Monday, January 09, 2006
What is a giclee?
We often are asked what a giclee is. A few customers have inkjet printers at home and they are able to print on watercolor and canvas often using pigmented inks. These clients want to make smaller giclees at home and have Allpconline do the larger sizes.
Although a desktop printer can print on art papers, this does not mean a high quality giclee can be reproduced. Our take on what makes a giclee is the use of a professional grade machine, fine art materials, pigmented inks and great skill. Here is a list of some models and brands:
Epson 4X00, 7X00, 9X00 and 10600. The X in the number means there are different models.
Colorspan
Roland
Mimaki
Ixia
Canon and HP are working on some very promising printers.
We just received the Epson 9800 as an addition to our equipment and we are still in awe with the output quality.
To return to what a giclee is, keep in mind there is no set standard and the sad truth is that anyone with an inkjet can claim to be producing giclee. The best bet is to go with a reputable company or to buy one of the above printers. Specialized shops do produce good work that will stand a critical eye and the test of time. Please stick with specialists and avoid sign shops and other companies who do not have a staff dedicated full time to giclee printmaking.
Choosing the right materials, staying on top of the technology and having a trained eye for color are essential components. Being artists ourselves, we understand customers needs. Choose a printing company wisely and ask for proofs. Giclees, when made with the highest standards, are astonishing!
Technorati tag: giclee print
Although a desktop printer can print on art papers, this does not mean a high quality giclee can be reproduced. Our take on what makes a giclee is the use of a professional grade machine, fine art materials, pigmented inks and great skill. Here is a list of some models and brands:
Epson 4X00, 7X00, 9X00 and 10600. The X in the number means there are different models.
Colorspan
Roland
Mimaki
Ixia
Canon and HP are working on some very promising printers.
We just received the Epson 9800 as an addition to our equipment and we are still in awe with the output quality.
To return to what a giclee is, keep in mind there is no set standard and the sad truth is that anyone with an inkjet can claim to be producing giclee. The best bet is to go with a reputable company or to buy one of the above printers. Specialized shops do produce good work that will stand a critical eye and the test of time. Please stick with specialists and avoid sign shops and other companies who do not have a staff dedicated full time to giclee printmaking.
Choosing the right materials, staying on top of the technology and having a trained eye for color are essential components. Being artists ourselves, we understand customers needs. Choose a printing company wisely and ask for proofs. Giclees, when made with the highest standards, are astonishing!
Technorati tag: giclee print
