Nations Photo Lab is proud to introduce an exciting new addition to our professional print lineup: Giclee Prints. Whether you're an artist, photographer, or someone looking to elevate your wall decor, Giclee printing offers stunning quality that brings every detail to life. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Giclee prints: what they are, why they're special, and how to order them.
What is a Giclée Print?
A Giclee print is a type of Photo Print created using high-resolution inkjet printing. The word "Giclee" (pronounced zhee-clay) is derived from the French word "gicler," meaning "to spray," which perfectly describes how the printer applies pigment-based inks to paper.
Unlike standard printing methods, Giclee prints are made using advanced inkjet printers that spray microscopic droplets of ink onto archival-quality paper. This process allows for incredibly precise color reproduction and exceptional detail.
The result is high-resolution, gallery-quality print with vibrant colors, smooth gradients, and stunning depth, perfect for fine art reproductions and professional photography.
Why Choose Giclée over Other Art Prints?
Giclee Prints offer a range of benefits that set them apart from traditional art prints:
- Exceptional color accuracy
- Maintains high resolution and detail, even in large formats
- Archival quality for long-lasting results
- Smooth, tactile feel with options for textured papers
- Wide color gamut for richer, more vivid tones
- Ideal for artists, photographers, and designers seeking a professional finish
For a detailed comparison, check out our blog: Giclee Prints vs Art Prints.
Do Giclée Prints Fade?
Giclee Prints are known for their longevity and museum-quality durability because the process uses pigment-based inks, the gold standard of Giclée printing. They will only begin to fade if exposed to direct sunlight over long periods of time, similar to most print types. When displayed properly, Giclee Prints can last decades without noticeable fading.
What are pigment-based inks, and why are they the gold standard?
Pigment-based inks set the benchmark for true Giclée printing and museum-quality results. Unlike dye-based inks, pigment inks use microscopic, archival-grade particles that bond to the paper’s surface. The result is exceptional longevity, color stability, and resistance to light, humidity, and environmental damage. Prints retain their brilliance for decades, often lasting over 100+ years with proper care, making them ideal for collectors, galleries, and professional artists.
Beyond durability, pigment inks deliver unparalleled detail and tonal precision. With expanded color gamuts and multiple black/gray channels, they capture subtle gradations, rich blacks, and lifelike depth that dye inks simply cannot match. For artists and photographers who demand that their work stand the test of time, pigmented inks are not just a choice, they are the gold standard of Giclée printing.
Do Giclée Prints Have Texture?
Giclee refers to the technique of printing, rather than the texture of the print itself. However, we offer three different paper types with different feels. Here, we offer Art Metallic, Premium Lustre, and Bright Matte papers that all have a smooth finish. This versatility allows you to choose the paper type that best suits your aesthetic.
Paper Types Available for Giclée Prints
We offer Giclee Prints on carefully selected, professional-grade papers that bring out the best in your images:
Bright Matte / Moab Entrada Bright White: A smooth, matte paper with a neutral white tone that beautifully showcases vibrant colors and crisp detail.
Art Metallic / Photo Rag Metallic: A unique paper with slight texture and a pearlescent, metallic sheen that enhances contrast and depth for an eye-catching finish.
Premium Lustre / Epson Photo Lustre: A semi-gloss paper offering a subtle shine with excellent color saturation and fine detail, perfect for photographers.
Learn more about our paper types and how they can enhance your art.
Ordering Giclée Art Prints
You can order Giclee art prints in three different formats to suit your display preferences:
- As loose Prints
- In a Framed Print
- As a Mounted Print (on Achival Acid free board) - add mounting in our Prints Editor!
Giclee Prints will be available in a wide range of sizes, including popular formats like 8x10, 12x12, and more.
Giclée vs Silver Halide Art Prints
Both Giclee and Silver Halide Prints deliver exceptional, quality results, each with their own strengths. Silver halide prints, which are produced on professional photo paper using a time-tested chemical process, offer beautiful color reproduction and are perfect for everyday photo printing, professional displays, and vibrant photographic work.
Giclee Prints, on the other hand, are created on fine art papers using pigment-based inks, which provide fade-resistant, color-accurate results with archival longevity. Giclee printing also offers greater flexibility in texture and finish, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a fine art look and feel.
While both print types produce stunning images, Giclee prints have a slight edge for detailed, artistic reproductions, fine art collections, and pieces where texture, paper type, and archival presentation are key priorities.
If you’re looking for a print that combines longevity, fine art texture, and exceptional color, Giclee prints are the perfect choice.
Shop Giclee Prints today to elevate your favorite images.
