With Giclée printing, fine art printmaking has been completely revolutionized. But the process itself is not where the choices end. Paper makers have risen to the challenge, providing a range of specialized papers that best highlight Giclée’s cutting-edge printing technologies.

Understanding the Giclée Process

Not only do you need to consider the final look of the paper, but it is important that you also understand the giclée printing process itself when considering your paper choice.

Giclée printing is a digital printing technique which utilized high-resolution inkjet printers to achieve archival-quality art prints. You cannot choose any sort of paper for the process to work properly; it requires a specialized combination of inks and compatible paper to achieved the desired look.

By understanding the intricacies required of giclée printing, you can make a better, more informed decision when it comes to selecting the appropriate paper for your art print. The right paper can have a significant impact on both the color accuracy and the longevity of the print.

Which Paper Should I Choose?

Your paper choice can enhance or change how a viewer interprets a print. Having worked with both artists and paper manufacturers, along with careful experimentation, here are our top tips on choosing the right paper for you.

Texture

Giclée print paper comes in a variety of different textures; everything from rough watercolor paper to smooth, glossy photograph paper. You want to think about your image and its qualities, and decide what texture best enhances it. Ask yourself the following questions: Are you wanting to compliment or replicate the original media? Or do you want to utilize a different texture? For instance, by using textured paper, a photograph can be transformed into a fine art print.

Weight

When it comes to paper, all paper is weighed in grams per square meter (gsm). Thus, the higher that the gsm is, the heavier and thicker the paper will be. It is important to know that paper can also be highly deceptive, as papers with texture often feel thicker than smoother ones – even if they have the same gsm.

Heavier does not necessarily mean that the quality is better; it just means that the paper is heavier. Lighter papers may possess properties that make them more appealing. It’s important that you look beyond the weight and think about the qualities of the paper to make the right decision for your piece.

Colors and Coatings

Papers produced explicitly for giclée printing are specially coated. What this means is that the surface has been treated to aid in enhancing the performance of the digital printmaking process and its inks. These specially coated papers typically have a right and a wrong side for printing on. The coatings can, for instance, contain optical brighteners that make the printed colors brighter.

Now, it’s crucial to know that different papers handle colors differently, with some papers performing better than others when it comes to particular colors. This is something that you will want to consider when making your final decision.

Size

Giclée papers come on both rolls, as well as flat sheet. Rolls are typically roughly 40 feet long, and come in various widths up to 44”, and in some cases 60”, meaning that giclée printing is not restricted to the standardized paper size.

Now, it is also vital to note that particularly large images require an incredibly high-quality digital image for printing. You want to ensure that your image meets this standard to ensure that your finished print looks its best.

In Conclusion



Choosing the right paper for your giclée print is vital to achieve not only your desired quality, but also the durability and visual impact of your final print. You want to consider all of the factors discussed above – texture, weight, size, colors and coatings – when making your decision. All of these factors can either enhance or detract from the piece’s final look, so it’s vital to make an informed decision.

There is the option to experiment and explore different papers to find the perfect combination for the look you wish to achieve with your giclée prints. One of the best ways is by consulting an expert in giclée printing, who can ensure that your choices are grounded in experience and knowledge.