Q: What is Giclee?

A: Giclee (pronounced Zhee-kla) from the origin to squirt or spray ink.

• The process of reproducing works of art by spraying archival inks on paper or canvas.
• The closest duplication of an original artwork that is humanly, mechanically and technically possible.

Giclee is a French slang word for spraying or squirting ink that was established in the 1990’s to describe fine art prints reproduced with large format inkjet printers. Giclee prints have become increasingly popular as the technology and materials improve. Today, Giclee is the world’s best technique for reproducing original works of art. 

Producing a higher resolution than lithography (Lithographs) and a wider colour range than a screen print (Serigraph).

Giclee process captures the colour, the depth and texture of original works of art by combining high-end/high resolution scanning and high-tech, large format printers with archival inks and the highest quality artist canvas or paper

Q: How long does it take to produce and deliver a Giclee Reproduction once ordered?

A: We work on a lead time of 5-7 working days, but this does depend on the delivery location. If you have a special date that your need the reproduction by please inform us and we will endeavor to meet your deadline.

Q: How do you produce a Giclee Reproduction?

A: All artwork images available on our gallery have been either scanned from the original, a high quality photographic image or are Computer generated artworks.

We colour correct and proof each image to the closest colour possible and have the artist approve the final print image, once approved, we print the final image on the very latest printing equipment, using only archival, UV enhanced pigment based inks for long life, vibrant colours and fade resistant for 85 years or more on archival, museum quality fine art materials.

Q: What is the expected life of a Giclee Reproduction?

A: Pigment based inks are continually being tested, current ink tests exceed 85 years lifespan and more, under normal indoor light conditions. Never allow reproductions to be hung in direct sunlight. 

Q: Why do you use pigment based inks?

A: Pigment ink is considered by the experts as the best ink for the Giclee process and are being continually tested for fade resistance and vibrance of colour.  

BEWARE: Some fine art companies are using “Solvent or Eco-Solvent” inks which are made for the sign industry and are not true archival inks and will not stand the test of time. 

Q. Do you use a quality canvas? 

A: Yes, We use only the highest quality canvas available. Manufactured in the USA, our premium canvas is archival, museum quality, acid-free with a slightly textured finish and offers excellent results for both photography and fine art reproduction. The canvas is water resistant and is used by many artists around the world.

Our canvas is a heavier grade (420gsm weight) than used by many of our competitors. Lighter grade canvas are generally cheaper with the final printed canvas showing a lower quality result.

There are many different canvas materials being offered, many are low quality, low cost. Some are light grade, some are 100% Cotton, others are Cotton/Polyester blends.  

We use a Premium Cotton/Polyester blended Canvas 70/30 and in our opinion, (after testing many other canvas products available), is the best canvas available for fine art reproduction or photographic prints.

Q: Do you varnish canvas prints?

A:Yes, varnishing is the final and a very important step in helping protect the Giclee from scratches, marks and stains, it also adds longer UV protection. The varnish used is specifically designed for Giclee reproductions. Adds colour enhancement and appearance to the Giclee Reproduction. The finish will be either “Matt, Satin or Gloss” depending on the artist’s instructions.  

Q: Does the colour of the Giclee Reproduction change compared to my monitor?

A: Yes, as computer monitors are RGB transmitted light and your monitor may not be calibrated, the colours may appear different. All Giclee Reproductions produced by Giclee Canvas Prints are colour corrected as close as possible to the original artworks colours. The quality of your Giclee Reproduction will exceed that shown on the website.

Q: What payment methods do you accept?  

A: We accept Visa or Mastercard credit card payments via the online gallery, however if you wish to pay by cheque, money order, direct debit or cash please contact us.

Q. Do you supply the printed canvas stretched on stretching bars?

A:  No, however we can arrange stretching if required. As we are specialist in Giclee Reproduction, we prefer to use the “Specialist Framer” for stretching. Also it is more cost effective and safer to ship a canvas reproduction rolled in a cardboard cylinder than a large flat parcel, allowing the purchaser to select and arrange stretching or framing at your local framer.  

Q. Is GST and delivery included in the price? 

A: Yes, gst is included in the price, however, packaging and delivery is not included as the delivery charges are determined by weight, size and your location. 

Q: What are the best file types to send for prints on Canvas or Fine Art Paper?

A: We accept Photoshop files (EPS, TIF, and JPEG). When saving EPS or TIFF files do not compress. When saving to JPEG format, please use the highest quality. Optimum resolution for giclee reproduction needs to be around 250- 300 dpi or higher at the final print size. Many files can be enlarged, if the resolution is high enough. It is then possible to enlarge the file without loss of detail. To obtain highest quality and optimum colour gamut for printing, we suggest using Adobe RGB (1998) colour space. Please save your images as RGB format.

Q: Do you accept files from digital camera’s?

A:  Yes - we accept jpeg, tif, or raw files from all digital camera’s. At the correct resolution.

Q: If I supply digital files, what is the best resolution to supply?

A: For optimum results, supply your images at 250-3000dpi at final output size (or higher if possible). If your files are low to medium resolution, you can’t re-save at a higher resolution and achieve better results, DO NOT re-size or re-sample to achieve high resolution, it does not improve the file. For best results, you should take your shots at a higher dpi by setting your camera to the fine or maximum resolution settings. 

Q: Can you make alterations and corrections to supplied picture files?

A: Yes. if your files require any alterations, colour changes, retouching etc anything and everything is possible, however, these options are additional charges. (charges range between $70.00 to $100.00 per hour...min 1/2 charge).

Q: How does copyright work with my supplied camera files?

A: Being the creator, you retain all copyright unless you wish to sell permission to reproduce your images. For more information visit.....www.copyright.org.au.