What Is A Giclee Print?

October 1, 2024

So you've heard the fancy term "giclee print" thrown around, but what does it actually mean? Let's break it down in simple terms.

A giclee (pronounced zhee-clay) print is a high-quality reproduction of an artwork or photograph made using inkjet printing technology. The word comes from the French, meaning to spray, which is exactly what an ink jet printer does. It's like making a copy of your favorite masterpiece without losing the original's charm and quality. Unlike traditional printing techniques, giclee printing uses high-quality archival inks and papers ensuring your artwork stands the test of time. One of the standout traits of giclee prints is their vibrant colors and precise color matching.

Detailed image of large printer with artwork being printed.


The 4 important things that make up a giclee art print:

Resolution- The original piece of art should be professionally scanned or photograph at 300 dpi or higher resolution. Since I tend to paint pretty small sizes, I scan my artwork in at 1200 dpi in order to be able to make much larger prints. A good quality scanner is essential!

Ink- The ink must be pigment-based and not dye-based which is what most household inkjet printers use. There also needs to be at least 8 or more different colored pigmented inks used in the printer. Generally, the more inks that are used, the more sophisticated the color range will be on the final print.

Paper- The paper must be archival, meaning it’s 100% cotton and acid-free. This helps with the longevity of the print and is designed to resist fading and deterioration over time. This means that a giclee print will maintain its vibrant colors and sharp details for much longer than a standard art print.

Printer- The printer itself must be a wide format ink jet printer. Again, these are not your standard household inkjet printers that use dye-based inks.

Illustration of balloons on white background shows different size print options.

Why are giclee prints so expensive?

Giclee prints are expensive because the technology and materials used to create these prints are expensive. Additionally, the process itself is painstakingly slow. Most giclee prints are produced one or two at a time.


How long will giclee prints last?

Looking after your giclee print requires paper prints to be framed under UV-protective glass and placed in a location away from direct sunlight. Although hardier than paper prints, canvas prints should also not be placed where they will receive lots of direct sunlight.  

If properly cared for by the owner, a giclee print will last at least 100 years without significant fading. If your giclee print is framed and hung in a location outside of direct sunlight, it can last even longer.

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