In the world of fine art reproduction, few terms carry as much weight as Giclée print. If you're an art enthusiast or a collector, you've likely come across this term when searching for high-quality art prints.
But what if you're not? What exactly is a Giclée print, and why is it so highly regarded in the art community?
In this introduction to Giclée, we'll cover exactly what Giclée printing and why it has become the gold standard for reproducing fine art.
Whether you're considering purchasing a Giclée print or simply want to understand more about this unique printing process, we've got you covered.
What Is A Giclée Print?
A Giclée print (pronounced "zhee-clay") is a high-quality art print created using an advanced inkjet printing process. The term "Giclée" is derived from the French word "gicler," meaning "to spray," which perfectly describes the method used to produce these prints.
Giclée printing utilises specialised inkjet printers that spray microscopic droplets of archival-quality ink onto fine art paper or canvas, resulting in prints that are both highly detailed and durable.
Technically, any inkjet print can be described as Glclee, as it sprays ink on to the paper. But the term is more commonly used when talking about not only the method, but the quality of paper used, usually fine art, and the type of ink, pigment rather than dye.
Veranito posters and prints use a professional inkjet process, with premium paper and ink being used throughout the process. This has given us fantastic results in our art, looking vibrant and created to last a long time.
Why Is Giclée Printing Considered the Gold Standard?
Giclée printing is often hailed as the gold standard for art reproduction due to its superior quality and longevity. Unlike traditional printing methods, Giclée prints offer:
- High Resolution and Detail: Giclée printers typically use a resolution of 1200 DPI or higher, capturing the finest details of the original artwork.
- Vibrant Colour Reproduction: With a wide colour gamut, Giclée prints can reproduce millions of colours, ensuring that the final print closely matches the original artwork.
- Archival Quality: Giclée prints are created using archival inks and substrates, meaning they are resistant to fading and can last for decades, if not longer, when properly cared for.
- Versatility in Medium: Giclée printing can be done on various substrates, including fine art paper, canvas, and even some textiles, allowing artists and collectors to choose the medium that best suits their needs.
Giclée Prints: Key Taeaways
- Giclée is pronounced zhee-clay.
- A Giclée print is a high resolution print that's created using quality inkjet printers
- Prints are made on archival quality paper using archival quality inks
- Becuase of the high end process, these prints can last a very long time
For an in-depth guide on the production of Giclée prints, check out our How Are Giclee Prints Made which is a step-by-step guide into how a giclee print is created from start to finish.
