What Is A Giclèe?
The word "giclèe" (pronounced zhee-clay) is a
French word which means "to squirt or spurt." A giclèe
reproduction print refers to both a category of collectible fine
art similar to lithographs and serigraphs, as well as, a type
of digitally printed fine art reproduction. Not any digital print
is considered a giclèe however. Only digital prints created
on state-of-the-art high resolution printers utilizing archival
inks and acid free media can qualify as a true giclèe print.
These prints provide rich color and painterly details and are
often hard to distinguish from original artwork. They are available
on fine art papers and canvas. Giclèes are laboratory rated
to provide several decades, if not a century or more of lasting
print quality.
Giclèe fine art reproductions are recognized world wide
as "the next best thing to owning original artwork"
and they can be found on display in the finest museums and art
galleries. When you offer a quality giclèe fine art reproduction
you can be assured your art will give your buyers years of enjoyment.
Advantages of Giclèe Prints
High quality imaging - hard to discern from the original
artwork
Colorfastness - when the prints are protected under glass or sprayed with a protective coating, testing has found that colors will stay vibrant for close to a century before significant fading occurs.
No minimums - Print on Demand - You don't have to purchase a large quantity of prints to start with. Only order what you think you can sell in the immediate future. No need to store hundreds of unsold prints. You save money and storage space and get a faster return on your investment. Reprints can be ordered at any time and in any quantity.
Working Capital - The cost to bring an edition to the marketplace is less expensive than to produce lithographs or serigraphs. You can better afford to test your market or do several editions at once instead of just one.
Scanning Services
We can scan in-house up to 33" x 51" using multiple
scans and can print up to 43" x 90".
Substrates for fine art & photography
· We use professional quality acid free papers
and canvas.
· We feature Heavyweight Matt, Somerset
Velvet Watercolor Paper and Premier Water Resistant Canvas for
both paintings & photography. We also offer Premium Luster
for photography applications.
Pricing
·· Costs for printing are figured
on an individual basis depending on each piece's specifications.
·· Prices include the initial
setup fee based on the original's size, plus a per print cost
based on the finished size and the substrate to be printed on.
·· Pieces where the background
substrate shows through such as with pencil or pastels, that need
smudges or stray marks cleaned up, may incur an additional charge
depending on the condition of the original piece.
·· Initial setup charges include
scanning and basic color correcting. Pieces that need extra cleanup
or color work due to texture, large dark solids etc. may incur
an additional charge. (See Notes & Tips below.)
·· Reorder setup charges are minimal
($11) and cover the time involved to un-archive, setup and print
an existing piece on file.
·· Call (814) 337-8600 for an
estimate. However MFA reserves the right to adjust the estimate
based on seeing the actual piece.
Minimum Quantities
·· No minimum print quantities
are required. You can order as few as one.
·· Note, there is an $11 reorder
setup charge with each additional reprint order.
Notes & Tips on preparing artwork to be reproduced via
giclèe printing.
·· Heavy textures create shadows
when scanning artwork
· Jet Blacks will reproduce as dark gray
on Somerset Velvet watercolor paper. They come out better on canvas.
·· Glossy artwork will create
reflections in the scanning. Each bump of the paint will have
an undesirable highlight. Always spray the surface with a matte
spray if the paint is glossy. If the paint is not glossy but you
want a gloss on the original, wait until after getting the painting
reproduced before adding a gloss finish.
·· Watercolor paper has a matte
finish. Canvas is very glossy.
· The manufacturer if our canvas recommends
that each canvas print be coated with a solvent based clear coating.
We sell "One Shot" acrylic coating for this purpose.
Each artist or framer is responsible for this. We do not spray
the prints due to our space restrictions.