About Giclées

Giclée is a French word meaning “the spraying of ink”. Giclées are museum-quality reproductions on canvas or paper, which are printed using pigmented inks on archival canvas or on 100% acid-free cotton rag paper. Longevity tests show the inks we use to be colorfast for 120 years. Intense, direct lighting may reduce the longevity of the product, but reasonable lighting conditions should have very little, if any, effect.

Some nice characteristics of Giclées include:

1. They are printed using long-lasting archival inks.

2. A wider color range of deeper colors is available than are available with offset litho prints.

3. Giclées are very accurate to the original art.

4. The canvas and rag paper that the Giclées are printed on are heavier than lithograph paper and give the Giclée the look of an original painting.

5. The canvas Giclées are printed and then cured with UV inhibitor varnish.

6. Because mats and glass are not used when framing canvases, they are not as expensive to frame. My work comes ready-to-hang with mirror-imaged gallery wrap, so no framing is necessary.

7. I have proofed each image to ensure that the quality of the image is exceptional!

Care of a Giclée:

Remove all paper wrapping and packaging items from your giclées as soon as you receive them. They are for shipping and protection during shipping and should not be used for storage materials. Please store your giclées away from heat and moisture sources if you are not hanging them immediately. Canvas giclées come wired and ready to hang.

Proper handling techniques: When lifting your giclée canvas, always use both hands and support the frame from the bottom and side. Avoid grasping the front of the canvas or the top of the frame or the stretcher bars behind the canvas. For larger pieces, enlist help to ensure safe handling. These techniques are essential for effective giclée canvas print care.

Display: Creating the perfect environment for displaying your giclée canvas print is essential for long-term preservation. Consider areas that receive consistent, indirect light rather than direct sunlight (like a happy houseplant!). Temperature and humidity stability are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the canvas. Choose a location away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and areas with high humidity. Avoid placing the artwork above fireplaces or bathrooms with regular temperature and moisture fluctuations. This careful placement is a crucial aspect of giclée canvas print care. The inks are water-soluble. Moisture will ruin your giclée! Giclées printed on canvas are water and UV resistant, but NOT waterproof. These prints are susceptible to streaking and smudging if they come into contact with any liquids. By thoughtfully selecting and maintaining the display location, you can significantly extend the life of your artwork.

Cleaning: Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the beauty and integrity of your giclée canvas print. This task requires a delicate touch to avoid causing unintended damage. When cleaning, use gentle methods and appropriate tools that won’t compromise the delicate surface of the print. Remember that over-cleaning can be as harmful as neglect, so aim for a balanced approach in your giclée canvas print care routine. I dust the tops of my canvas frames regularly, but only dust the surface once or twice a year. To dust the canvas surface, use a soft, DRY, clean microfiber cloth to gently remove dust from the canvas surface. Always brush in one direction to avoid rubbing particles into the print.

Storage and wrapping techniques: A may time come when you need to store your giclée canvas print. Proper long-term storage is crucial to preserve the integrity and quality of your artwork during periods when it’s not on display. The storage environment should pay careful attention to temperature, humidity, and protection from light and physical damage. First, cover the front of the artwork with acid-free tissue paper (available on Amazon). This step is crucial to maintain the archival quality of the giclée. Afterwards, wrap the entire piece in bubble wrap, ensuring extra padding for corners and edges. Place the wrapped artwork between two pieces of sturdy cardboard or foam board for added protection. Always store the wrapped artwork vertically to prevent pressure on the canvas and frame. These wrapping techniques are essential for giclée canvas print care during storage.

Ideal storage conditions: Choose a storage location with a stable temperature of around 70°F (21°C) and humidity between 40-50%. Avoid areas prone to temperature fluctuations or moisture. Keep the artwork away from direct sunlight and artificial light sources. Regularly check on the stored artwork to ensure the environment remains stable. Proper storage conditions are essential for long-term giclée canvas print care.

From the printing process and artist’s proofs, to the care, handling, and shipping of each piece, your artwork is given the white glove treatment. It is created to last 100 years or more with proper care. Thus, all sales are final.