Giclée Printing — Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. Process & Materials
- 2. Colour & Proofing
- 3. Editions, Pricing & Delivery
- 4. Digitising & Local Services
1 Process & Materials
What paper types do you offer?
A focused range covering smooth cotton rag, textured rag / cotton-enhanced papers, an economical watercolour-style option, modern photographic surfaces (pearl and smooth matte), plus matte canvas. This spans classic museum-grade through to contemporary photo looks. Paper Guide
What printers and inks do you use?
Epson SureColor printers with UltraChrome 10-colour pigment inks — wide gamut (practical ~99% Pantone), smooth tones and excellent archival stability on fine-art papers. Printer & Inks
What’s the difference between “Giclée printing” and “Fine Art printing”?
Fine Art printing is the broad category; Giclée is the archival subset that uses pigment inks on fine-art papers. So: all Giclée prints are Fine Art prints — not all Fine Art prints are Giclée. Why we use pigment
Can I see Giclée paper samples first?
Yes — we can post a small swatch selection, and local artists are welcome to handle papers in the studio by appointment. A quick thumbnail proof on two papers is often the fastest way to choose. Compare papers
How large can you print?
The shortest side can be up to 600 mm. There’s no fixed limit on length on roll media; we’ll advise what’s practical for your image and paper.
How long do Giclée prints last?
On museum-grade papers, modern UltraChrome pigment prints are commonly rated around 80–120 years under typical indoor display before noticeable shift. UV glazing and avoiding direct sun extend life. More on longevity
2 Colour & Proofing
How do I ensure colour matching to my original work?
Send the best capture you can (good scan or camera file); we print through calibrated ICC profiles. For colour-critical work, order a proof first or visit our Shrewsbury studio. If you photographed it yourself, we can often correct minor keystone/distortion. Preparing Files
Do you provide proof-strips or thumbnail proofs?
Thumbnail proof: small version on the exact paper to judge overall colour/feel. Proof-strip: a cropped area printed multiple times with different colour/contrast/vibrancy settings — you pick the favourite, and we apply those settings to the whole image. We’ll ask you to choose the most colour-critical region (e.g., reflective paints). Proofing Options
Can I proof-check my print in person?
Yes — by appointment in Shrewsbury. Ideal for comparing papers and confirming colour under controlled lighting before we print the final.
3 Editions, Pricing & Delivery
How much do Giclée prints cost?
Prices vary by size, paper and quantity. Our upload system provides instant pricing; trade/bespoke projects quoted individually.
Is there a minimum number of prints?
No minimums — single prints, short runs, limited editions or print-on-demand all welcome.
How long does it take to produce my print?
Typical turnaround is 3–5 working days from file approval or proof sign-off. We’ll confirm timing when you order.
Is my artwork secure when uploaded to your website?
Yes — files are stored on protected UK-based servers and used only to produce your prints. We never share or reuse images without permission. We can archive for easy re-orders or delete on request.
Can you provide certification of materials?
Yes. We can supply a Certificate of Authenticity confirming archival pigment inks and fine-art paper stock — useful for collectors and limited editions.
How do I manage limited editions?
We keep colour and sizing consistent across the edition and can provide Certificates of Authenticity and edition records if needed. Traditionally the artist signs and numbers each print.
What happens if prints are damaged in transit?
If anything arrives damaged, contact us straight away. We’ll replace affected prints once we receive photos of the damage or the returned item.
4 Digitising & Local Services
Can you produce images from 35mm slides or transparencies?
Yes — we offer high-resolution scanning of slides, negatives and transparencies. We can print directly from the scans or supply the files for your archive.
I want to photograph my original artwork to produce a print — can you help?
Yes. We can photograph or scan artwork, or advise on lighting, resolution and file formats if you prefer to capture it yourself. If the image ends up slightly off-square, we can usually correct/deskew it.
Local service — Shrewsbury & West Midlands
If you’re within travelling distance of Shrewsbury, we offer a more personal service by appointment: paper selection, in-person proof viewing and pre-print consultation — especially helpful for colour-critical work.