giclée (pronounced gee-clay')- A recently developed printing process using advanced technology to create a lustrous, continuous-tone digital print that meets or exceeds the quality of traditional lithography and screen printing.
Organic, pigament or dye-based inks in six or seven colors are applied to the surface from tiny jets one tenth the diameter of a human hair. Giclées are often made from photographic images of paintings in order to produce high quality, permanent reproductions of them.
The extra-fine image resolution possible in this printing process permits retention of a high degree of fine detail from the original image, rendering deeply saturated colors having a broad range of tonal values. A giclée should be printed either on a fine fabric or archival quality white canvas using bio-degradable water-soluble inks. After the process of printing it, a giclee specialist should examine the painting with special materials to make any necessary corrections, and apply a final, thin, transparent coating for maximum permanence.
The secret to Giclée printing, is that there is no screen or mechanical devices used in the process eliminating any visible dot screen pattern. The printed image reproduces all of the original tonalities and hues and the results look like a painting. Giclée prints can be made up to 40" to 44" in width and as as much as 72" or more in length.
Do Giclée printers use ordinary printers inks? Can I make one at home?
No, they use much more expensive light-fast archival inks, advertised to not fade for up to 25 years or more. The source file that the print is made from is of professional quality as well either originating from a drum scan or a hi-res 12 MP digital camera. In a strict since you can make one at home but it is impossible to duplicate the quality and reproduction detail of a professionally made print. One basic limitation is that most consumer printers use three inks to create color prints unlike professional printers which use seven.
What kind of canvas is used to make the prints?
A heavy-weight tightly woven canvas is used to make your prints with either a semi-glossy or glossy finish. We deliver the final print stretched and framed ready. Most prints are made to standard frame sizes such as 16" x 20" or 20" x 30" but if you are planning on using a custom frame, just let us know the dimensions and we will be happy to print to your specifications.
What types of photography do we use Giclée prints for?
We know from experience that our Bridal Portraits look absolutely stunning as a large 16" x 20" framed canvas print on your Wedding Day. So do Family Portraits, Executive Portraits and Nature Photography. If you have a place for a beautiful piece of framed artwork to hang in your home or office, you should consider having your photo printed as a Giclée canvas print. We keep a number of samples on hand, so feel free to schedule an appointment to drop by and see one for yourself.
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