A giclée print is a type of fine art print that uses an inkjet printer to spray ink onto paper or canvas. The word "giclée" comes from the French word "gicleur" which means "to spray". Giclée prints are created using specialized high-resolution inkjet printers. These printers use small spraying devices that can match color and apply ink precisely. Giclée prints are known for their high quality, longevity, and value compared to standard prints. Giclée prints are designed for durability. They use acid-free papers, such as 100% cotton or rag-base archival quality paper. Giclée prints can be identified by: The appearance of the art seeping into the canvas The addition of texture by hand The term "giclée" was coined in 1991 by printmaker Jack Duganne. It was originally applied to fine art prints created on a modified Iris printer in a process invented in the late 1980s. How it works An inkjet printer sprays ink onto paper or canvas. The print head, where the ink squirts out from, races quickly back and forth over the paper. The ink is "sprayed" onto the page resulting in greater color accuracy, and truer shades and hues, than other methods of reproduction. Giclée printers use up to 12 individual colors. This gives much smoother gradient transitions and a wider color gamut. Why it's valuable 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. Giclee Print vs Inkjet Print Key differences Resolution Giclée printers have a higher resolution than standard inkjet printers. This allows for finer, less pixelated prints. Inks Giclée prints use pigment-based inks, which have a longer lifespan than dye-based inks. Pigment-based inks can last 65–85 years without significant fading. Production costs Higher-end Giclée prints use more expensive printers, inks, pigments, paper, and production techniques. Other differences Giclée printers can reproduce a larger gamut of color and deeper blacks. Giclée prints can appreciate in value over time.