The Complete Guide to Giclée Art Prints

If you've ever stood in front of a piece of art and thought, "I can't afford that, can I?" — you’re not alone. But giclée art prints are one of the best-kept secrets in the art world: high-quality, affordable, and made to last. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from what a giclée actually is to how to pick one that fits your home - and your budget.

What Actually Is a Giclée Print?

Let’s start with the obvious: the word sounds French because it is. Giclée (pronounced “zhee-clay”) means “to spray,” which is exactly what these specialist inkjet printers do — with precision that’d make a Swiss watch blush. The result? Museum-grade prints so sharp and colour-rich they’re often mistaken for originals.

You’ll find the full lowdown in our guide: What is a Giclée Print?

Why Giclée Prints Are Worth the Fuss

There’s a reason artists, galleries and collectors swear by giclée. They’re printed using archival pigment inks on fine art paper, giving you that rich texture and vivid colour that lasts decades without fading - no exaggeration. It’s not just posh paper either; it’s about preserving the detail and colour of the original piece.

If you need a wee nudge on the value side of things, check out Why Giclée Prints Are Worth It.

Giclée vs Poster Prints: Not All Prints Are Created Equal

Let’s settle this once and for all — a poster print and a giclée aren’t playing the same sport. Posters are usually mass-produced using toner or dye-based inks and thin paper. They’re cheap, aye, but they’ll also fade faster than a Scottish tan. Giclée, on the other hand, is made for the long haul.

We break it down properly in Giclée vs Poster Prints: What’s the Difference?

How Giclée Prints Are Made

You’d be forgiven for thinking they just press ‘print’ and job’s done. But the process is far more involved. From high-resolution scanning and colour-matching to hand-selecting paper stocks, making a giclée print is almost as much an art as creating the original. Most artists work directly with printmakers to get every detail just right.

We’ve detailed the whole behind-the-scenes process here: How Giclée Prints Are Made: Behind the Scenes.

Choosing the Right Paper for Giclée Prints

You wouldn’t print the Mona Lisa on kitchen roll, would you? Paper choice matters. Some giclée prints come on smooth matte; others on textured cotton rag that mimics watercolour paper. The feel, depth, and even colour tone can shift depending on what’s used.

If that all sounds a bit abstract, we’ve made it practical here: Choosing the Right Paper for Giclée Prints.

Best Ways to Display Giclée Prints in Your Home

You’ve picked the print — now what? Whether it’s a bold centrepiece above the fireplace or a calming coastal scene for the bedroom, there are countless ways to make giclée art work with your décor. Gallery walls, floating frames, even shelf displays — all fair game.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite ideas: Best Ways to Display Giclée Art in Your Home.

How to Frame Giclée Prints (Without Wrecking Them)

Here’s where good intentions can go wrong. Giclée prints are delicate; finger oils, incorrect mounts, or poor-quality frames can do real harm. Archival mounts, acid-free backing, UV-filtering glass - these aren’t just buzzwords, they’re your new best pals.

Get clued up with our guide: How to Frame Giclée Prints Without Damaging Them.

Are Giclée Prints a Good Investment?

Look, no one’s saying you’ll retire early off a giclée — but when made in limited runs, signed by the artist, and properly cared for, they can hold or even increase in value. More importantly, they bring daily joy and connection to real, local artwork.

We explore the investment angle in Are Giclée Prints Good Investments?

How to Tell If a Giclée Print Is High Quality

Not all giclée prints are created equal. Some sellers slap the label on anything with ink and paper. But there are signs of quality: pigment inks, archival materials, artist involvement, and limited editions. Learn to spot the real deal — and avoid the duds.

Our checklist is here: How to Tell If a Giclée Print Is High Quality.

Giclée Printing vs Digital Printing: What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to confuse giclée with standard digital printing — both use inkjets, after all. But think of it like comparing a hand-pulled espresso to instant coffee. Same root idea, wildly different results. The difference lies in ink chemistry, resolution, and materials used.

We unpack all the technical bits here: Giclée Printing vs Digital Printing: Pros and Cons.

Final Thoughts: Why Giclée Prints Just Work

At the end of the day, giclée prints hit that sweet spot: affordable, beautiful, and made to last. Whether you're decking out your living room or gifting someone a slice of Scotland, they offer a meaningful way to enjoy art without compromise. For small studios like ours - and the artists we represent - they’re also a lifeline. Every sale supports real people, not big corporations.

If you’re ready to explore more, head over to our full collection of giclée art prints and find something that speaks to you.