What Makes a Giclée Print Special?
When choosing artwork for your home, you may have come across the term giclée print and wondered what makes it different from a standard print.
The answer lies in the quality.
A giclée print is not simply a copy of an original artwork. It is a museum-quality reproduction created using specialist printing techniques, archival inks and premium fine art papers that preserve the detail, colour and character of the original for decades.
At Lily Clare Art & Design, every limited edition giclée print is produced using the giclée process because I want each print to reflect the beauty, craftsmanship and integrity of the original artwork as closely as possible.
What Does "Giclée" Mean?
The word giclée (pronounced zhee-clay) comes from the French word meaning "to spray", referring to the way microscopic droplets of archival pigment ink are precisely applied to the paper.
Unlike standard commercial printing, which is designed for speed and high-volume production, giclée printing is focused entirely on achieving exceptional colour accuracy, tonal depth and longevity.
The result is a print that closely reproduces the subtle brushstrokes, delicate textures and rich colours of the original artwork.
Giclée vs Standard Digital Printing
At first glance, two prints may look similar—but the differences become clear over time.
| Standard Digital Print | Giclée Fine Art Print |
|---|---|
| Dye-based inks | Archival pigment inks |
| Standard coated paper | Museum-quality fine art paper |
| Lower colour accuracy | Exceptional colour accuracy |
| Can fade within years | Designed to last for decades with proper care |
| Often mass produced | Produced in carefully controlled editions |
| Commercial quality | Gallery and museum quality |
A standard digital print is ideal for everyday leaflets, posters or photographs intended for short-term use.
A giclée print, however, is created to be displayed, collected and enjoyed for generations.
Why I Choose Giclée Printing
Every original artwork I create represents many hours of observation, painting and refinement.
When someone chooses one of my limited edition prints, I want them to experience as much of the original artwork as possible.
That means preserving:
- the softness of watercolour washes
- the texture of coloured pencil
- the subtle transitions of light and shadow
- the richness of colour
- the tiny details that give each animal its personality
Giclée printing allows me to achieve exactly that.
The quality is so high that many people are surprised to discover they are looking at a print rather than the original painting.
Why the Paper Matters
The paper is just as important as the printing process.
A beautiful image printed on poor-quality paper will never do justice to the artwork.
That's why my limited edition prints are produced on Italian museum-quality archival fine art paper. It is:
- FSC® certified
- Sustainably sourced
- Chlorine-free
Unlike smooth photographic paper, fine art paper has a subtle texture that closely resembles the surface of the original watercolour paper I paint on.
This texture enhances the artwork, giving it depth and helping preserve the authentic feel of the original painting.
The paper is also:
- acid free
- archival quality
- designed to resist yellowing
- exceptionally durable
- made to preserve colour for many decades
The result is artwork that continues to look beautiful for years to come.
Archival Pigment Inks
Another reason giclée prints stand apart is the use of archival pigment inks.
These specialist inks produce a much wider colour range than standard printing inks, allowing delicate tones and subtle colour variations to be reproduced with remarkable accuracy.
When properly displayed and cared for, archival pigment inks are designed to remain vibrant for decades without noticeable fading.
This makes them the preferred choice for galleries, museums and professional artists around the world.
Why My Prints Are Limited Editions
Every giclée print I offer is produced as a limited edition.
Each print is individually signed and numbered, and once the edition has sold out, no further prints will be produced.
This helps preserve the exclusivity of the artwork while giving collectors confidence that they are purchasing something genuinely special.
Every print is also carefully inspected before leaving my studio to ensure it meets the standard I expect from my work.
About Lily Clare the Artist
Caring for Your Fine Art Print
To help your artwork remain beautiful for many years, I recommend:
- framing behind UV-protective glass where possible
- displaying away from prolonged direct sunlight
- avoiding damp or humid environments
- handling prints with clean, dry hands before framing
With proper care, a professionally produced giclée print can be enjoyed for generations.
Original Art or Giclée Print?
People often ask whether they should buy an original painting or a limited edition giclée print.
There isn't a right or wrong answer.
Original artwork offers the unique textures, brushstrokes and individuality that only a hand-painted piece can provide.
A limited edition giclée print allows more people to enjoy the artwork while still owning a beautifully crafted, collectible piece produced to the highest professional standards.
Both celebrate the same artwork—they simply offer different ways to enjoy it.
My Commitment to Quality
As an artist, I believe every customer deserves artwork that reflects the care, craftsmanship and passion that went into creating the original.
That's why I choose museum-quality giclée printing, archival materials and premium fine art papers for every limited edition print I sell.
It's a process that respects both the artwork and the people who choose to bring it into their homes.
Through The Art of Giving, every purchase also helps support smaller charities, ensuring each piece creates a positive impact beyond the frame.
Discover My Limited Edition Collection
If you're looking for artwork that combines the beauty of an original painting with the exceptional quality of museum-grade reproduction, explore my collection of limited edition giclée prints.
Each print is carefully produced, individually signed and created to be treasured for years to come.
Browse the Limited Edition Print Collection
Wildlife Prints
Coastal Prints