Skip to main content

Are Giclee Prints Worth It?

by
Last updated on 4 min read

Contrary to what some might think, reproducing artwork will not decrease the value of an original. In fact, giclée prints can actually increase the value of an original . Also because of the high quality, these prints can often increase in value over time. This is of course dependent on the artist.

Is it worth buying a giclee print?

A fine art giclee print is a valid investment when the cost of an original artwork is too high . It’s also a fabulous option for artists looking to offer a lower price point to customers, while maintaining the quality and originality of their work.

Why are giclee prints so expensive?

Because embellishments make the work more original , it becomes more valuable and rare. The high quality and long lifespans of giclées ensure that the prints appreciate in value. As an artist becomes more popular and their work becomes more in demand, their limited edition prints will increase in value.

What is the difference between a giclee and a print?

The biggest difference between a standard inkjet print and a giclee print is that giclees are printed using pigment-based inks rather than dye-based inks that are found in lower-cost inkjets. Pigment-based inks have a longer lifespan: they can last anywhere from 100 – 200 years without significant fading.

How much should I sell my giclee prints for?

A high quality archival giclee the same size as your original can be valued at 1/3rd of the cost of the original . So, if your original 18×24 painting sells for $3000 you can ask $1000 for each 18×24 giclee.

Do giclee prints need glass?

Giclée prints on paper need to be framed behind glass as shown below. Paper prints will hold the colors more accuratley of works originally created on paper. Different types of glass are available to protect from UV, and to reduce reflections. More questions?

How can you tell a real giclee from a fake?

First, if you can, run your hand along the surface of the art . If the paint is still resting on the surface of the canvas and has been layered, it’s likely an original. However, if it looks like the art is seeped into the canvas, then it’s likely a giclee.

How long do giclee prints last?

Longevity. First of all, giclee printing tends to hold its colors for far longer than standard prints. In fact, giclee prints are thought to last up to two hundred years before starting to fade . In other words, they are museum-quality prints that are built to last.

What is better lithograph or giclee?

Which is more valuable Giclee or Lithograph? Giclee is considered more valuable due to the high-quality resolution inkjet printers used to make the art. They are more durable as compared to lithograph. Giclee can last for two centuries without any visible sign of fading.

How much does it cost to have a giclee print made?

Paper Canvas Giclee Print Size Giclee Print Size Low End Pricing 8 x 10 6 x 8 $30 9 x 12 7 x 9 $40 11 x 13 8 x 10 $50

Do giclee prints sell?

The high quality and long lifespans of giclées ensure that the prints appreciate in value . As an artist becomes more popular and their work becomes more in demand, their limited edition prints will increase in value.

Are prints worth anything?

Prints can be just as valuable as any other artwork and certain prints are known to reach seven or eight-figure prices at auctions. ... Since they cost only a fraction of the price of a painting or a photograph, prints are also a great way for new art collectors to kick off their collection.

How do you handle giclee prints?

  1. Always handle you Giclée print wearing cotton gloves and avoid touching the print itself.
  2. If you don’t have gloves, make sure you have clean hands and do not touch the ink – even the smallest amount of oil or grease that occurs naturally can damage an inkjet.

How do you protect a giclee print?

The best choice is a giclee gloss coating to give your canvas a professional look and lots of protection. Also known as canvas varnish, a giclee sealer will protect both the ink and canvas from UV rays that can cause fading or yellowing.

How do you care for giclee prints?

Clean your canvas giclee print with a dry, lint free cloth . Never use a wet or moist cloth to clean your giclée canvas pint. DO NOT wash printed surfaces with water or solvents and make sure the cloth is clean.

Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
Emily Lee

Emily is a passionate arts and entertainment writer who covers everything from music and film to visual arts and cultural trends.