About Giclée Printing

The Giclée print method is used for producing edition prints from original artworks or photographs using modern wide format digital inkjet fine art printers.

The word giclée is a French language derivation referring to squirt or spray, thus "spraying of ink".

The Giclée printing method delivers a fine stream of archive rated pigment ink on fine art papers and canvas, resulting in vivid, pure color and exceptional detail most suitable for exhibition display and sale as high end fine art prints. It is also regarded as one of the most stable colour printing processes available today.

There is no limit in size and quantities and it is the most cost effective way for an artist to self-publish their works as prints need only be produced On Demand as print sales are made. Such a business model effectively means that an artist's printing overheads are always covered.

How it is done

1) Photograph artwork original

From your artwork a digital camera file or high resolution film original is made.

2) Set up and colour adjustment

From the digital file a proof is created for client approval.
A final proof is made using identical media as the Edition.

3) Print on Sale or Demand

You are not committed to an expensive print run. Each print in the edition is only produced as required.This enables artists and galleries to publish print editions at minimal financial risk.

Your print portfolio
Digital files of your artwork allow limited edition prints to be issued at any time.
These files become a valuable record of your work as an artist and a catalogue for potential buyers.
If required Code Ice can keep copies of your files for "on demand" print production.

Inkjet Giclée print technology is believed to offer the most accurate method of reproducing original artwork, and by adding Giclée prints to your portfolio you can enter more markets and widen your audience.

Print shown: from Neige pres de Valmondais by Charles Daubigny, 1875. Photographed at Code Red Gallery, East Fremantle and print production undertaken by Code Ice giclée print studio. Original work is currently in the custody of the Art Gallery of Western Australia

Code Ice works to the industry standards of print and archival quality as endorsed by the Fine Art Trade Guild. We adhere to internationally recognised specifications for pH and lightfastness. Fine art prints from the Code Ice print studio are also available with genuine certificates of authenticity, thus enhancing their value as true artworks.

We offer custom exhibition printing, edition and print on demand services

Print Longevity

The light-fastness or archival properties of a print is the function of three key factors:

• Media substrate i.e. the paper or canvas used

• Ink-set
  We use only true archival rated aqueous pigment inks

  (Note that the solvent inks used in the general print trade are not in the same class)

• Storage and Display environment
  This includes picture framing materials because treated timbers, mat boards, tapes and adhesives can all emit compounds detrimental to the stability of your print

The three key steps to a successful Giclée print:

• High end digital capture of the original artwork

• File setup, colour match to the original

• Print output

Remember - high quality giclée print output at or near original artwork size requires professionally produced high resolution files.

For further information or to arrange to see some examples please contact Peter or email code ice.