Caring for your Giclee Fine Art Print
First of all, what is a Giclee?
Pronounced something like gee-klay, it means 'to squirt' and refers to a type of inkjet print. However not all inkjet prints are the same quality. Giclee prints (as oppose to normal inkjet prints) are produced using specialist archival pigment inks, professional printing machines, and acid-free fine art papers; creating gallery-quality inkjet prints with excellent depth of colour, longevity and stability.
Giclee prints are widely accepted by art buyers, galleries and museums as archival, collectable pieces.
According to the independent experts http://wilhelm-research.com Giclee prints typically have a lifespan of 80 - 100 years when they are on display (depending on the conditions.) I use a professional printing company for my prints, and the printers, inks and papers are all approved by the Fine Art Trade Guild.
Fine Art Giclee Print, matte finish, 300 gsm, 100% cotton rag paper
One of the great things about Giclee printing is that there are a wide variety of archival paper types available. This includes pearl, smooth matt and textured finishes as well as papers which have different white base colours/ brightness and thickness. Before I launch a new range of prints, I have proof prints made on four different types of paper to test what is best suited to the image.
Handling and caring for Giclee prints
Giclée prints do need to be handled with care, the same as any original piece of art. Your print has been carefully packaged for posting flat, and it is advised to keep it in this packaging until it is framed (although not recommended for long term storage).
Here are some tips to ensure your prints last for many years to come.
Handle your print carefully by the edges and use two hands to support
Do not touch the print surface with your fingers or hands, this could scratch the surface, and oils from your skin can damage the print
Never allow liquids of any kind to come in contact with a print
Only acid-free, archival materials should come in contact with the front/back of the print
Framing under glass or acrylic provides the greatest protection against fading from UV light and ozone. Non reflective glass is recommended, eg. Artglass or UltraVue
Avoid hanging or storing your print in direct or extremely bright indirect sunlight
Keep your unprotected prints (before framing) away from sources of ozone, such as monitors and TVs, air purifiers and avoid stacking anything on top of the print
Avoid excessive temperature and humidity extremes
Avoid pinning/hanging/attaching unprotected (not framed) prints on the wall. Chemicals in wall paint, especially solvents, might damage the print (yellowing)
If your print will be framed without a mount, ensure that spacers are used so that the print does not touch the glass
Where possible, I do send prints flat wrapped but A3 size or larger prints are sent rolled in a tube as this is safer.
How to uncurl your print
If possible, please wear clean cotton gloves when handling the print. If you don’t have these, then make sure that you wash your hands first to remove any oils. Hold the print carefully at the edges, you can touch the white border if your print has one but not the printed surface.
Place the print on a flat, clean surface away from direct sunlight and leave the protective tissue over the print. Place a book, or another heavy object on the very ends of the print (both ends). Leave overnight and the print should become flat.
Now you can frame your print and enjoy!
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