Find out why are giclee prints so expensive. They’re worth it!

ByJoseph Colella
why are giclee prints so expensive

Giclee prints are one of the most popular types of prints that artists use today. They are extremely high quality and can reproduce artwork accurately. However, they are also quite expensive. In this blog post, we answer the question “Why are giclee prints so expensive” and we’ll take a closer look at what makes giclee prints so expensive.

What factors influence the price of a giclee print?

There are several factors that can influence the price of a giclee print. The first factor is the quality of the printer. Giclee prints are created using high-end printers that use archival inks. These inks are more expensive than regular inks, and they produce a higher quality print. The second factor is the paper or canvas that is used.

Again, higher quality materials will cost more. The third factor is the artist who creates the original artwork. If an artist is well-known and their artwork is in high demand, their giclee prints will be more expensive right out of the gate. Finally, the edition size can also influence the price of a giclee print. Smaller edition sizes will be more expensive than larger edition sizes, this is related to limited edition giclee prints and even more so when they are hand signed limited edition giclee prints.

Let’s break down each factor that determines why giclee prints are so expensive, a little further.

High end giclee printers

Giclee printers can be expensive to purchase and maintain. They are a step above your typical bubblejet printer and not as expensive as an offset printer which requires specialized training and a whole lot of workspace.

Giclee printers provide a much wider range of color and saturation than any laser printer on the market and the big bonus of giclee printers is that they are capable of printing on large format papers and canvas.

Giclee archival inks

Giclee printers often require special inks and papers which can add to the cost. But the inks used in giclee printers are archival quality which means they will not fade over time like some other inks.

why are giclee prints so expensive

Archival paper

The papers used for giclee prints are also of a high quality and made to last. Many of these papers are acid free and made from cotton or other natural fibers.

Canvas

The canvas used for giclee prints is also a high quality product designed to last. The canvases used for giclee prints often have a special coating that protects the print from UV rays and other environmental factors that can cause fading.

Collectible artist

In addition, the artist who creates the original artwork often needs to sign each print in order to add authenticity and value.

Many artists who create limited edition giclee prints will hand sign each print. This adds to the value of the print and makes it more collectible.

Edition sizes

Finally, giclee prints are often part of a limited edition, meaning that only a certain number of prints will be made available for sale. This contributes to the high price tag as well.

When you combine all of these factors, it’s no wonder why giclee prints can be so expensive! But despite the high cost, they are still a popular choice for art collectors and enthusiasts alike.

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How do giclee prints compare to other printing methods?

Giclee prints are often compared to other printing methods, such as lithography or screen printing. However, giclee prints are considered to be of a higher quality than these other methods.

Giclee versus lithographs

Giclee can also allow an artist to produce a much larger print run than if they were hand producing lithographs.

This is due to the fact that giclee prints are made with high-quality inks and papers, and the colors are more accurately reproduced.

Also, lithographs are usually printed on paper by hand using a limited range of colors, while giclee prints can be printed using a mechanical printer with a wider variety of colors.

Giclee versus screen printing

Screen printing is another popular printing method, but giclee prints are again considered to be of a higher quality.

This is because screen printing generally uses lower-quality inks and papers, and the colors are, while giclee prints can be printed on a variety of different surfaces, such as canvas or watercolor paper.

Giclee versus offset printing

While giclee prints are of a higher quality than lithography or screen printing, they are not as expensive as offset printing. Offset printing is a method that is typically used for mass production, such as for newspapers or magazines. The colors in offset printing are not as accurately reproduced as they are in giclee prints.

How can you ensure that you’re getting the best quality giclee print for your money?

There are a few things that you should look for when you’re purchasing a giclee print:

  • The giclee print should be made using high-resolution images of their original work.
  • Choose an artist whose work you love and whose style you connect with.
  • If possible, purchase directly from the artist or a reputable dealer.
  • Make sure that the print is signed and numbered by the artist.
  • Ask for a certificate of authenticity. This can be an actual certificate or a letter from the artist, gallery, or dealer.
  • You can also ask about the printer that was used to create the print, as well as the type of paper or canvas that was used but this may not be answered as most dealers have no idea.

Why are giclee prints so expensive – Wrap up!

So, there you have it! Some of the main reasons why giclee prints are so expensive. From the artist signing the print to the media and papers used, there are many factors that contribute to the high cost of these beautiful prints. But, at the end of the day, it really comes down to what you are looking for in a print and what your budget allows. There are many great options out there, so do your research and find the perfect giclee printer for you!

Here are some additional Giclee related information for you:

Sources

Ink Image by donations welcome from Pixabay

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