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What is a Giclée Print?

A giclée (zhee-CLAY), is an individually produced, high-resolution, high-fidelity, high tech reproduction done on a special large format printer. Giclées are produced from digital scans of existing artwork. Also, since many artists now paint only digitally, there was no “original” that can be hung on a wall. Giclées solve that problem, while creating a whole new vibrant medium for art.

The Giclée is quickly becoming the new standard in the fine art industry, and is widely embraced for its astonishing quality by major museums, galleries, publishers and artists. A Giclée Print is quite simply the closest replication of an original artwork that is currently possible.

Giclées can be printed on any number of media, from inkjet canvas to watercolor paper to vinyl, to transparent acetates. Giclées are superior to traditional lithography in nearly every way. The colors are brighter, last longer, and are so high-resolution that they are virtually ‘continuous tone’, rather than tiny dots. The range, or “gamut” of color for giclées is far beyond that of lithography, and details are crisper.

Since giclée printerscan use media in rolls, large print sizes are available, limited only by the length and width of the roll. Billboard sizes are possible. Giclées are typically sold by the square inch or square foot.

In giclée printing, no screen or other mechanical devices are used and therefore there is no visible dot screen pattern. The image has all the tonalities and hues of the original painting. Giclée is a French term meaning to spray or squirt, which is how an inkjet printer works. However, it is not the same as a standard desktop inkjet printer, and is much larger.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR GICLÉE:

Giclée prints should be handled with the same care one would with any valued fine art piece. They should be protected from water, solvent-based materials and abrasion. You can extend the life expectancy of a Giclée fine art print by hanging it away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Under no circumstances should you wet your print. Also, please avoid tape or solvents coming in contact with the coated print.

Giclées printed on Fine Art Papers should ideally be framed and mounted on acid free boards under UV protected glass for maximum durability. The paper of the print itself needs to be handled carefully to prevent absorption of oils and/or marks from fingertips.

Giclées printed on Canvas are treated with special coatings to protect them against dangerous UV light invisible to the human eye and to preserve the integrity of the print. Always clean your canvas print with a dry, lint free cloth or soft brush. Never use a wet or moist cloth to clean your Giclée canvas print.

A little extra care for your Giclée fine art print now will allow you to enjoy your purchase for many years to come.