QA

What Is Fine Art Giclee Printing

Giclée (/ʒiːˈkleɪ/ zhee-KLAY) is a neologism coined in 1991 by printmaker Jack Duganne for fine art digital prints made on inkjet printers. It is often used by artists, galleries, and print shops to suggest high quality printing, but is an unregulated word with no associated warranty of quality.

What is the difference between a giclee and a print?

Inkjet Printer: Standard inkjet prints are made using dye-based inks. Giclees are made using pigment-based inks. High Resolution and Color: They have the sharpest detail and highest resolution, displaying a full-color spectrum. Giclees capture every shade of an original work.

Are giclee prints worth it?

Contrary to what some might think, reproducing artwork will not decrease the value of an original. In fact, giclée prints can actually increase the value of an original. Also because of the high quality, these prints can often increase in value over time. This is of course dependent on the artist.

Why are giclee prints so expensive?

Embellished giclées are generally sold for a price between a simple print and an original piece. Because embellishments make the work more original, it becomes more valuable and rare. As an artist becomes more popular and their work becomes more in demand, their limited edition prints will increase in value.

What qualifies as giclee print?

Giclee is a French term meaning “to spray”, referring to how an inkjet printer works and how giclee prints are usually produced. These large format inkjet printers use small spraying devices that can both match color and apply ink precisely, giving artists a high-quality print of their original art explains ThoughtCo.

How long do giclee prints last?

A giclée print which is stored in normal conditions should last 100 years or more. Our prints are produced using the finest canvas and solvent and lightfast inks resisting fading and will be around for 100 years!.

Are giclee prints numbered?

Usually giclée print runs will number around 100, this generally ensures the limited run of prints maintains rarity and collectability, but not so low as to prevent customers from finding them. However, any artist can dictate their own number of prints for their giclée print runs.

Do giclee prints have texture?

Typically, giclees are not textured unless they’re printed on textured paper or canvas. However, texture can be added to giclee prints by hand. This uncommon process is done by adding a clear gel on top of a print and using the same motion as the original brushstrokes.

Do giclee prints need glass?

Canvas wrapped prints stretched and framed in reveal frames: Giclée prints on paper need to be framed behind glass as shown below. Paper prints will hold the colors more accuratley of works originally created on paper. Different types of glass are available to protect from UV, and to reduce reflections.

Is Giclee the same as inkjet?

Answer: Nothing! They are all the same printing process. We call our prints Archival Inkjet prints. However, they are also known as a Giclée, Iris or Pigment prints.

What is a fine art print?

The term “fine art prints” refers to archival pigment giclee prints. Unlike a c-type print, giclee prints use high-quality pigment-based inks and acid-free fine art paper. Also, these prints, which are also sometimes referred to as pigment prints, are made without any light sensitivity or chemistry.

How can you tell an original giclee?

First, if you can, run your hand along the surface of the art. If the paint is still resting on the surface of the canvas and has been layered, it’s likely an original. However, if it looks like the art is seeped into the canvas, then it’s likely a giclee.

Will giclee prints fade?

Longevity. First of all, giclee printing tends to hold its colors for far longer than standard prints. In fact, giclee prints are thought to last up to two hundred years before starting to fade. With giclee printing, you won’t have to worry about fading or discoloration at all.

What is art Giclée on canvas?

Put simply, a Giclée canvas print is a high quality print using the best practice and the best quality printer, canvas and ink that is available. Giclée is derived from the French word gicler which means “to squirt or spray”. It does not refer to only canvas printing but also to art reproductions on paper.

What is digital art Giclée?

Giclée (/ʒiːˈkleɪ/ zhee-KLAY) is a neologism coined in 1991 by printmaker Jack Duganne for fine art digital prints made on inkjet printers. It is often used by artists, galleries, and print shops to suggest high quality printing, but is an unregulated word with no associated warranty of quality.

Are Giclée prints glossy?

Giclee Prints The Giclee printing process provides higher image detail than traditional photographic printing. Using seven dye-based inks, Giclee Prints offer vibrant color reproduction and enhanced image clarity on your choice of archival quality Deep Matte, Fine Art, Semi Gloss and High Gloss paper.

Should art prints be glossy or matte?

If you’re investing in online wall art or printing your own work, both surfaces can produce stunning prints and reproductions. Typically, photographers tend to lean towards the satin and glossy finishes, while fine art prints are more likely to be provided on matte paper.

How do you handle giclee prints?

How to handle a Giclée print Always handle you Giclée print wearing cotton gloves and avoid touching the print itself. If you don’t have gloves, make sure you have clean hands and do not touch the ink – even the smallest amount of oil or grease that occurs naturally can damage an inkjet.

How do you take care of fine art prints?

Care Instructions for Fine Art Prints Rule #1: Don’t Touch The Printed Area. Print With A Margin For Handling. Handle With Gloves. Use Archival Sleeves And Sheeting. Keep It Cool, Dry & Shady. Spray Prints For Extra Protection. Ensure Archival Framing.