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What is a "giclee" print?
A giclee (pronounced "zheeclay") is a French word
meaning, "fine spray". It is a computer generated
print that is produced by the spraying of an image on
to fine art paper or canvas.
The inks used are specially formulated so that the
fine print heads can spurt jets of ink in minute
droplets at a resolution of 1440 dpi. The canvas, paper (or
acetate, in the case of layered prints) used is
specially prepared to accept this type of printing. As
with other fine art printing processes, the artist
approves "proofs" of the art print to insure that the
right tone, depth and color is produced.
Until recently inkjet prints were disappointingly
fugitive with noticeable fading occurring quite
quickly. However, dramatic improvements have been made
to the inks used and the paper or canvas accepted by
printers. Recent tests show that giclee-quality inkjet
prints can have a light- fast life expectancy of 100
to 200 years. When prints are produced on good quality
materials, the print should possess archival standards of
permanence comparable or better than other collectible
artwork. The visual quality of the print is extremely
high and the color saturation and definition stunning.
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