Giclée prints are the accepted standard for fine art printing, but what exactly are they? Here’s everything you need to know about giclée prints, from the history of the printing process to the benefits of owning a giclée print.
What is a giclée print?
A giclée print is a high-quality, archival printing process that uses pigment-based inks and high-resolution printers. This printing process is often used for fine art reproductions and photographs and produces gallery-worthy prints with vibrant colours and sharp details.
A bit of history on giclée prints
Giclée prints are named after the French word “giclée,” which means “to spray or squirt.” This refers to the inkjet printing process, which sprays tiny droplets of ink onto the paper or canvas. This printing method was developed in the early 1990s by French engineer, Jacques Duffaut. Duffaut was working on a large format printer for the French government when he realised that this technology could be used for fine art prints. Duffaut teamed up with American artist Jack Duganne to create the first giclée print in 1991. Since then, the giclée printing process has become increasingly popular among artists and photographers. Today, giclée prints are considered to be some of the highest quality fine art prints available. They are often used by museums and galleries to display works of art.
Why are giclée prints so popular?
Giclée prints are popular because they are of such high quality. The colours are vibrant and capture the detail of an artwork or photograph.
How do I care for my giclée print?
To keep your giclée print looking its best, it’s important to protect it from sunlight and excessive humidity. You can frame your print behind glass or UV-plexiglas or store it in a metal flat file or acid free mat board or foam core.
A perfect way of purchasing affordable art
If you’re looking for high-quality prints, giclee prints are a great option. They are made with archival quality inks and papers, which means they will last a long time without fading. The colors are also very vibrant, making them perfect for reproducing artwork. And since these are reproductions they are become more affordable than the original counterpars.
