If you have ever browsed an art gallery or online print shop, you may have come across the term giclée. Pronounced “zhee-clay,” this word refers to a high-quality printing process that is widely used by artists, photographers and galleries to produce fine art reproductions. Giclée prints are known for their excellent colour accuracy, sharp detail and archival quality which makes them a popular choice for limited edition prints and professional presentation.
In this article, we will explain what makes a print a giclée, how the process works and why it is different from standard digital or poster printing.
The Meaning Behind the Term Giclée
The word giclée comes from the French word “gicler” which means “to spray.” This is a reference to the inkjet printing process used to create the artwork. However, not all inkjet prints qualify as giclée. To meet the criteria, the print must be made using specific archival-quality inks, on fine art paper or canvas, and at a high resolution.
The term was originally coined in the 1990s by printmaker Jack Duganne who wanted a way to distinguish fine art prints from lower-end digital copies. Since then, the giclée label has become a recognised standard in the art world.
How Giclée Printing Works
Giclée prints are produced using professional inkjet printers that use pigment-based inks rather than dye-based ones. These inks offer superior colour longevity and fade resistance. The printer sprays microscopic droplets of ink onto the surface of the paper or canvas to build up rich layers of tone and detail.
The image being printed must also be of very high resolution, usually 300 DPI or higher. This ensures that the details remain sharp and that the texture and colour of the original artwork are preserved.
The paper or canvas used for giclée printing is equally important. It must be acid-free, made from cotton or alpha cellulose, and designed to hold pigment ink without bleeding or fading. Popular brands include Hahnemühle, Canson and Somerset.
Why Artists and Collectors Choose Giclée
Giclée prints are valued for their ability to capture the essence of the original artwork. Unlike commercial prints, which can sometimes flatten colours or lose detail, giclée printing offers a dynamic range of tones and a more authentic look.
This makes it ideal for artists who want to sell reproductions of their work while retaining the integrity of the original. Giclée is also popular with photographers who want to display their images with museum-quality results.
Collectors often favour giclée prints because they are long-lasting and often produced in limited runs. When signed and numbered by the artist, giclée prints can hold significant value.
Giclée vs Other Print Types
It is important to understand how giclée printing compares with other printing methods. Standard inkjet prints, for example, might be produced using lower-quality dye-based inks and paper that is not archival. These prints may look similar at first but they tend to fade much faster and may not maintain their quality over time.
Lithographic prints, another common method, use a completely different process involving plates and press machines. While litho printing can be cost-effective for high-volume runs, it does not offer the same level of detail or colour depth as giclée.
Digital poster printing is suitable for everyday purposes but lacks the quality and durability required for fine art presentation. Giclée printing fills the gap between mass production and original artwork by offering a professional and faithful reproduction.
Care and Display of Giclée Prints
Because giclée prints are made with archival materials, they can last for decades if cared for properly. It is recommended to frame them behind UV-protective glass and avoid placing them in direct sunlight or humid environments. Proper mounting and handling will help maintain the print’s colour and texture over time.
Giclée canvas prints can also be stretched and varnished which makes them ideal for display without glass. This adds a professional finish and can enhance the look and longevity of the piece.
Cost and Value of Giclée Printing
Giclée prints tend to be more expensive than standard digital prints because of the high-quality materials and equipment used. However, for artists and collectors, the investment is often worthwhile. The results are much closer to the original work and the durability ensures lasting value.
Pricing will depend on the size, paper type and whether the print is limited edition. Artists can also choose to sign or number their prints to increase their collectability.
Final Thoughts
A giclée art print is much more than just a high-resolution copy. It is a carefully produced, museum-grade reproduction that allows artists to share their work with a wider audience while maintaining its quality and integrity. Whether you are a buyer looking for a special piece or an artist planning to reproduce your work, giclée printing offers a professional and long-lasting solution.