What print should I choose?

Paper Giclée Prints
vs.
Canvas Giclée Prints

What is Giclée?

Giclée is a term that was invented to describe the process of high quality inkjet printing for art reproduction purposes, without using the term inkjet, since it makes people think of their desktop printers at home and, in theory, giclée printing should be much more. Giclée is derived from the French word gicler which means “to squirt or spray”. It does not refer to only canvas printing but also to art reproductions on paper.

Should I order a Paper Fine Art Print or a Unstreched Canvas Fine Art Print?

First:

Fine art paper prints need to be protected by glass.

Canvas prints have no need for glass.

UNSTRECHED CANVAS PRINTS

An unstretched or rolled canvas is the printed canvas without the stretcher bars.

Unstretched Canvas prints are a popular choice for clients who are hoping to turn the purchased artwork into stunningly customized pieces for their home or office.

You can create one-of-a-kind canvas wall art simply by adding the perfect frame to your Unstretched Canvas print.

You can hand-stretch the canvas, frame it yourself or use as is for an unstructured look. The possibilities are endless! Each canvas print includes a 2.5cm white space around your image to allow room for stretching or framing.

If you plan to have your canvas print custom framed locally, or by yourself, unstretched Canvas prints are a terrific option! They allow you the option of stretching the canvas to your own specifications or needs.

PROS of Unstreched Canvas Prints:

Canvas provides a different texture that adds color depth
Canvas prints do not have a glare or reflection
Light in weight
Last for over 100 years
Image printed is permanent

More economical than framed prints
Can be installed in semi-humid environments (bathrooms)
Prints come in a glossy or matte finish
No worries of damage that might occur during shipping

Option to roll your canvas and pack it quickly when changing apartments, etc.
Chance to stretch the canvas yourself if you prefer the DIY approach. You can stitch them at the top of the art and run poles thought the art to drape them, you can frame them or just leave the like they are etc.
Option to take the rolled canvas to a professional stretcher

CONS of Canvas Prints:

The texture of canvas can sometimes be distracting

Canvas is a textured medium, depends on personal taste

Art is permanent

(can not be changed)

PAPER PRINTS

Printing on paper is the time-tested and traditional way of displaying a photograph or painting. A photograph on paper has certain expected aesthetics and is a medium understood and appreciated by many. Traditional-medium artwork such as paintings have found success with paper prints, though it has generally been limited to posters and pre-framed prints. When the paper is matted and framed a dramatic effect can be achieved and the historical success of paper prints such as these speak to this point.

PROS of PAPER PRINTS:

Traditional look and feel of photo
Frames add a decorative accent that can be matched to current decor

Black and white prints are stunning on high quality paper

Achieve more details because of the smooth surface

CONS of PAPER PRINTS:

Images do not fill the size of the paper; generally there is a 3-5 inch border of blank paper around the image
Prints will reflect sunlight and cause glare
more susceptible to moisture

Traditional medium artwork (such as paintings on canvas) lose fine details and textures seen in the original
Frames can get expensive as the print size increases

More fragile than canvas prints
Must be carefully packed for shipping and moving
Glass does not provide the art with UV protection

Conclusion!

When choosing a medium for your prints it all depends on your tastes, preferences, and aesthetic needs.

Unstreched Canvases leave you the freedom to present purchased artwork however you’d like.