging
 

9. Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between eco-solvent vs pigment ink canvas is essential for printing companies looking to optimize quality and reduce production risks.

Both materials serve different markets:

Eco-solvent canvas = durability & commercial printing

Pigment ink canvas = fine art & photography

Working with a reliable printable canvas roll manufacturer ensures you get the right coating for your ink system, improving print performance and customer satisfaction.