In my posters and fine art prints, a technique called giclée printing is used, which is a technique that employs a 12-color process to achieve the best possible quality and colorfastness.
It can be simply described as follows:
Giclée prints (pronounced "zhee-clay") are a high-quality printing method for art, photography, and illustrations, which uses pigment-based inks and acid-free, archival papers (often cotton/alpha-cellulose) for exceptional color reproduction, richness of detail, and extremely long durability, similar to original art, and is used by artists for reproductions and exhibitions.
- Ink: Pigment inks (not dye inks) from professional printers (e.g., Epson) that are lightfast and last for decades, unlike regular inkjet prints.
- Paper: High-quality special paper (Fine Art Paper), often with a high cotton or alpha-cellulose content and certified for archival permanence (ISO 9706), providing a tactile surface and better color reproduction.
- Process: The image is sprayed (from the French gicler, "to spray") onto the paper with great precision, resulting in outstanding color depth and contrast.
- Quality: Provides detail and color reproduction close to the original, with deep black tones and vibrant colors.
- Artistic Reproduction: Perfect for creating exact copies of original paintings, drawings, or photographs.
- Long Durability (Archival Permanence): The prints do not fade easily and are suitable for art sales and long-term exhibitions.
- High Resolution: Can capture fine nuances and details that are difficult to see in other printing methods.
In summary, giclée is a premium method for creating durable and authentic art prints.