Giclee (jhee-clay) is derived from the French word “gicler” meaning to squirt or spray.  The term Giclee print usually connotes a certain elevation in the printmaking technology.  Images are high-resolution digital scans printed with archival quality inks onto various substrates.  The Giclee process provides the most accurate method of fine art reproduction.

 

The Giclee printing process was born in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s with the development of sophisticated inkjet technology used in high end pre-press proofing.  These first printers were developed by a company know as IRIS.  The largest “IRIS” printer was an extremely expensive piece of equipment costing several hundred thousand dollars.  Many of today’s Giclee printers still use refurbished “IRIS” printers.  Over the years equipment, media, inks and craftsmanship have advanced dramatically.

 

The Giclee printing process has many advantages over other printing methods.  One of the major benefits is the ability to produce one print at a time instead of the need to print hundreds or thousands with each order.  No color separations are required that may introduce defects and color reproduction problems associated with offset lithography.  The Giclee process allows the artist to test market many images for less than the cost of producing one image using offset.  It is generally acknowledged that Giclee prints offer richness, detail and depth that set them apart from traditional offset lithography.  Since the initial investment in a Giclee edition is minimal, the artist can take more risks to find out what is acceptable and salable to the market.

 

Our Giclee prints are produced using archival watercolor papers and canvas and give each piece a look and feel similar to the original art.  Many artists choose to embellish the Giclee resulting in a “multiple original” with each print being unique.  Since the quality is superior to any other printing method, artists can command a higher price resulting in greater profits.  Many galleries who historically sold only originals are now offering Giclees.  Life-span estimates by third party testing indicate that Giclees produced on certain matched media, pigment ink combinations should exceed 100 years before any noticeable fading occurs.  Pigment inks on non-matched media may not attain this extended life.  We only print to matched ink, media combinations and consider these combinations to be the only prints worthy of the term “Giclee”.

 

Giclee prints should be cared for as any piece of fine art.  Paper prints should be framed behind glass.  Canvas prints should be placed on quality stretchers.  No artwork should be exposed to prolonged sunlight or other harsh conditions.

 

If you provide original art, we photograph the original and create a museum quality digital file.  If you provide a professionally photographed 4” x 5” or 8” x 10” transparency, we will scan it on a high quality drum scanner (35mm usually will not provide acceptable quality for fine art reproduction).  It is important to remember that when sending transparencies, we will color match to the transparency.  Examine each transparency carefully before sending.  The most accurate prints are those matched to the original art.  The resolution and color of a Giclee print can be extraordinary compared to any other method of fine art reproduction.  However, archival pigmented inks do have a reduced gamut when compared to non-archival dye based inks.  Some hues and shades may not reproduce exactly.

 

For pricing information or to learn about how to proceed with an order, please contact us by phone at 864-585-3335.