If you’re an artist or collector, you’ve probably heard the term giclee thrown around a lot. I remember the first time someone asked if I offered giclee prints—I nodded, then Googled it in the parking lot afterward. So, what is a giclee print? In simple terms, it’s a high-quality fine art print made with archival inks on acid-free paper or canvas. But the details matter, especially if you’re just getting started and wondering if it’s worth offering these in your shop or portfolio.
I do a lot of printing myself at home (you can read more about that prints at home), but giclee prints are something I always outsource to a trusted print house. I tried researching how to do it myself with my home printer, but the truth is—unless you have a specialized pigment ink printer and archival paper, it’s just not the same. Giclees require some pro-level tools. That doesn’t mean you can’t start small, but it helps to know what you're working with.
When I first started selling prints, I wasn’t sure what would sell best or how “professional” I needed to be. Over time, I learned there are situations where investing in giclees makes a ton of sense—and others where simpler prints do the job just fine. If you're a beginner artist, the key is knowing how giclees fit into your broader goals. I'll break it down in a way I wish someone had explained to me.
Key Points
- Giclee prints are ideal when you want high-end, gallery-quality prints for collectors.
- You can’t make true giclee prints at home unless you have a specialized printer, so finding a good print house is essential.
- If you're selling art, giclees can help you command higher prices and offer limited editions with certificates of authenticity.
What is a Giclee Print?
A giclee print is a fine art reproduction made using an inkjet printer with pigment-based inks on archival-quality paper or canvas. The term “giclee” (pronounced zhee-CLAY) comes from the French word “gicler,” meaning “to spray.” That describes how the printer applies the ink—with precision and depth that standard printers just can’t match.
When I first found out about giclees, I honestly thought it was just a fancy word to charge more for prints. But once I saw one in person, it really did feel like the next best thing to the original. The color accuracy, the way it handled subtle gradients—it just felt elevated.
What sets a giclee apart is the combination of high resolution (typically 300 DPI or more), archival materials, and pigment-based inks that resist fading for decades. That makes them a favorite among artists, galleries, and collectors.
Pros and Cons of Giclee Prints
Giclee prints can feel like the gold standard, but they’re not always the right move depending on your goals. Here's how I think about it.
Pros
- Museum-quality print that closely resembles the original
- Archival lifespan (usually 100+ years without fading)
- Works well for limited edition runs
- Ideal for watercolor, photography, or high-detail digital work
Cons
- Requires a professional print house (or serious gear at home)
- More expensive to produce than other types of prints
- Longer turnaround times
When I was doing my first few art markets, I didn’t use giclees because I needed affordable prints I could price around $20-$30. But later, I started offering giclee versions of my bestsellers in limited runs, and those ended up selling to collectors who wanted something more archival and signed.
If you're selling prints in-person or online, this can factor into your pricing and planning. I cover more strategy on that in my post on how to sell expensive art.
Do You Need Giclee Prints to Sell Art?
Not necessarily. It depends on your audience and price point. I’ve sold plenty of art prints made on high-quality matte paper using dye-based inks, especially at markets or for casual buyers. When I started, I didn’t have the budget for giclees or the audience ready to pay for them.
But when someone wants a signed edition or a reproduction that will last a lifetime, giclee is my go-to. It just feels more premium. If you're starting to get inquiries from collectors or working with galleries, it's worth looking into.
If you're thinking long-term about your art business, offering giclee options can help you scale into higher price points and more serious collectors. That goes hand in hand with writing a strong artist bio, crafting a compelling artist statement, or building out a clean artist website.
How to Get Giclee Prints Made
I recommend starting with a reputable local or online print shop that specializes in fine art printing. I didn’t know where to look at first, so I asked around—other artists, framers, even local gallery owners. Most good shops will list what kind of printers and inks they use. Look for places that use Epson or Canon professional printers with pigment inks, and ask to see paper samples in person if you can.
Some shops will do test prints for a small fee, which is totally worth it to make sure the color and detail match your original. You’ll also want to photograph or scan your artwork at high resolution—ideally 300 DPI at the full print size. Don’t skimp here. A blurry or low-res scan ruins even the best printing job.
If you're not sure how to price your prints or package them, I dive deeper into that in my guide on selling art online.
Are Giclee Prints Right for You?
Here’s when I personally choose giclees:
- I'm doing a limited edition run with a certificate of authenticity
- A collector specifically requests a high-end version
- The artwork has subtle textures or color gradients that regular prints can’t handle well
On the flip side, if I’m fulfilling quick orders from my shop or selling lower-cost prints in bulk, I usually go with my own home setup or a local copy shop that still offers nice paper options. I save the giclee route for the moments that really matter, especially when I want to leave a lasting impression.
If you're just starting out, I highly recommend reading how to start an art business from home to get a full picture of the options.
What is the difference between giclee and standard print?
Standard prints usually use dye-based inks and lower-quality paper. Giclee prints use archival pigment inks and are printed at a much higher resolution on acid-free materials, making them more durable and color-accurate.
What is special about giclee prints?
The archival quality, color fidelity, and texture options make giclee prints stand out. They can last over 100 years and closely resemble the original art.
Are giclee prints worth anything?
Yes. Because they’re made with archival materials and often part of a signed edition, giclee prints can be valuable—especially when tied to a reputable artist or gallery. Just make sure you present them well with a business card, a profile, and some background.
What is the difference between a canvas print and a giclee?
Canvas prints can be giclees if they use archival canvas and pigment inks. But not all canvas prints meet those standards. Giclee is about the process and quality, not just the surface.
Do giclee prints have texture?
They don’t mimic brush strokes unless printed on textured paper or canvas. But the depth of color and tonal range often makes them feel rich and layered.
How do you pronounce giclee prints?
It’s pronounced zhee-CLAY. Sounds fancy, but don’t let that intimidate you. It’s just a high-quality print technique.