1.
What is Giclée? |
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A
Giclée
these days has 2 meanings: 1) is a fine art reproduction
process which is based on digital technology, 2) the
final product of this technology - giclee print.
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'Giclée'
is a French word directly translated as "to squirt
or spurt". It is pretty much ink-jet printing.
The difference between Giclee printer & your regular
home ink-jet printer is all in quality: dot gain, resolution,
color longevity, ink compatibility with high-end archival
canvases & papers.
Today Giclée is most popular fine art reproduction
technique for fine arts internationally. |
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2.
What is the advantage of Giclée
compared to other fine art reproduction techniques?
The
major advantage of the Giclee printing technique is ON DEMAND
printing capability. It means that one doesn't have to raise
a lot of money to start reproducing. The days of manufacturing
a huge edition of prints at once are over. Offset lithography
and silk-screen techniques can not compete with Giclee.
Most of Giclée printers use high end archival inks
which makes the archival properties of Giclée's much
higher than offset lithography prints. Our pigmented inks
have a light fastness rating up to 200 years. The resolution
achieved using this technology is much better than lithography.
Museum quality Giclée reproductions are quite difficult
to distinct from the original.
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3.
What distinguishes a Giclée from other types of printmaking
methods?
• They are
consistent with Fine Art and the archival standards.
• Giclée printers use pigment
based archival inks (no dyes).
• All our papers and canvases
are archival museum quality made by the finest manufacturers.
• Giclée
is an 'on-demand' printing process, you can order one print
at a time or as many as you want.
• Giclée is always improving
by using the latest computer technology and testing the latest
archival materials guarantying the highest quality prints
possible.
• Giclee print can be varnished
and embellished with UV protective mediums that can imitate
brush stroke or palette knife, 3-dimentional texture to give
your print the feel of a real painting. |
4.
How do you achieve the ultimate quality of a print?
It is the direct
scanning of an artwork, contact
us for additional information. 8"x10" transparencies
also help to produce outstanding results. |
5.
Can you reproduce from 35mm slides or negatives?
Yes. But it is not recommended to make
prints larger than about 20"x16" from 35mm slides
or negatives. The prints will not be as crisp. Although there
are ways of digital enhancing the image to allow crisp larger
output. Contact us
for details. Any larger size slide or transparency will ensure
good quality. The better and the bigger the transparency is,
the better quality can be achieved. |
6.
Are the prints smudge-proof, waterproof?
Yes. Canvas prints are absolutely
smudge-proof and waterproof even without
any top coating. UV protective varnishes that we use for canvases
add even more durability. Watercolor paper prints are already
smudge-proof. Concerning water sensitivity they are similar
to watercolor painting and should be handled the same way.
They can be lightly spray coated for durability but still
framing behind glass is necessary. |
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7.
How long will my prints are last?
Prints
should not be exposed to direct sunlight just as any
original artwork, made in oil or any other media. Under
normal lighting conditions, our inks will not show noticeable
fading for at least 200 years. The pigmented
inks we use are the best on the marked in longevity.
See Terms. |
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8.
Will the print colors be exact to what I see on my computer
screen?
No, the picture you see on your computer screen is made up
of RGB colors and your screen is in effect by a big light
bulb so what you see is called additive color. Paper is not
back lit , the ink colors do not have the benefit of light
enhancing them and making them brighter., This is commonly
called subtractive color. We calibrate our printers so we
get the best color range possible. |
9.
How large of an image can you print?
We can print up to 44"
x 83" on canvas and 34" x 46" on watercolor
paper. |
10.
If I want to re-order a print, what steps do I have to take?
It's easier then
you think to re-order. Contact us
by telephone or e-mail. Since we will have your image on file
all we have to do is open it up and print it. |
11.
What type of file format would work best and what level
of resolution?
Your digital file needs
to be at least 200 dpi with a 1:1 ratio on image size.
Example: you want your image size to be 40" x 30"
when it is printed, digital file must be 40" x
30" at 200 dpi or 6000 x 8000 pixels which is approximately
137 Mb file in TIFF format. TIFF is best for us. Although
we can also work with many other formats when necessary. |
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12.
If I wanted a copy of my files on CD or DVD can you do that
for me?
Yes of course, we will
burn any image file at your request. |
13.
Will I be able to upload the images directly to you?
Yes.
Just follow these instructions
File Upload |
14.
What printers are you working with?
We
print on Epson Stylus Pro10000 Archival Ink and
Epson Stylus Pro10600 Ultra Chrome Inks. |
15.
Can you wrap my print on stretcher bars or do gallery wraps?
Yes,
we can. Just as us. |
16.
Can you get me started with business cards and a web site?
Yes we can provide
a whole package deal for you. For more information go to www.2livart.com |
17.
Do you do graphic design work, if I wanted to advertise
in a newspaper or magazine?
Yes. We also design
Artist's brochures, catalogues, business cards. For more information
go to www.2livart.com |
18.
What is a certificate of authenticity?
We here at LiGiclée.com
know that it's not only the printer that contributes to these
amazing prints. Our staff takes part as well by taking the
time and making sure each print is reproduced to the highest
quality possible.
By purchasing a Certificate
of Authenticity your are not only helping yourself but
your artwork. A Giclée is the highest quality print
one can buy, it's museum quality. By supplying a buyer with
a Certificate
of Authenticity, they will feel that this print is more
than just a print but that time, effort and care went into
the making of it. Certificates of Authenticity will help you
market your prints better and make you into a more profitable
artist. |
19.
Limited Edition
Limited
editions are a certain number of prints that will be produced
by an artist – most of the time ranging from 25 to 200
prints. This certain limitation on quantity makes them ideal
for art collectors enhancing the value of each print. Most
limited edition prints include the artist’s signature
and an indication of the print size and number (e.g. 35/200
= the 35th print in an edition of 200) on the print itself. |
20.What
are your terms of payment?
We
require setup fee to be paid in advance.
The balance is than to be paid in full prior
to shipping
or upon pick up. You can send a check or money
order with your transparency or use a credit card (Visa, Master
Card or American Express) via phone or internet (See Payment). |
21.
Do you offer a quantity discount?
Yes, please call us
for an estimate. |
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