What Is Giclée? The Highest Standard of Fine Art Printing
Giclée (pronounced zhee-clay) is considered the gold standard of art reproduction, used by galleries, museums and professional artists worldwide. If you’re looking for a print that stays true to the original and lasts for decades, giclée is the finest option available.
Where does the term “giclée” come from?
The word originates from the French gicler, meaning “to spray.” It refers to the printing technique in which pigment-based inks are sprayed onto paper in extremely fine droplets, creating exceptional precision and smooth color transitions.
What makes giclée so special?
✔️ Pigment-based archival inks
Unlike standard inks, pigments are highly lightfast and can retain their vibrancy for 80+ years.
✔️ Acid-free, archival fine art paper
Giclée prints are produced on premium cotton or alpha-cellulose papers that will not yellow or degrade over time.
✔️ Exceptional detail and color accuracy
Modern giclée printers use up to 12 ink channels, allowing for rich tones, deep blacks and incredibly smooth gradients.
✔️ True-to-original reproduction
Textures, brushstrokes and subtle nuances of the original artwork are preserved with remarkable fidelity.
Giclée vs. Standard Posters
Poster: inexpensive print on thin paper, ideal for simple decoration.
Giclée: archival, gallery-quality reproduction made to last and meant for collectors.
Giclée is not just a print — it’s a fine art reproduction that honors the value of the original.
Giclée as a collectible art format
Many artists release giclée prints as limited editions, with each piece:
hand-signed
individually numbered
accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity
This elevates the print’s artistic and collectible value.
Why choose giclée?
You want museum-level quality close to the original
You value longevity and archival materials
You’re purchasing art as a gift or collectible
You want a premium, elegant piece for your interior