Selecting a Giclee Printer

There is a great variety of companies offering giclee printing services, both on the internet as well as brick-and-mortar shops. One striking difference is often the variety in prices for the same type of print, given an identical size.

So, why can I buy a 16X20" canvas print for $16 while other companies charge twice as much or more?

It is for the same reason one can buy a $5 watch instead of a Rolex; you get what you pay for. Top quality papers and inks are expensive. Skilled printers are paid more than inexperienced operators. If your goal is to have a snapshot printed with no regard to print longevity, accurate color, then the $16 print is definitely an option. If quality both in print permanence as well color is needed, stay away from low cost crank in/crank out shops.

Some printers have offices in the US; the customer thinks her files are being handled and printed in the US, only to find out when they receive the package that the printer/shipper is in China. It is happening right now and we are receiving reports on a weekly basis. Yes, your files are somewhere in China....

How can I tell that a company is up to my quality standards?

While there is no assurance that the printer you choose will be able to produce the best possible giclee print, there are ways to pre-screen and reduce the risk of ending with inferior results:

If it's too good to be true, it probably is: There is absolutely no way anyone can make a $16 or even $25 16X20" canvas print, use quality canvas and stay in business. A top tier canvas roll, 44" wide, costs about $200 on average. Chinese made canvas can be bought for $80. Quality OEM inks cost twice as much as third party inks. The same concept applies to papers, where pure cotton rag european and american papers cost three times as much as their chinese counterparts. What you get with quality papers is consistency through batches and tested archival properties.

Ask what type of canvas, paper is being used: It is imperative to insist on knowing what brand materials your giclees will be printed on; if the printer does not want to disclose any details, move on to another company. There is no reason not to tell a customer if quality papers and inks are used other than hiding the employment of low cost "ingredients".

There are giclee printers and there are plotters: The printers being used are of course an important factor in choosing whom to go with. Not many manufacturers make the type of machine that will produce virtually continuous tone, archival prints. Stick with the latest Colorspan, Epson and Canon pro graphics printers. Also, make sure prints are produced with at least 1000 DPI or above. A notable exception is the Iris-Ixia, which produces good prints at lower DPI.

Ask for proofs: To test a new service, ask if there is a proofing policy. The best companies will provide low cost proofs on any of their materials. These proofs are great to see color and provide an insurance on possible costly mistakes. Sample packages are not worth the trouble. Anyone can create great looking samples only to fall short when your files are put to the test.

Is an expert available to answer questions? When calling, is there a knowledgeable person addressing your concerns on the other end? While it is not feasible that a company is able to immediately reply to technical and artistic concerns at all times, you should not accept callbacks from salespeople with limited skills. Insist on speaking either with the printmakers or other imaging professionals in the company.

Is the giclee printing company a specialist? Visit them or, if it they have a web site, see if other products are being made. Are they a sign shop, a generic print shop with no real focus on giclee printing? It takes years of specialization in color correction, material analysis to become true experts in the field.

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