Giclee Prints vs. Photo Prints: What Is the Difference?

If you're seeking prints that stand the test of time, whether for a gallery exhibition or adorning your home walls, the choice between various printing methods can be daunting, especially if you're new to the world of printing. Let's explore the fundamentals of giclee prints versus photo prints to help you make an informed decision about which method best suits your needs.

What Are Giclee Prints?

Giclee represents a specialized art printing technique that employs top-tier archival ink and paper, resulting in exceptionally detailed and visually captivating prints. The giclee printing process leverages inkjet technology to precisely spray fine ink dots onto the paper, faithfully reproducing the original image. Notably, giclee printers utilize a palette of 12 pigment-based inks, a significant step up from standard printers. This expanded color range, coupled with meticulous spraying techniques, ensures more accurate reproductions of your artwork and photographs. Giclee printing enables artists to replicate a wide array of art forms with remarkable fidelity.

What Are Photo Prints?

Photo prints, on the other hand, involve reproducing images on chemically sensitized paper. The process entails exposing the paper to a photographic negative or a digital image file, resulting in a print created through a specialty printer or digital exposure unit. Photo prints are frequently associated with photographs and photographers seeking to replicate the scenes they've captured. The photo paper commonly used for these prints is glossy, which can introduce more glare but boasts greater resistance to scratching.

Differences Between Giclee and Photo Prints

A primary distinction between giclee prints and photo prints lies in their quality. Giclee printers, coupled with the use of high-quality materials, yield archival art prints that surpass the standard photo print. This superior quality is attributed to the broader spectrum of colors and intricate details achievable with giclee printers, thanks to their 12-color ink set and precise spraying techniques. Moreover, giclee prints are notably more durable, owing to their usage of acid-free paper materials. This durability prevents issues like yellowing and fading over time. If you seek a top-tier, long-lasting print, fine art giclee printing is the way to go.

Now that you know the basics of giclee prints versus photo prints and their differences, you can choose the best prints for your next project. Browse our printing options at The Stackhouse if you want a high-quality giclee printing service. We provide archival art prints and other fine art printing services for our customers.