FAQ’s about Fine Art Prints

What is a Giclee print? And why buy a Giclee?

Pronounced something like gee-klay, it means 'to squirt' and refers to a special type of inkjet print. Giclee prints (as oppose to normal inkjet prints) use 11 or 12 specialist archival pigment inks and acid-free fine art papers. Giclee prints are gallery-quality prints with excellent depth of colour, longevity and stability. ⁠ ⁠

Giclee prints are widely accepted by art buyers, galleries and museums as archival, collectable pieces.⁠ ⁠ According to the independent experts http://wilhelm-research.com Giclee prints typically have a lifespan of 80 - 100 years when they are on display (depending on the conditions.) ⁠ ⁠ More info here.

What is a limited edition print?

‘Limited edition’ refers to the number of prints that are available for a particular artwork at a particular size eg 50. When all the prints have sold, then no more will be produced. This adds value to the print and makes it more collectable. In addition I print two artists proofs, which I keep for reference, but which could be sold in the future.

By contrast, with an ‘open edition’ print there is no limit to the number of prints sold, hence they are a more affordable option, but generally they are not collectable.

Click here for more info about Giclee prints and how to look after them ‘Caring for your Giclee Prints’.

Do you use a professional printer?

Yes! The printing company I work with is approved by the Fine Art Trade Guild here in the UK. Fine art paper provides a rich image quality and each artwork is printed using a high-quality 11-colour ink-jet printer and pigment based inks.

Both limited edition prints and open edition prints are printed on fine art paper (acid-free paper). The precise type and weight of paper is carefully chosen to suit the artwork.

Are the prints sold framed or unframed?

All prints sold online are unframed unless otherwise specified. If you need advice about framing please ask.
I occasionally have framed prints for sale after an exhibition, and I will let you know via email when you subscribe to my mailing list.

How long do orders take?

Orders usually take about 2 weeks. Each print is made specifically to order, and is checked, signed and packaged before being posted to you. If you need a print delivered more quickly, please ask and I will see what I can do.

Do you accept returns?

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, please contact me by email within 14 days of receipt and explain why you would like to return the print(s).

You will be usually be responsible for return postage costs, and the print should be returned using a suitable insured Royal Mail service. Giclee prints are delicate and do need to be handled with care, please do not touch the surface of the print as a damaged print cannot be sold to another buyer. (see also ‘Caring for your Prints’).

Any more questions?

If you have a question that isn’t answered here, just send an email to: info@emmatsrobinson.co.uk