Giclée

Giclée printing is a high-resolution digital printing process used for fine art reproduction. It involves capturing an original artwork with a high-quality camera or scanner, then using specialized inkjet printers and archival inks to create prints on various substrates like paper or canvas. The result is a print with exceptional color accuracy and longevity, closely resembling the original.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process:

1. Image Capture:

High-Resolution Digital Capture:

The original artwork is photographed or scanned using a professional-grade camera or scanner capable of capturing fine details and color accuracy. 

File Preparation:

The digital image is prepared, often with color correction and proofing, to match the original artwork as closely as possible. 

2. Printing:

Specialized Inkjet Printers:

.

Giclée printing utilizes wide-format inkjet printers designed for fine art, often employing 10 or more colors of pigment-based, archival inks. 

Archival Inks:

.

These inks are specifically formulated to resist fading and degradation, ensuring the print's longevity. 

High-Quality Substrates:

.

The prints are made on archival-quality paper or canvas, chosen for their ability to hold ink and withstand the test of time. 

3. Finishing:

Drying and Mounting:

After printing, the canvas prints may be stretched over bars, and paper prints are trimmed to size, ready for framing. 

Mounting and Framing:

The prints can be mounted on various substrates like foam board or Gatorboard, providing stability and enhancing presentation. 

Key Characteristics of Giclée Prints:

Exceptional Color Accuracy:

The use of specialized printers and inks ensures accurate color reproduction. 

High Resolution:

Giclée prints capture fine details and subtle nuances of the original artwork. 

Archival Quality:

The inks and substrates used are designed to resist fading and degradation, ensuring the print's longevity. 

Versatility:

Giclée prints can be created on a variety of materials, including paper, canvas, and even metal.