What is a Giclée Print?

by William Kenny

Giclée prints have become a phenomenon in the art world, known for their exceptional quality and ability to reproduce original artworks with stunning precision. So exactly what is a giclée print?

A giclée print is a high-quality art reproduction, created using specialised inkjet printers. This printing process uses archival inks and paper, resulting in vibrant colours and fine detail. Giclée prints are highly valued for their longevity and fidelity to the original artwork.

The term "giclée" (pronounced “zhee-clay”) is derived from the French word "gicler”, meaning "to squirt" or "to spray".

Developed in the late 20th century, giclee prints set themselves apart from traditional printing methods such as offset lithography and screen printing, revolutionising the way art could be reproduced.

What is a Giclée Print vs an Art Print?

So is a giclée print different from an art print?

No, a giclée print is just a certain kind of art print. It’s a particularly high-quality print made using special machines and top-quality materials.

Giclée prints are considered part of the luxury sector – providing the fidelity to detail that can do full justice to masterpieces of art.

(Of course, this does mean the price tags are beyond what most buyers can afford. If you’re looking for an art print at a reasonable price point which still offers excellent reproduction quality, a budget option like the canvas prints here at MYPICTURE is a good alternative.)

The Printing Process

Creating a giclée print is a meticulous, sophisticated process:

1. Preparation of digital image: The original artwork is scanned or photographed at a high resolution, ensuring every detail is captured accurately.
2. Printing: The digital file is printed onto the chosen material using precise inkjet technology, which sprays microscopic droplets of archival-quality ink to create a seamless and highly detailed image.
3. Quality control and finishing: Each print undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure it meets the highest standards. Finishing touches, such as protective coatings or varnishes, may be applied to enhance durability.

What are Giclée Prints Used For?

Giclée prints have found a broad range of applications in the art world:

• Fine art reproduction: Many artists use giclée printing to produce high-quality reproductions of their original works, making art more accessible to a wider audience.

• Photographic prints: Photographers often choose giclée prints for their ability to capture the intricate details and vibrant colours of their images.

• Commercial and decorative art: Giclée prints are also popular in the commercial market for decorative purposes, including home and office decor.

How to Identify a Giclée Print

Identifying a giclée print involves looking for certain characteristics:

• Sharpness and clarity: Giclée prints should exhibit crisp, clear details with no visible pixelation or blurriness.

• Smooth colour transitions: The prints should display smooth gradients and colour transitions, without banding or abrupt changes.

• High-quality materials: Giclée prints are typically made on thick, high-quality paper or canvas. Authentic giclée prints often come with a certificate of authenticity from the artist or printer.

Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance are essential to preserve the quality of giclée prints:

• Handling: Always handle prints with clean, dry hands or wear cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils and dirt.

• Framing: Use archival-quality framing materials to protect the print from environmental factors.

• Environmental conditions: Keep prints away from direct sunlight, excessive humidity, and extreme temperatures to prevent fading and damage.

• Cleaning: If necessary, clean prints with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions, which can damage the ink and paper.

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MYPICTURE: An Affordable Premium Alternative

Here at MYPICTURE we pride ourselves on making premium-quality canvas print reproductions. But as our business model aims at the affordable premium market, we wouldn’t claim to produce giclée prints as we’re not competing in the luxury printing sector.

You can print any image you upload here at MYPICTURE – including of course fine art (so long as it’s out of copyright). For buyers seeking top-quality art reproductions that don't come at giclée prices, MYPICTURE offers a compelling alternative, providing exceptional quality and great value too.