Do Giclée Prints Have Texture?

Do A Giclee Print Have Texture?

Typically, giclées are not textured unless they’re printed on textured paper or canvas.

However, texture can be added to giclée prints by hand. This uncommon process is often called a giclée on canvas with hand embellishments. This process is typically done by adding a clear gel on top of a print and using the same motion as the original brushstrokes.

How Do You Tell if It Is a Giclee Print?

Giclee vs Other Prints

Usually, unless you’re told it is by a reputable artist or you go to an art appraiser, it can be very difficult to tell if a print is a giclee. Regular (non-giclee) prints can oftentimes look almost identical to giclee prints.

A giclee is usually an art print or a canvas print that possess the following standards:

• Inkjet Printer: A giclee is printed with an inkjet printer. However, please note that standard prints are made using dye-based inks. Giclees are made using pigment-based inks. If kept in darkness and in specific environmental conditions, pigment-based inks can last up to 200 years without noticeable fading or yellowing.
• High Resolution and Color: Giclees have the sharpest detail and highest resolution, displaying a full-color spectrum. They capture every shade of an original work.
• Archival Paper: The paper, canvas, or other surface used must be acid-free and of archival quality to ensure longevity.

If you’re really serious about knowing if a certain print is a giclee, find an art appraiser at a gallery, museum, or auction house (or just google “art appraiser near me“).

Giclee vs Original Painting

You usually can easily tell the difference between an original painting and a print. However, as I mentioned above, it’s still difficult to tell the difference between a giclee and a regular (non-giclee) print.

To tell the difference between an original painting and a print, here are a few things to look out for:

• An original painting will often have acrylic or oil paint resting on the surface of a canvas, which is often layered. If it looks like “paint” seeped into the canvas, then it’s more likely to be a print.
• Even flat paints like watercolors will have some evidence of texture and brush strokes.
• With the exception of the texture and pattern from the paper or canvas, a print’s entire surface will usually look flat and smooth.
• If you look around the edge of the artwork, a painting will usually have a rough and uneven edge. A print will usually have a straight edge that is smooth to the touch.

Do Giclee Art Prints Have Texture?

The texture of a giclee art print really depends on the type of paper the artist or manufacturer uses since different types of papers will all have unique textures and patterns on them.

Most giclee art prints do have some kind of subtle texture unless something like smooth photo paper is used in the printing process.

Giclee art prints typically do not have textures that feel like brush strokes.

Here’s an example of what a giclee art print typically looks like is in Society6‘s product video.

Do Giclee Canvas Prints Have Texture?

The only texture you will find on giclee canvas prints is usually from the cotton or linen canvas surface itself, which has a consistent texture and pattern.

Giclee canvas prints typically do not have textures that feel like brush strokes.

Here’s an example of what a giclee canvas print typically looks like is in Society6‘s product video.