What is a Giclee Print vs Art Print? A Professional Guide to Print Quality

Contents

1. Understanding Print Quality Differences
2. Costs and Value Analysis
3. Choose the Best to Meet Your Needs

After fifteen years in the fine art printing industry, I have run into so many collectors who become confused with the terminology: "giclee" versus "art print." Let me shed light on this once and for all by sharing actual examples and usable insight to make you capable of making decisions regarding art investing.

Understanding Print Quality Differences

Think of it this way: if art prints are like high-quality photos, then giclee prints are like looking through a window at the original painting. The difference is in the details-and I really mean that in the most literal possible way. Let me share a recent example from my studio: we created the same landscape painting as both a standard art print and a giclee print.Under magnification, the giclée revealed clear brushstrokes and subtle variations in color that were all lost in the standard print.

Here's what's so special about giclee prints:

- Resolution: minimum 300dpi (typically 600dpi or higher)
- Ink Quality: Archival pigment-based inks (100+ year lifespan)
- Paper Quality: Museum-grade, acid-free papers
- Color Gamut: 12+ ink colors vs. 4-6 in normal prints

Real World Example: A customer recently brought in a 10 year old giclee print to be framed. When exposed to a bright room it still retains its bright vivid colors, true to the original. However, an ordinary art print of the same age is showing noticeable fading and color shifts.

Cost and Value Analysis

Let's talk real numbers. A standard 16x20" art print might go for $30-50, while a giclee of the same size can run $150-300. That seems like a big difference, doesn't it? The thing most people don't realize is that giclee prints appreciate in value—limited editions, especially.

Case Study: A limited edition giclee was purchased five years ago by one of my collectors for $200. Today, that very print sells for $750, evidence of the artist's growing reputation and extraordinary archival quality of the work. In contrast, standard prints of the same image still command their original price point.

Quality Comparison (based on objective studio tests):

- Light Fastness: Giclee (75+ years) vs. Standard (15-25 years)
- Color Accuracy: Giclee (98% match to original) vs. Standard (85-90%)
- Detail Retention: Giclee (visible brushstrokes) vs. Standard (basic image only)

Right Place, Right Choice for Your Needs，Thing is, a giclee print is not always a must. Your decision should be based on the specifics of your case.

Let me give you some real-life examples:

For Home Decor:

- Regular art prints are ideal for short-term exhibitions.
- Ideal for seasonal trending art you may want to swap out seasonally
- Perfect for children's rooms or areas where art may require a change often.

For Collecting:

- Giclee prints are essential for investment pieces
- Perfect for limited editions you plan to keep long-term
- Ideal for reproducing texture-heavy artwork like oil paintings

Pro Tip: "I always tell my clients, if you buy art you love and want to keep for years, then invest in giclee. If you're decorating or experimenting with styles, then standard prints are perfectly fine."

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. "Will giclee prints always look better?"
In most cases, yes, but it's most noticeable with detailed or textural artwork. With basic graphics or flat designs, standard prints can be nearly indistinguishable.

2. "Are all giclee prints worth the extra cost?"
Not always. The real value is in the combination of print quality and artwork itself. A mediocre image done as a giclee is still a mediocre image—just printed at a higher cost.

3. "How do I know I am receiving an actual giclee print? "
Look for certification or documentation of the printing process, including specs for ink and paper. Reputable sellers will be glad to provide these.

Remember, the best choice would be the one that addresses your needs and goals precisely. Whether it's a giclee or standard art print, always focus on pieces that make you happy and align with your purpose: be it decoration, collection, or investment.

*Industry Insider Tip: Keep all documentation for giclee prints, including certificates of authenticity and printing specifications. These become invaluable for future resale or insurance purposes.*