Fine Art Prints -- Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Premium Print Giclée?
Giclée ("Zhee-Clay") comes from the French word “gicler” which means “to spray”. A Premium Print Giclée refers to a Giclée produced on high quality watercolor paper. More specifically, it refers to the use of specialized large format inkjet printers, archival inks and high quality, archival watercolor paper. Giclée prints and canvas wraps are accepted by galleries and museums throughout the world as some of the finest photographic prints available.
Q: What is a Limited Edition print?
A Limited Edition print is a custom printed set of images calibrated and matched in quality to provide a dependable value to collectors. Limited Editions often go up in value as the end of the print run is reached. Usually, no additional editions are printed, and the original number of prints on the market becomes fixed. The image may also become much more valuable due to world or market conditions surrounding the subject of the image or the artist. The Limited Edition is often signed by the artist and each individual print is numbered. The numbers on the print denote the individual piece number in the edition over the total edition size. For example, a print numbered 10/150 would be the 10th print made in a series of 150.
Q: What is a Gallery Wrap Canvas Giclée?
A Gallery Wrapped Canvas Giclée is the same Giclée process for a fine art print but produced on high quality, museum grade canvas, stretched around a wooden frame. The sides of the gallery wrap show a portion of the image, making it suitable for wall display without the need for a frame.
Q: Will my finished print or canvas look like the image on my computer monitor?
Probably. In most cases, the difference will be minimal.
The way a picture appears on your screen depends on your screen settings such as contrast, brightness, color profile, etc. The same picture may appear different on different screens and different printers. Your computer monitor most likely does not display the same colors as a professional color calibrated monitor and printer. Unless you are using the same monitors, calibration devices and color profiles we use, it would only be by chance that the printed Giclée will perfectly match your monitor's view. The print or canvas you receive from us will be a much higher quality, and more closely match the true colors of the original photo than what may appear on your screen.
Q: What kind of art looks better printed on canvas?
Anything that looks great on paper will also look great on canvas. It depends on considerations of your living area, possible savings on matting/framing material (for canvas wraps), ability to customize mattes and frames (for Premium Prints), and personal preferences of the look of prints vs wraps.
Q: What is a Certificate of Authenticity?
A Certificate of Authenticity, included with each Limited Edition Giclée Print or Canvas Wrap, is the an assurance to the purchaser that they have bought an authentic Giclée produced under the direction of the photographer. It further assures the purchaser that their print was produced with the highest of standards in the industry, and includes the Limited Edition size and number of that specific print. Being a traceable document kept on file with the photographer in duplicate, it adds value to the photograph and protection to the owner if there is any question as to the genuine nature of the print.
Q: What is a Fine Art Registration Tag? 
This is a specialized, unremovable label on the back of every Limited Edition Print or Canvas Gallery Wrap that identifies your purchase and protects its value. It contains at least 6 levels of security that make each one unique to itself, unique to the artist, uncounterfeitable, nonduplicatable. Some of the same technology engineered into the tag is also used by the FBI. The numbered tag is comprised of acid-free materials, including the adhesive, and the print is registered in a database with full description and photos. Please click here for more info.
Q: How long will my Premium Prints or Canvas Wraps last?
Actual print stability and longevity will vary according to image, display conditions, light intensity, humidity, atmospheric conditions, and customer handling. Keep your prints or canvas Giclées out of direct sunlight and they should last over 100 years. Avoid touching any print or wrap with your hands. Wear gloves as you handle them for matting or hanging.
Q: Do you coat or varnish the Canvas Giclées?
All of our canvas giclées are coated with a protective sprayed finish which makes the canvas cleanable and less prone to damage from UV light (sun). They should only be cleaned with a slightly damp porous cloth and very light pressure. Do not use any solvents or cleaners other than water.
Q: How should I handle my Canvas Giclées and are they waterproof?
Each giclée print and wrap has been inspected before it leaves our printer. If you keep them out of direct sunlight, they should last over 100 years. Avoid putting pressure on the surface of the print, especially in the areas where the canvas is in contact with the wooded stretcher bars. Pick up by wire on back, touching the back and sides of a gallery wrapped canvas.
Q: Can I get my Canvas Giclée as a canvas print only - not stretched or mounted on wood?
Yes. With Gallery Wrap Canvas orders, you can order the canvas prints unmounted and get them mounted closer to your home. This may save you some money on shipping, but you will still have to get them stretched before hanging. Based on our wholesale costs and the fact that we do not mark up framing costs on the gallery wraps, the cost may be the same to you. We recommend getting the Gallery Wrap printed and stretched here to keep things simple and guaranteed. We cannot guarantee Gallery Wrap quality if it is stretched by an inexperienced framer or inferior equipment.
Q: What are the shipping costs? How do we order?
When you have found the print(s) you want, click on "Add to Cart", then "View Cart". You will be taken to the Paypal Checkout screen to complete your order. You can pay with credit card, debit card or other arrangements through Paypal. Shipping will be determined based on your zip code and choice of shipping options. All shipments will be insured. Generally, shipping starts at about $20 for the first print and $30 for the first canvas wrap. Shipping charges will be reduced per each additional item ordered at the same time. Contact us ahead of time if you wish to order in quantity and we will give you the maximum discount available for your choices. We do not mark up any shipping charges so you will only pay what we are charged to ship.
Q: Can you ship prints internationally?
Yes. Contact us for a customized shipping quote. Though it will cost a bit more, we do not mark up any of our shipping charges. What you pay is what we pay for shipping to you. Any customs fees, local taxes and duty charges, though, are still the responsibility of the purchaser.
Back to Fine Art Print Page