If you’re new to selling fine art prints, you’ve probably come across some confusing terms. What exactly is a giclée print? What does “limited edition” really mean? And why does the type of paper matter so much?
We believe that understanding the language of fine art prints empowers artists to make the best decisions for their work. Whether you’re turning your paintings into prints for the first time or refining your print offerings, this blog post will help you navigate the world of fine art prints with confidence. And… if you ever have additional questions, we’re here to help!
What is a Giclée Print?
Not all prints are created equal. The method you choose can greatly impact the quality, price, and overall feel of your artwork.
A giclée (pronounced zhee-clay) is a high-quality inkjet print made with archival pigment inks on acid-free fine art paper. These prints capture the fine details and vibrant colors of your original work while ensuring longevity—no fading or yellowing over time. We specialize in giclée printing because it’s the best option for artists seeking museum-quality reproductions.
Choosing the Right Paper & Materials
Your choice of paper affects the look, feel, and longevity of your prints. We use exclusively acid-free, archival paper to ensure your artwork remains vibrant for years to come. Here are some of our most popular paper options:
Archival Matte Paper: A smooth, matte finish that works well for all types of artwork. It’s particularly popular among digital artists as it maintains the vibrancy of colors from screen to paper.
Cold Press Paper: A textured matte paper that mimics traditional watercolor paper, making it a favorite among watercolor artists.
Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Ultra Smooth Paper: A luxurious paper with a silky matte finish, ideal for fine art reproductions and photography. Its premium coating enhances color vibrancy and deep blacks, making it perfect for black and white photography.
Hahnemuhle Bamboo Paper: An eco-friendly option made of 90% bamboo fibers and 10% cotton. The natural warm tone complements monochrome prints and artwork with earthy tones, while its lightly textured surface is a great alternative for watercolor artists.
Glossy Photo Paper: Best suited for photography, this high-gloss paper produces rich, vivid colors and captures sharp details beautifully.
Not sure what paper to choose? We’re here to help. Send us an email, or check out our blog post: How to Choose the Right Paper for your Fine Art Prints.
Print Sizing & Presentation: What You Need to Know
Sizing, resolution, and formatting all play a role in how your prints turn out. Here are some key terms to keep in mind:
Bleed vs. No Bleed:
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Bleed: The image extends all the way to the edge of the print, allowing for a full-coverage design.
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No Bleed: A white border is left around the image, giving it a more traditional print look.
Resolution & Color Modes:
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DPI (Dots Per Inch): The number of ink dots per inch on a printed image. Higher DPI results in sharper, more detailed prints.
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PPI (Pixels Per Inch): The resolution of a digital image. For the best print quality, your artwork should be at least 300 PPI at the final print size.
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RGB (Red, Green, Blue): Used for digital screens and online previews.
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CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black): Used for traditional printing. At Kiʻikau Printers, we print exclusively in RGB, so we recommend converting any CMYK files to RGB before printing.
Matting:
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Matting: The process of placing a border around your print, typically made of acid-free mat board, to enhance presentation and make framing easier. A mat creates a clean, polished look and provides a protective barrier between the print and the glass in a frame, preventing moisture buildup and potential damage.
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Full Mat: This includes a window mat (the top mat with a cutout opening) and a backing board, fully encasing the print for a professional, ready-to-frame presentation.
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Back Mat: This option includes only the backing board without the window mat. It provides extra support and stability while allowing the artwork to be displayed without a border.
Signature & Authentication: The Finishing Touches
Adding a signature or a certificate of authenticity (COA) can make your prints feel even more special to buyers.
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Hand-Signed vs. Digital Signature: Some artists prefer signing prints by hand with a pencil or pen for an authentic, personal touch. Others opt for a digital signature embedded in the artwork file. Either option is valid—it all depends on your preference and style.
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Certificate of Authenticity (COA): For limited edition prints, including a COA adds an extra level of professionalism and value. It confirms the print’s legitimacy and details the edition number, print method, and artist’s signature. We offer custom COA printing!
Limited Edition vs. Open Edition Prints
When selling prints, you can choose to offer limited editions or open editions—or both!
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Limited edition prints are produced in a set quantity, often signed and numbered. Because they’re more exclusive, they tend to have higher value.
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Open Edition Prints can be produced indefinitely, making them more accessible and affordable.
Many artists choose to offer a mix of both—limited editions for exclusivity and open editions for affordability. If you’re unsure which approach is best for your art business, we’d love to help you weigh the options!
Shipping & Print Preservation: Keep your Artwork Safe
Ensuring your prints arrive safely is just as important as how they’re made.
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Flat Shipping: Ideal for small to medium prints, packaged with a backing board in a rigid mailer.
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Rolled Shipping: Recommended for larger prints, shipped in tubes to prevent creasing.
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Archival Sleeves: Using archival sleeves or tissue paper keeps prints safe from dust and moisture. If you’re selling high-end prints, these small touches enhance presentation and longevity. Get in touch to learn more about our finishing services!
Understanding print terminology helps you make informed decisions when creating and selling your artwork. From selecting the best print method to choosing the right paper and preparing files for printing, each step contributes to making your artwork shine.
Looking for more tips on selling your prints? Check out our other posts and follow us on Instagram for more advice on pricing, marketing, and growing your art business!