When you hear the word “giclee” (pronounced “zhee-clays”), your first impression might be that it’s probably some fancy, expensive printing method. After all, isn’t that how those fancy fine art prints are produced? Well… yes and no. Giclee prints are high-quality prints of an artist’s original work, made using large format inkjet printers with small spraying devices that can accurately match the color. ‘Giclee’ is a French word meaning “to spray”, in reference to how an inkjet printer works. These versions are almost always higher resolution and have more vibrant colors. Creating these prints is inexpensive and easy enough for anyone with basic printing skills to try their hand at it!
What is a Giclée Print?
A giclée is simply a reproduction of a painting or illustration that is made from actual plates, not individual prints. The first use of the term “giclée” was in 1825, when Swiss art critic Friedrich giclée’d editions of paintings to signify their high-quality finish. Giclee is a derivative of the French word giclée, which means “sheets of”. This refers to the fact that many giclée prints are made using sheets of actual paper, not individual prints. Giclee is a registered trademark of the Giclee Universe, Inc. The Giclee Print process is a high-end printing technique that has become increasingly popular in the last few years.
There are many advantages to printing your own giclee prints, including: You control the type of paper used and the amount of ink used You can choose the paper texture and the texture of the ink You can choose the paper’s sheen and the finish of the print You can choose the paper’s bulk and the weight of the prints You can choose the printing method (color or monochrome)
Why Print Your Own Giclee Prints?
A Giclée Printer is the Most Common Type of Art Printmaking Machine
A giclée printer is the most common type of art printmaking machine. It uses either metal or wood boards to create the surface on which the giclée is printed. These boards are often painted to create the effect of a canvas. The inside of the printer is made of steel, while the exterior is made of wood.
What Type of Board is Used?
Giclée printers use a variety of different types of boards. Some common boards are canvas, rag-paper, bond, and poster-quality. You can find more information about the types of boards used by giclée printers in the following FAQs: What Type of Board Is Used? – FAQs
Is Rag-Paper Printable?
Yes! Although you will want to use a high-quality rag-paper when printing a giclée. Rag paper is usually weatherproof, tear-resistant, and has a matte finish. If you want to use a non-wonderful rag-paper, you can purchase a printable rag-paper online.