Giclee Quality

Fine art, decor or even less?

As I mentioned through the site, there is a wide spectrum of definitions when it comes to the definition of what a giclee is. In the past few years Chinese manufacturers have been exporting low priced canvas, papers and inks. How do these materials stand in comparison to American, Japanese and European products? Can fine art giclees be made with them or are they just good enough for decor printing?

The distinction between fine art and decor giclee

Fine art giclee printing typically refers to canvas or watercolor paper prints made with the highest quality materials and highly skilled printmakers. The results are stunning prints with the longest archival ratings and color fidelity. American, Japanese and European made substrates are used. The printers are latest generation with OEM pigment inks. Giclees made under these standards are aimed at collectors and artists who want their prints to last for decades or even centuries. Quality control is high and costs to produce such prints can be as high as double compared to decor prints.

Decor giclee printing on the other hand is aimed at a lower end of the market; generally speaking lower quality inks, canvas and papers are used. Solvent printing (instead of the aqueous pigment printing used for fine art) may be employed to cut costs even further. It is not uncommon for printers to use bulk ink systems and faster but not as high resolution printing. Color fidelity may be a hit or miss. The target market for decor is mass production buyers such as large retail stores and hotels. Printers for the decor market buy canvas and papers in very large quantities and get deep discounts from Chinese manufacturers eager to dump as much product as possible. Even in the decor market there are wide differences in quality. I have seen nicely made decor prints created with skill and decent materials. Well known manufacturers such as Fredrix make good decor canvas that may cost considerably more than Chinese canvas.

There is a market for everything: my theory though is the following:

-If you do not care for color consistency, fading and durability, order prints from companies that will make canvas prints for very low prices. The internet is peppered with mass production outfits that will make an 18X24", gallery wrap for less than $40.

-If you want a good product with decor quality be prepared to pay a little more. For 20 to 40% more you can get prints made with more skill and better products. After all if you are making prints for a hotel you do not want to get a call back in a few years stating that the canvas is cracking and the paper is fading.

-If your buyers are collectors or otherwise people interested in acquiring prints of the best color fidelity and durability, stick with fine art giclees. Limited editions should always be created under these standards and even open editions by painters and photographers should represent the art at its finest.