FAQs

Indigo Giclée

Below we have listed some of our most frequently asked questions. If you have a question which is not listed here, please feel free to get in contact with us and we shall do our upmost to help.

Q. What type of art is giclée printing suitable for?

A. Put simply, if you can take a high-resolution image of your art, then you can produce a giclée print. Any two-dimensional fine art can be reproduced with startling accuracy for sale or display. There are some papers, such as our matt range, that are particularly suited to reproducing the look and feel of the original art media, but we also offer a range of satin and gloss papers that provide a smooth and clear basis for photographic prints. If you’re unsure about the look you want to achieve, order our pre-printed sample pack featuring A5 examples of all six of our paper types, order sample pack.

Q. What is the recommended file size for giclee printing?

A. Making sure the file size and format is correct is the most important part of the whole Giclee process. If the file is poor quality to start with then the finished printed result will be poor quality at the end. Making sure your image is a decent resolution and supplied in the correct format is a huge part of this. Colour Space - For the best results please make sure your images are saved in an RGB colour space and have an embedded profile such as sRGB. File Size - Images should be a minimum resolution of 300dpi. As a rule of thumb, the bigger the file size the better the quality, however do not simply resize an image file size just to make it a larger file size as this will not improve the quality of the image, it will just give you the same poor quality image that is a larger file size. If you are concerned your image will not print well, simply order a printed strip sample of your image.

Q. What type of images can I upload?

A. We accept JPEG, PNG & TIFF file types. Images must be at least 300dpi (dots per inch) in order to print clearly. The greater the resolution, the clearer the image, which is particularly important for large format printing. Our maximum file upload limit is 20mb. If you have problems uploading your files, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

Q. Can I upload a PDF file as my artwork?

A. Whilst our system will allow you to upload a PDF file, due to the lack of data our system is able to extract from the file it is likely your artwork will not be pulled through the size you have uploaded it. Once uploaded, you would simply need to amend the sizes in the dimensions fields on the right hand side of the editor.

Q. Will you change my image once it is uploaded?

A. We won’t alter your image at all once it is uploaded, the colour contrast and the sharpness will be printed exactly as defined in the digital image. This puts you in control and ensures that you have the exact print that you require. The digital details contained within the file will be matched to the paper type to ensure that the colours printed are true to the colours in your original file. We run free file checks on all images to ensure that they are of a high enough resolution. If we have any concerns about your image we will contact you prior to printing to your order.

Q. What is giclee?

A. The origin of the word Giclée comes from the French word gicleur, the French technical term for a jet or a nozzle, and the associated verb gicler (to squirt out). Une giclée (noun) means a spurt of liquid. In today’s world Giclee is used by professionals to describe a giclee print, which is a high quality art print reproduction that is made from spraying archival ink onto museum grade archival paper.

Q. How long will a giclée print last?

A. We guarantee our giclée prints for 60 years, based on the printer manufacturer’s guidelines, but giclée prints can be expected to be fade-resistant for well over 100 years, with the proper care. The secret is in the pigment-based dyes, the archival-standard, acid-free papers, and the printing techniques used.

Q. How should I care for my giclée print?

A. As with all artwork, giclée prints should be transported, stored and displayed carefully to avoid damage. Only acid-free packaging and mounts should come into contact with the front and back surfaces and you should avoid touching the printed areas. UV light can fade even the most robust pigments used in giclée prints, so never display prints in sunlit areas or outdoors. For the best preservation of vibrant colours, giclée prints should be framed behind glass or acrylic, adding protection from ozone or any harsh chemicals or solvents.

Q. Do I need to create a border for my images?

A. You will have an option to create a border as you move through the order process. You can also include printed text such as a title and date and you can leave space for the artist’s signature and limited edition numbers.

Q. Which paper type should I choose?

A. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to paper types. Simply choose the paper stock that complements your artwork. Our paper range page gives comprehensive details on each of our papers and their possible uses. If you’re still unsure, why not order our sample pack, including pre-printed A5 sheets of each of our paper types.

Q. What’s the minimum order?

A. Another great thing about giclée printing is that there is no minimum order. You can order as few or as many as you need. Without worrying about holding a stock of your prints, you can print to order as you sell them. When you pass through the order process, you’ll have the option to create an account. We’ll hold your digital artwork images securely in your password-protected area for easy access and reordering. With most orders despatched within 24 hours when placed before 10am, you can be sure to have new prints available when you need them.

Q. How much does it cost to create a giclée print?

A. This all depends on the type and size of the paper that you choose. Full prices for all our paper types are shown on our prices page. Prices are charged per square centimetre for each paper type. As you move through the order process, your exact order cost is automatically displayed, so you know exactly what you’ll be charged.

Q. Do you offer mounting and framing services?

A. Indigo Giclée doesn’t offer mounting and framing services but we do work with other trusted companies who do this. We recommend searching the directory on the Fine Art Trade Guild website as this features commended and certified framers who have demonstrated the standards required to work with giclée prints and other fine art.