Giclee is one of those terms that shows up constantly in art print listings, but it isn't always clearly explained. This guide covers what giclee means, how giclee prints are made, and what customers usually look for when buying them.
What Does Giclee Mean?
Giclee (pronounced "zhee-clay") comes from the French word "gicler," meaning "to spray." It refers to a high-quality inkjet printing process used to reproduce artwork, typically using archival inks and fine art paper or canvas.
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The term is most commonly used for fine art reproductions, rather than everyday inkjet prints, since it implies a higher standard of ink, paper, and colour accuracy.
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Customers often associate giclee with archival quality, expecting the print to resist fading and discolouration over time.
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The process itself uses fine ink droplets rather than dots, which is part of why giclee prints tend to show smoother colour gradients than standard prints.
How Are Giclee Prints Made?
Giclee printing generally follows a consistent process, and understanding it helps explain why these prints are usually priced differently from standard posters.
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A high-resolution digital scan or photograph of the original artwork is created.
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The image is colour-corrected to match the original as closely as possible.
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The print is produced on a specialist inkjet printer using archival pigment inks.
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The print is made on fine art paper or canvas, chosen for its texture and longevity.
What Makes a Giclee Print Different From a Standard Print
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Archival pigment inks are generally used, rather than the dye-based inks found in standard printers, since pigment inks tend to resist fading for longer.
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Fine art paper or canvas is the usual substrate, rather than standard photo or poster paper.
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Colour accuracy is typically higher, since giclee printers use a wider range of ink colours to reproduce subtle tones.
Giclee Prints in the UK: What Customers Usually Look For
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Paper weight and texture are common considerations, with customers often preferring a heavier, textured paper stock for a more premium feel.
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Limited edition giclee prints are a frequent choice among UK buyers building a collection, since giclee's high fidelity makes it well suited to reproducing original artwork closely.
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Framing is usually purchased separately, so customers frequently look for giclee prints sold unframed to pair with their own choice of frame and glazing.
Why Customers Choose Giclee Prints With Us
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Archival pigment inks used across our giclee print range, chosen for their resistance to fading over time.
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A range of fine art paper and canvas options, so you can match the print to the room and style you have in mind.
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Genuine customer reviews and ratings on every product page, so you can see how a print has held up for others.
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Straightforward returns and exchanges, since colour can look different on screen than it does on the wall.
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Trusted by thousands of home shoppers, with repeat purchases across our giclee print collections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a giclee print? A giclee print is a high-quality inkjet reproduction of artwork, made using archival pigment inks on fine art paper or canvas, known for accurate colour and long-lasting quality.
What does giclee mean? Giclee comes from the French word "gicler," meaning "to spray," referring to the fine ink-spraying process used in this type of printing.
Is a giclee print the same as a poster? No. Giclee prints generally use archival inks and fine art paper or canvas, while standard posters typically use less durable inks and paper, making giclee prints better suited to long-term display.
How long do giclee prints last? Giclee prints made with archival pigment inks are generally expected to resist fading for several decades when displayed out of direct sunlight, though lifespan varies by paper and ink quality.
Are giclee prints worth the extra cost? Customers often choose giclee prints over standard prints for their improved colour accuracy and longevity, particularly for pieces intended to be a long-term feature in the home.
Explore Our Giclee Print Collection
Now that you know what a giclee print is, take a look at our full range of archival giclee prints, available on fine art paper and canvas, and find a piece suited to your home.
