What is a Giclée Print? How is it Different from Art Prints?

The desire to bring fine art into our homes and personal spaces has fueled a growing trend towards high-quality art and canvas prints. But with so many printing options available, navigating the terminology can be a challenge.

This article delves into the world of giclée prints, exploring what they are, how they differ from traditional art prints, and the unique qualities of giclée prints on canvas.

What is a Giclée Print?

Giclée prints (pronounced "zhee-clay") are fine art reproductions created with digital printing. The term "giclée" derives from the French for "spray", a word suggestive of the specialized inkjet printers used in giclée printing.

Giclée printing is done with pigment-based inks with excellent resistance to fading and degradation. Acid-free archival-quality paper (or canvas) is favored, ensuring the inks won't break down and the image will retain its impressive definition for many years to come.

Giclée Print vs Art Print: Is There a Difference?

As shown above, a giclée print is essentially a high-quality digital print. So is there really any difference between a giclée print and a regular art print?

Put simply, an art print is any printed reproduction of an artwork – including lithographs, screen prints, and even regular digital prints – while a giclee print is a specialized art print that’s distinguished by the quality of materials and technology used.

Here's a breakdown of the key differences between giclée prints and regular art prints:

Print detail

Giclée prints offer superb fidelity due to the high-resolution image files, advanced printing technology, and archival-quality inks used. Regular art prints can vary greatly in quality, with the cheapest often lacking visual definition.

Durability and fade resistance

Giclée prints, with their high-grade inks and materials, are known for their longevity. Regular art prints tend to be less resistant to degradation and may start to fade with time.

Cost and value

Giclée prints are usually sold at a higher price point – needless to say, top-quality inks and printers aren't cheap to produce or use. Regular art prints vary widely in price depending on the printing methods and materials used.

What is a Giclée Print on Canvas?

A giclée print on canvas is simply one using canvas fabric rather than paper as its foundation.

Canvas is valued in the industry for its subtly textured surface, evoking the look and feel of an original painting. A special pre-coating can be added to ensure superior ink absorption. Canvas fabric is also more robust and durable than paper.

Like any canvas print, giclée prints on canvas can be displayed with or without an external frame. Such frames are seen as providing the complete “art gallery” look that fine art prints deserve.

Conclusion

To summarize, a giclée print is a high-quality art reproduction created using a specialized inkjet printer. This process uses archival inks and fine art paper to achieve rich colors and exceptional detail, making giclée prints highly sought after by art enthusiasts and collectors.

Whether you're an enthusiast on the hunt for museum-quality reproductions for your home, a hobbyist photographer wanting to showcase your work, or someone simply looking to turn a favorite photo into a lasting keepsake, giclée prints won't disappoint.

If you're looking for something more casual than giclée that doesn't compromise on quality and won't break the bank, take a look at our canvas print and wall decor collections. From framed digital prints to acrylic panels to posters, there's sure to be something that catches your eye!