What You Need to Know About Giclée Prints and Their Texture

So, do giclée prints have that textured feel, or are they just flat reproductions? If you’ve ever wondered whether a giclée print can capture the same tactile feel as an original piece of artwork, you’re in the right place!

Whether you’re an artist looking to bring your work to life or a buyer curious about your next purchase, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll answer all your burning questions about texture in giclée prints, including how the material and printing method make a difference.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to choose the right print for that perfect balance of look and feel.

So, What’s a Giclée Print Anyway?

Okay, let’s break it down. A giclée print (pronounced zhee-clay—fancy, right?) is a super high-quality art print that looks almost identical to the original piece. Think of it as the VIP of the printing world.

Unlike regular prints that can fade and lose their charm over time, giclée prints are made with top-tier inkjet printers, fade-resistant inks, and museum-worthy paper or canvas.

What’s the end result? Vibrant colors, jaw-dropping detail, and prints that can stand the test of time—no fading or dullness allowed! That’s why artists and collectors love them.

Let’s Talk About the Feel Of Giclée Prints

Here’s the scoop: It’s all about the material.

Giclée prints can feel a bit textured, but they’re not going to have those chunky brushstrokes like you’d find in an original painting. Instead, the feel of a giclée print comes down to the material it’s printed on.

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Canvas Giclée Prints: The Textured Favorite

Looking for a print that feels like the real deal? Go for canvas! It has a natural weave that makes it feel like a traditional oil or acrylic masterpiece. That’s why so many artists and buyers love them!

Why You’ll Love Canvas Prints:

• The fabric weave makes brushstrokes look more realistic.
• They can be stretched over wooden frames for a gallery-style vibe.
• They have that classic, painterly feel.

2. Fine Art Paper Giclée Prints: Smooth or Textured? You Decide!

If you prefer a sleek, modern look, fine art paper might be your best bet. But here’s the cool part—some papers are textured, while others are totally smooth.

Textured Papers That Add Depth:

• Watercolor paper – Rough and textured, like traditional watercolor sheets.
• Velvet rag paper – Soft, velvety, and luxurious.
• Cold press fine art paper – Lightly textured for just a hint of depth.

On the other hand, if you want something super smooth and crisp, you’ll want hot press or glossy photo paper—they won’t have noticeable texture, but they still look stunning.

3. Tactile Texture vs. Visual Texture – What’s the Difference?

Even though giclée prints look incredibly detailed, they don’t have that raised, 3D texture you’d get from thick paint (like impasto oil paintings). It’s more of an optical illusion—the details are sharp, but the surface stays flat unless the artist adds something extra (like a gel overlay or hand-painted embellishments).

Material	Texture Vibes	Perfect For…
Canvas	A natural, textured weave	That “real painting” feel
Watercolor Paper	Rough and artsy	When you want those classic watercolor feels
Velvet Rag Paper	Soft and luxe	If you’re into velvety smooth vibes
Cold Press Paper	A little texture, but classy	Subtle depth without being too much
Hot Press Paper	Super smooth and sleek	For that crisp, modern look
Glossy Photo Paper	Smooth and shiny	When you want vivid, sharp colors that pop

How to Add Texture to Giclée Prints (Yes, You Can!)

If you’re looking to give your giclée prints a little more oomph, you’re in luck! Artists and printmakers often get creative and use extra techniques to add texture, giving the print a more original feel.

Here’s how they do it:

1. Hand Embellishing – Make It Your Own

One of the most popular ways to add texture is by hand-embellishing the print. This means the artist adds paint, pastels, or other materials to the print after it’s made. It’s like putting your personal stamp on it, making each print unique.

Cool Hand-Embellishing Techniques:

• Acrylic gel mediums – This can make the surface feel like it’s been touched by a brush, mimicking the texture of a real painting.
• Metallic leafing – Gold, silver, or copper leaf is added for a shiny, luminous effect.
• Pastels or colored pencils – For those tiny details and soft highlights.

2. Textured Gel Overlays – Relief Without the Mess

Some printmakers use clear acrylic gels to create a 3D effect without messing with the printed colors. It’s like adding a layer of “texture” over certain parts of the print, highlighting areas like brushstrokes or details to give it a more hand-crafted feel.

3. Varnishing for a Textured Finish

Want a subtle, tactile feel? Varnishing is the way to go! Especially on canvas prints, varnishes can add a smooth, slightly raised finish. Some varnishes even contain special additives to give that extra little texture boost.

Technique	What It Is	What It Does
Hand-Embellishing	Artist adds paint, pastels, or more	Gives the print that extra flair and texture, making it unique
Textured Gel Overlay	Clear acrylic gel for that 3D effect	Adds visual depth—no mess, just magic!
Varnishing	A smooth, raised finish	Makes the print feel luxe with a subtle texture

Buying Giclée Prints: What to Look For (A Quick Guide)

So, you’re ready to buy a giclée print? Awesome!

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector, here’s what you should keep an eye on to get the texture you’re after:

1. Check the Material – Canvas or Paper?

Looking for a print that gives off those ‘real painting’ vibes? Go with canvas or textured fine art paper! These materials add that extra depth, giving your print more of a tactile feel.

If you’re looking for something sleek and smooth, non-textured paper might be more your vibe.

2. Ask About Hand-Embellishing – Is It One-of-a-Kind?

Some giclée prints are hand-touched by the artist, giving each one a totally unique vibe. This could mean they add a little extra paint, metallic leaf, or details that make the print feel like an original work of art.

Don’t forget to ask if it’s hand-embellished—it could make all the difference!

3. Look for High-Quality Printing – Longevity Is Key

Make sure the print is made using archival inks and premium materials. This ensures your print will stay vibrant and detailed for decades, so it won’t fade over time.

4. Consider the Framing & Presentation – Canvas vs. Paper

Believe it or not, how your print is framed can change how the texture looks.

• Canvas prints are often stretched over wooden frames for a gallery-ready look, which can make the texture pop.
• Paper prints, on the other hand, look different when framed under glass, giving a sleeker presentation.

So, take a moment to think about how you want to show it off!

What to Look For	Why It Matters
Material	Canvas for texture, smooth paper for sleekness—your call!
Hand-Embellishing	For a personal touch that’ll make it one-of-a-kind
Printing Quality	Go for archival inks for prints that’ll last forever (okay, almost!)
Framing	Canvas = gallery vibes; Paper = sleek and chic under glass

Final Thoughts (TL;DR)

Yes, giclée prints can have texture, but it all depends on what material you choose and whether the print has been hand-enhanced.

While they don’t have those thick, raised brushstrokes like you’d find in an oil painting, you can still get a rich, tactile feel—especially if the print is on textured canvas or fine art paper.

• For artists, giclée printing is an awesome way to reproduce your artwork with insane detail, and you can always add your own personal touch later for something more one-of-a-kind.
• For buyers, knowing about the materials and embellishment options helps you pick a print that feels just right for your home or collection.

Whether you’re an artist ready to sell or a collector looking for that perfect print, giclée prints are a great mix of quality, longevity, and affordability.