Giclee Art Prints – Everything You Need To Know
- Larry Cox
- Mar 12, 2024
- 7 min read
Giclee Art Prints
Everything You Need to Know
When it comes to reproducing fine art, few methods offer the quality, depth, and longevity of a giclee print. If you’re an artist looking to expand your offerings or a collector seeking to understand what you’re buying, it’s essential to know what sets giclee prints apart. Let’s break down everything you need to know about giclee art prints—from what they are to how to price and manage them properly.
What exactly is a Giclee print?
The term giclee (pronounced “zhee-clay”) comes from the French word “gicler,” meaning “to spray.” In the art world, it refers to a high-quality fine art print created using an inkjet printer with archival pigment-based inks. Unlike traditional offset printing, which uses mechanical plates and standard inks, or screen printining, giclee printing relies on a digital file and can produce extremely detailed, vibrant, and color-accurate reproductions.
What makes a print a giclee?
For a print to be considered a true giclee, it must meet certain criteria:
Archival pigment inks: These inks offer superior color permanence and longevity, resisting fading for decades or even centuries under proper conditions.
High-resolution digital capture: If an original artwork on canvas, it is scanned or photographed at a very high resolution (min. 300 PPI) to capture every nuance, brushstroke, and color gradation. If from a digital painting, the digital file must be of the highest quality with at least 300 PPI resolution.
Archival quality substrate: Giclees are typically printed on acid-free, museum-grade paper or canvas designed to last and maintain color vibrancy.
Professional industrial wide-format inkjet printer: The printer must be capable of producing a wide color gamut and fine detail, often with at least 8 to 12 pigment-based ink colors.
How to create a giclee print from your original painting
Digitally capture your artwork: Use a high-resolution scanner or professional photography. This step is crucial; poor capture results in poor prints.
Color correction and proofing: Work with a printer or handle the file yourself to ensure the digital version matches the original artwork as closely as possible.
Select your substrate: Decide if you want your print on canvas or archival paper. Each has its aesthetic and tactile appeal.
Print test proofs: Evaluate colors, clarity, and overall quality. Adjust as needed before printing the final edition.
Finalize and print the edition: Once satisfied, print the full run or individual pieces as orders come in.
How do giclees differ from other art prints?
Not all art prints are created equal. Here's how giclees stand apart:
Ink quality: Many standard art prints use dye-based inks that fade faster, while giclees use archival pigment inks.
Detail and color accuracy: Giclees can replicate even the finest details and subtle gradations, often indistinguishable from the original when viewed from a short distance.
Longevity: Properly made giclees can last over 100 years without significant fading or yellowing.
Substrate: Giclees are printed on higher-end materials specifically chosen for archival properties.
What is an “artist's proof”?
An artist’s proof (often denoted as “A/P”) is a small subset of prints set aside from a limited edition for the artist’s personal use or as special copies. Traditionally, these were the first prints pulled to evaluate the quality before printing the full edition.
Today, artist’s proofs are often highly sought after by collectors because of their scarcity and perceived closer connection to the artist.
Limited edition print vs open edition
Limited edition: A pre-determined, finite number of prints are produced (e.g., 50 or 100). Each is usually signed and numbered by the artist (e.g., 5/50).
Open edition: There is no cap on the number of prints. These prints are generally less expensive and not numbered, making them more accessible but less collectible.
Collectors often prefer limited editions because they retain more value over time due to their exclusivity.
Deciding how many prints will be in your limited edition series
When determining your edition size, consider:
Your market: Are your collectors looking for exclusivity or affordability?
Your pricing strategy: Smaller editions can justify higher prices.
Perceived value: A lower edition number often creates a sense of rarity and urgency.
Long-term plans: If you want to maintain control over your work’s scarcity, it’s wise to start with a conservative number.
A typical fine art edition might range from 10 to 250, but there’s no universal rule—it depends on your goals and audience.
Tips on how to price your giclee prints
Pricing giclee prints involves balancing accessibility and perceived value:
Base your price on the original’s value: Higher-priced originals can justify higher-priced prints.
Edition size: Smaller editions support higher pricing per print.
Production costs: Include professional scanning, printing, substrate, finishing (e.g., varnishing or stretching), and signing.
Framing and presentation: If sold framed or stretched, factor in those costs as well.
Market research: Check what other artists with similar reputations and styles charge for their prints.
Remember, once you establish a price point, it’s wise to maintain consistency to protect your collectors' investment and your market position.
The importance of numbering and tracking your limited edition prints
Numbering each print (e.g., 1/50) builds trust with collectors and establishes authenticity and edition integrity. Additionally:
Maintain detailed records: Include buyer information, date of sale, and edition number in a ledger or database.
Provide a certificate of authenticity (COA): Clearly state the print details, edition, size, any other pertinent information you want to include, date and your signature. This document reinforces the print’s provenance and helps prevent forgeries. Below is a sample of one of my COA's:
Good record-keeping protects both your reputation and your collectors' confidence in your work.
How to find reputable quality printers
Choosing the right printer is critical:
Look for art-focused print studios: They understand the importance of color accuracy, archival materials, and handling.
Ask for samples: Compare color accuracy, substrate quality, and overall finish.
Check reviews and artist testimonials: Artists are usually open about their experiences—learn from their feedback.
Assess customer service: A good printer should be willing to work collaboratively on proofing and adjustments.
Inquire about certifications: Some studios carry certifications for archival standards or use printers certified by companies like Epson or Canon for fine art.
Additional considerations
Shipping and handling: Giclee prints (especially on paper) require careful packaging to avoid bending or surface damage.
Varnishing and finishing: Canvas giclees can be varnished for protection and enhanced depth.
Framing guidance: Provide or recommend archival-quality framing to ensure the longevity of the print once purchased.
Transparency with collectors: Be upfront about edition sizes, artist proofs, and reprints to maintain trust and strengthen your brand.
Checklist for First-Time Giclee Sellers
If you’re preparing to sell giclee prints for the first time, here’s a handy checklist to help you stay organized and professional:
Digitally capture your artwork properly - Hire a professional photographer or use a high-resolution scanner to ensure the best possible digital file.
Select archival-quality materials - Choose acid-free, museum-grade paper or canvas, and pigment-based inks to ensure longevity.
Proof carefully - Review test prints to check color accuracy, detail, and overall quality. Don’t skip this step — it’s your chance to ensure the final product truly represents your original work.
Decide on edition type and size - Choose between limited or open editions, and if limited, determine how many prints you’ll produce.
Create certificates of authenticity - Prepare COAs with clear edition numbers, your signature, and details about the print and materials used.
Develop a tracking system - Maintain records of edition numbers, buyer information, and sale dates for each print.
Set your pricing strategy -Factor in production costs, your original’s value, market expectations, and presentation expenses (e.g., packaging, optional framing).
Choose a reputable printer -Vet printers by asking for samples, checking references, and confirming they use archival practices.
Plan packaging and shipping - Use sturdy, protective materials to prevent damage during transit. Include care instructions for collectors.
Prepare clear product descriptions - When listing prints online or in-person, include details about materials, edition size, dimensions, and any unique features.
Completing this checklist will help ensure you start your giclee journey with professionalism and confidence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced artists can stumble when venturing into the world of giclee prints. Here are some of the most common mistakes — and how to avoid them:
Using low-quality scans or photos - A poor-quality digital capture can’t be fixed in printing. Always start with a professional scan or photo to preserve color fidelity and detail.
Overestimating demand and printing too many - Large edition sizes can devalue your work and tie up resources. Start conservatively and gauge collector interest.
Neglecting to number and track prints - Failing to number prints or keep proper records can confuse collectors and diminish perceived value.
Choosing low-grade materials to save costs - Using non-archival inks or substrates might lower your upfront expenses but can lead to fading, yellowing, and unhappy customers.
Underpricing or overpricing - Setting prices too low can hurt your credibility and perceived value; too high can price you out of your target market. Research and balance are key.
Skipping proofing - Assuming the first print is "good enough" can result in color mismatches and inconsistent quality. Always approve proofs first.
Not protecting prints during storage and shipping - Damage during transit or storage can ruin a print and hurt your reputation. Invest in proper packaging materials and storage solutions.
Failing to educate buyers - Not providing information on care, framing, or edition details leaves buyers confused and can undermine their trust in your professionalism.
Avoiding these pitfalls will help ensure your giclee prints meet both your standards and your collectors' expectations, ultimately strengthening your brand and growing your audience.
Final thoughts
Giclee prints offer an exceptional way to make your art more accessible without sacrificing quality or value. They can open new revenue streams while allowing collectors to enjoy your work in a more affordable format. By understanding the details—from creation and pricing to tracking and authenticity—you'll be well-prepared to integrate giclees into your art business confidently and professionally.
