Giclée

A giclée (pronounced "zhee-CLAY") is a fine art digital print produced using professional-grade inkjet printers with archival pigment-based inks on high-quality acid-free paper or canvas. The term was coined in 1991 by printmaker Jack Duganne to distinguish fine art digital prints from ordinary commercial inkjet output.

For art collectors, giclée prints represent one of the most accessible entry points into collecting. They allow you to own high-quality reproductions of original artworks — or artist-authorized editions — at a fraction of the price of original paintings, drawings, or traditional prints like lithographs.

Origin and Etymology

The word giclée comes from the French verb gicler, meaning "to spray" or "to squirt." It refers to the way inkjet printers create an image by spraying microscopic droplets of ink onto the paper or canvas surface.

Jack Duganne coined the term in 1991 while working at Nash Editions, one of the first fine art digital printing studios in the world, founded by musician Graham Nash (of Crosby, Stills & Nash). Duganne wanted a name that sounded more refined than "inkjet print" or "computer print" — terms that carried negative associations with low-quality consumer printers at the time. The earliest giclée prints were produced on IRIS printers, large-format industrial inkjet machines originally designed for pre-press proofing.

How Giclée Prints Are Made

The giclée printing process involves several key steps:

1. Digital file preparation: A high-resolution digital image of the artwork is created, either by scanning the original work or from a native digital file. The file must be at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) at the intended print size for optimal quality.

2. Color profiling: The digital file is color-matched to ensure the print accurately reproduces the colors of the original artwork. Professional studios use ICC color profiles calibrated to their specific printer and substrate combinations.

3. Printing: The file is printed on a professional wide-format inkjet printer using pigment-based archival inks. Unlike consumer printers that use 4 colors (CMYK), giclée printers use 8 to 12 individual ink colors, producing a far wider color gamut and smoother tonal gradations.

4. Substrate: The print is produced on archival-quality substrates — typically cotton rag paper (similar to watercolor paper), acid-free art paper, or canvas. The choice of substrate significantly affects the look and feel of the finished print.

5. Finishing: Canvas giclée prints are often coated with a protective varnish to enhance durability and provide a surface texture similar to a painting. Paper prints may be left uncoated.

Quality Standards: What Makes a True Giclée

Not every inkjet print qualifies as a giclée. The term has been loosely used (and sometimes misused) by commercial print shops. A genuine fine art giclée should meet these standards:

Criterion	Giclée Standard	Standard Inkjet
Resolution	300+ DPI	Often 150 DPI or less
Ink type	Pigment-based archival	Dye-based (fades quickly)
Color channels	8–12 colors	4 colors (CMYK)
Substrate	Acid-free fine art paper or canvas	Standard paper
Longevity	100–200+ years	5–25 years
Color accuracy	ICC profiled, gallery-matched	Consumer-grade

When buying a giclée print, ask about the ink type and substrate. If the seller cannot confirm pigment-based archival inks on acid-free material, it may be a standard digital print being marketed as a giclée.

Giclée vs. Other Print Types

Understanding how giclée fits within the broader world of art prints helps collectors make informed purchasing decisions:

Feature	Giclée	Lithograph	Screen Print	Offset Print
Process	Digital inkjet	Chemical (oil/water on stone)	Stencil through mesh	Mechanical photographic
Artist involvement	Indirect (approves file)	Direct (draws on stone)	Direct (creates stencil)	None (mass reproduction)
Classification	Reproduction	Original print	Original print	Reproduction
Typical edition size	50–500+ (or open)	25–200	25–500	Thousands+
Longevity	100–200 years	100+ years	100+ years	20–50 years
Price range	$–$$	$$–$$$$	$$–$$$$	$
Collectibility	Moderate	High	High	Low

The key distinction for collectors: lithographs, screen prints, and etchings are classified as original prints because the artist is directly involved in creating the printing matrix. Giclée prints are classified as reproductions because they are printed from a digital file, even if the artist oversaw the process.

This does not make giclées worthless — it means they sit in a different category with different value expectations.

Are Giclée Prints Worth Collecting?

Giclée prints can be a smart addition to a collection, particularly for:

• Budget-conscious beginners looking to start collecting without spending thousands on original works or traditional prints
• Filling gaps in a collection where original works by a particular artist are unaffordable or unavailable
• Decorating with high-quality art that will last a lifetime with proper care
• Supporting living artists who use giclée editions as a significant revenue stream

What Affects the Value of a Giclée Print

• Limited edition vs. open edition: A signed, numbered limited edition (e.g., "15/50") holds more value than an open edition (unlimited prints). Some limited edition giclées by major artists appreciate modestly over time.
• Artist signature: Signed prints are significantly more desirable than unsigned ones.
• Edition size: Smaller editions (25–100) create more scarcity and typically command higher prices.
• Certificate of authenticity: A CoA from the artist or publisher verifying the edition details adds credibility and value.
• Artist reputation: Giclée editions by established or blue-chip artists are collected seriously. Editions by unknown artists in large runs rarely appreciate.

Price Ranges

Category	Typical Price Range
Open edition, emerging artist	$50–$200
Limited edition, emerging artist (signed)	$200–$800
Limited edition, mid-career artist (signed)	$500–$2,000
Limited edition, established/blue-chip artist	$1,000–$10,000+

How to Care for Giclée Prints

With proper care, a quality giclée print can last well over 100 years:

• Frame with UV-protective glass or acrylic to prevent fading from light exposure. Museum-quality UV glass blocks 97%+ of harmful UV rays.
• Use acid-free matting to prevent discoloration where the mat contacts the print.
• Avoid direct sunlight. Even with UV glass, prolonged direct sun exposure will cause fading over decades.
• Control temperature and humidity. Ideal conditions are 65–75°F (18–24°C) with 40–55% relative humidity. Avoid hanging in bathrooms, kitchens, or near heating vents.
• For canvas giclées, ensure the print has been coated with a UV-resistant varnish. If not, ask a professional framer about applying one.
• For detailed conservation advice, see our guide on caring for art.

Tips for Buying Giclée Prints

• Ask about ink and substrate. Confirm the print uses pigment-based archival inks on acid-free paper or canvas. If the seller is vague, be cautious.
• Choose limited editions over open editions if you care about potential value retention.
• Look for the artist's signature in pencil on the print, not printed as part of the image.
• Request a certificate of authenticity for any significant purchase.
• Buy from the artist directly or from reputable galleries. This ensures authenticity and often means better pricing. Browse our guides on navigating galleries and fairs and affordable art sources.
• Compare giclée to original prints. If a lithograph or screen print by the same artist is available at a similar price, the original print will generally hold more value long-term.
• Consider the total cost of ownership — factor in professional framing with UV glass, which can add $100–$400+ depending on size.