Giclée Prints 101

What are giclée prints?

The word ‘giclée’ is derived from a french term meaning ‘to spray’, and is used to describe high-quality inkjet printing. Giclée prints are seen as the industry standard for fine art reproduction and are highly sought out by artists, collectors and galleries. The process begins by taking a scan or photograph of the original artwork, using a high resolution scanner or in some cases, a digital camera. Once the digital file is created, the image is then printed on archival paper using pigment inks. What makes paper ‘archival’ is it is treated to be PH neutral or slightly alkaline, which prevents the printed image from yellowing over time. There are lots of different types of archival papers out there, from cotton photo rag to bamboo and agave based papers. The paper I use to make my giclée prints is 100% cotton, 340gsm cold-pressed watercolour paper, almost identical to the paper I paint my originals on. 

Giclée print framing and care

Since giclée prints use lightfast pigment based inks and acid-free paper, they are made with the intention of lasting a lifetime. However, it is equally important to properly care for your print once you receive it. It is imperative that the matting and framing materials used are acid-free, as acid will cause the paper to yellow over time. The sun will fade almost anything, so it is highly recommended to keep your prints out of direct sunlight and use UV protective glass when framing. Prints will typically be signed (and numbered if they’re limited edition) on the bottom right below the artwork image, so keep that in mind when choosing your mat size. 

My prints are scanned and printed by a professional to ensure the best colour accuracy and print quality. A giclée print can make a great addition to your art collection and with proper framing and handling, you can love your print for decades to come.