WHAT IS A GICLÉE PRINT?
A giclée art print is different than a color print from a home printer or laser printer. A giclée print is an archival, high-quality reproduction produced with fine inks on acid-free heavyweight paper or on canvas. In its most basic definition, giclée is a French term for “to spray.” It references the process that a printer uses to reproduce fine art or photography to create individual copies of the original piece. It is important to note that not all inkjet prints are giclée prints. With giclée printing, you can expect a higher quality product that lasts longer than your run-of-the-mill inkjet prints or color laser prints and there are certain criteria that must be met for a print to be considered a giclée.
MY PRINTS
Most of my giclee prints on archival paper include a 1/2" white border around the image, making it easy to mat and frame. If you don't want the border, this portion could be carefully cut off with a paper cutter or Xacto knife. I include a foam core backing to protect the print, but it could also be used a backing for the print when framed.
MATTING & FRAMING
Framing with a mat is often about personal preference. A wide mat adds oomph to a small print, but mats also work well for larger prints. Mats typically range from 1.5" to 3" wide borders, but can be even wider for smaller pieces. You can find ready-made frames and pre-cut mats at local art supply stores to fit some print dimensions, but you may need to have a custom size cut for you.
Framing FULL BLEED is when the image goes all the way to the frame's edge. Make sure you carefully cut away the white border and frame with backing.
For an art print, choose a frame with glass and some type of backing that is the same size as the frame opening if it is larger than the print itself.
Framing FULL BLEED is when the image goes all the way to the frame's edge. Make sure you carefully cut away the white border and frame with backing.
For an art print, choose a frame with glass and some type of backing that is the same size as the frame opening if it is larger than the print itself.
HOW TO FRAME YOUR PRINT
- Place your print image-up on a flat, clean surface. Secure a piece of acid-free tape on the underside of the top of your print, exposing half of the sticky side up.
- Line up the opening in your mat with the edges of the print as closely as possible and press the top of your mat to the piece of tape to secure it. Once your mat is secured to the tape at that one point, carefully flip the print and mat over so they're facing down.
- Use your tape to secure the corners of your art print to the mat. It's best not to tape every inch of all four sides completely because you want your print to have a bit of room to move around when the temperature changes so it doesn't buckle. That being said, you still want your print to be somewhat taut, so be sure to smooth the print completely before taping.
- Make sure your glass is spotless by wiping off any smudges or fuzz with a non-streak glass cleaner and cloth. Once your glass is completely dry and in the frame, insert the matted print. Then replace the wood, foam core, or cardboard backing behind the mat.
- Secure everything in place with the metal tabs attached to the back or provided with your frame. I prefer attaching a wire hanger on the back for easier hanging and leveling.