A Guide To Fine Art Giclee Printing

The number-one choice for millions of artists and professional photographers worldwide, fine art gicleeprinting is a trusted method for creating premium quality prints. In this brief introductory guide, we’ll be taking a look at whatgiclee printing is used for, what it means and why it is preferred for printing the highest-quality artworks.

What is Giclee Printing?

Anyone who works in graphic design or a similar field will have probably come across the term giclee printing at some point or another. Even if you haven’t yet used it yourself, you may at least be familiar with the term. But even those who have an established understanding of the purpose of giclee printing don’t always know exactly what it represents.

In terms of pronunciation, giclee printing is pronounced ‘Zhee-Clay’. The word itself originates from ‘la giclée’ – a French term which translates literally as ‘that which is sprayed or squirted’. This gives an immediate insight into the basic mechanics of giclee printing – a printing process that follows the typical inkjet method. Nevertheless, giclee printing is an entirely different type of inkjet printing. Typically reserved only for the highest-quality pieces, giclee printing is designed to produce the most immaculate and long-lasting result possible.

Traditionally, giclee printing was a technique used in the reproduction of conventional works of art (drawings or paintings) and photographs.  These days however, giclee printing can be used to create unique works of art designed entirely using computer software packages like Adobe Photoshop. So along with recreating original pieces, giclee printing is also been widely used to create pieces unique in their own right.

What DefinesGiclee Printing?

Critics sometimes argue that the term ‘giclee printing’ is overused and is simply a means by which to charge premium rates for inkjet prints. In reality, in order for any print to be considered a genuine giclee, it needs to fulfil three fundamental requirements as follows:

1. Document resolution

For a print to be categorised as giclee, the image captured by the computer or scanner needs to be a minimum of 300 DPI (dots per inch). This is to enable the printed version itself to also share the same minimal 300 DPI value/quality. In doing so, the resulting print is free from the kind of fragmentation that can reduce the quality of reproduced images through other printing methods of a lower quality standard. Hence, giclee printing produces far sharper and more accurate results.

2. Choice of paper

The quality of the paper itself also plays a role in determining whether the respective print qualifies as authentic giclee printing. There are certain descriptive terms to be on the lookout for when assessing the quality of the paper or substrate. In most instances, it will state clearly that the printing media is 100% cotton and acid-free, if it is truly suitable for giclee printing. Quality matters as it will have a direct impact on the sharpness and lifespan of the resulting print. Be sure to ask as many questions as necessary when working with a professional printing company.

3. Printer and Ink

Unsurprisingly, not every inkjet printer currently in circulation is capable of carrying out true giclee printing. Along with the general quality and performance of the printer, a typical giclee print is produced using a large-format printer that operates using pigment-based inks. By contrast, the vast majority of lower-quality inkjet printers use dye-based inks. This alone can have a huge difference on the final print, given how works that are printed using pigment-based inks have the potential to last as long as 100 or even 200 years without fading. Once again therefore, it’s a good idea to speak to your chosen printing specialist ahead of time, in order to ask them about the equipment they use. If in any doubt, you may want to take your business elsewhere.

Do Your Research

If you’re unfamiliar with what represents an appropriate choice regarding hardware, paper, ink and so on, it’s in your best interests to carry out a little research. The first step would be to speak to the printing company and ask them about the equipment they use when producing giclee prints. After which, carrying out just a little basic research online should be all it takes to determine if you’re looking at the real deal.

Always remember that there are various different types of professional paper available – each having its own intended purpose and advantages for certain types of printing.

Of course, one of the simplest ways of ensuring you make the right decision is to check out the reviews and recommendations of other customers. If the printing company in question has earned the approval of discerning artists and photographers, chances are you’re looking at a genuine gicleeprinting specialist.