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A giclee canvas print can be as rich as the original. The pigments we use are
thick and made of brilliant micro particles of highly purified chemicals.
Pigments with an archivability of up to 100 years are used by some printers. A
giclee print can be sprayed to insure a degree of proofing against water and UV
damage. Some of our papers and pigments do not require any post-printing
treatment. As with anything printed or painted, it is a good idea to keep your
work not under direct sun light.
I recommend that your giclee canvas print be coated with a waterproofing/UV
compound. It is inexpensive and good insurance that your giclee art reproduction
will last for years.
Colors can be matched through the different papers used to print giclees. By
utilizing ICC profiles made for each specific paper, a color consistency is
expected. Color matching when printing giclees is done by numbers. Like a pilot
without visibility but relying on instruments, a master printer can look at
numbers and not rely on a ever changing monitor to adjust color.
Because profiles are based on a device - independent color space (CIE LAB), they
provide "food" for the RIP software to adjust to the paper type. This said, when
printing giclees on one type of paper compared to another, there are inherent
gamut differences. Delta (The difference expected for different batches) on inks
and papers is usually less than 1.
In simple terms, expect to order a second set of a giclee canvas print i.e. six
months down the road and there should be virtually no change in print colors.
When high quality materials are chosen, the variation between batches is very
small.
The beauty of a giclee print is determined by a few factors. First and foremost,
there is an old say in digital imaging: Garbage in, garbage out. In other words,
a giclee print is only as good as the file used to make it.
Start with a good scan or the best results simply cannot be achieved. Another
factor to have the best possible giclee print made is the paper. Is the atelier
using the top brand names to make your giclee? To name a few, Hanemuhle, Arches,
Fredrix. Make sure these papers are profiled for the printer used. A paper which
is not profile for the printer is like diesel fuel put in a gas powered engine:
they are a misfit!
Of course the giclee printer is another important factor. The truth is, al the
major players such as Canon, Epson, Roland etc make excellent giclee prints.
Companies that use plotters and market giclees along with outdoor displays etc
are usually not specialized in fine art printing. Plotters are good at what they
do: plotting. Not giclees.
Last but not least, a giclee print is as good as the printmaker is. Ask for
references, education, experience. After all, the giclee print made is a
reflection of your art.
Artists new to the medium are still amazed at the saturation and detail of
giclees: it is no wonder that traditional lithography is taking a second distant
place in fine art reproduction. Giclee printing on demand, in other words not
being locked in making a whole limited edition at once, offers great savings and
flexibility. You only print what you need and wait to make more sales to order
more.
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