| When Jack Duganne coined the term | | | | that will lasttens of years and will have the best |
| "Giclee" (circa 1990) to define the | | | | color accuracy possible. The market for fine art |
| printing of art on archival paper with the Iris line, | | | | giclee printing aims at professional artists, |
| very few artists could afford the high costs | | | | collectors and people who want to buy art that |
| ofhaving their work reproduced. The inkjet Iris | | | | will occupy the walls of designer homes and high |
| machines such as the 3047 model easily cost | | | | end offices. |
| over $100,000 and had very expensive | | | | Decor giclee printing |
| maintenance contracts. Once inkjet technology | | | | Many purists have an issue with even calling decor |
| progressed, namely with Epson introducing the | | | | printing a form of giclee printmaking. Because |
| Pro line of printers, both quality and prices have | | | | decor printing is done with lower grade substrates |
| decreased. As other big name companies like | | | | and inks, archival ratings are much lower; not as |
| Canon and HP also came to the market with | | | | skillful people are preparing the digital files and not |
| archival printers, the field is now filled with printers | | | | as much time and careare put into file preparation. |
| vastly superior in all aspects to the now defunct | | | | Chinese manufacturers have invaded the market |
| Iris. | | | | with cheap low grade canvas and papers often |
| When paper and canvas manufacturers realized | | | | costing one third of their European and American |
| there was quickly growing demand for giclee | | | | counterparts. Although many low costprinters use |
| printing substrates, a great variety of choices and | | | | these materials, for a few dollars more better |
| different quality grades has come to market. The | | | | papers and canvas specifically designed for the |
| gamut of offerings ranges from the finest papers | | | | decor market can be used. These substrates are |
| with archival ratings of more than 100 years | | | | made in the US and Europe and do not carry the |
| toothers with more modest pedigrees. | | | | uncertainties associated with Chines made goods. |
| It is important to make a distinction between | | | | Whether you are looking for inkjet decor or fine |
| what constitutes fine art giclee printing and decor | | | | art printing make sure to ask questions before |
| giclee printing. | | | | proceeding; a skilled printing company should be |
| Fine art giclee printing | | | | able to answer any questions in a clear manner, |
| Only the finest brand name papers and inks are | | | | including what materials are being used and how |
| chosen; very skilled printmakers with decades of | | | | color proofing is done. |
| experience in the field and an artistic background | | | | For further information please visit our giclee |
| handle the whole process. The result is a print | | | | printing site. |