FAQS
Giclée Printing
Giclée is a term used for reproduction of an original piece of artwork to the highest quality, known as Fine Art Prints. Popular amongst the finest Artists throughout the world and within the most prestigious Museums and galleries for exhibitions or to be sold as prints, where original artwork is created but not intended for sale or has been sold. Giclée Fine Art Prints are printed on various weights and textured Archival papers, to name a few are as follows: - Hahnemüle Bamboo 290gsm, Hahnemüle German Etching 310gsm, Hahnemüle Pearl 285gsm, Hahnemüle Photorag 308gsm. Designed to last an average of 80 - 200 years in a pristine condition as the high grade digital printer sprays onto the paper in the specified design using archival pigments that are colourfast.
Frames and Mounts
What size mount shall I use for my artwork?
Ready made mounts are sized for a bigger picture frame, usually the next size up, for example.
An A3 artwork to fit into a picture frame of A2 will have the window (rectangle in the centre of the mountboard) measured to the actual size of the illustration which is A3. The mount board surrounding will be measured to the size of the A2 picture frame. The mount will leave the white border around the artwork, without taking any of the artwork illustration away .
If you would like to use a different or hand cut mount to fit a different sized picture frame then please check measurements of the ordered artwork. A lot of professional framers online allow you to type all measurements for the mount and frame making the process a lot easier.
What if I choose to frame the artwork without a mount?
If you choose to frame the artwork without a mount, would be as follows:-
A4 artwork would fit into an A4 picture frame.
A3 artwork would fit into an A3 picture frame.
A2 artwork would fit into an A2 picture frame.
A1 artwork would fit into an A1 picture frame.
Shall I have the Giclèe Art Print professionally framed? or What brand of picture frame would you recommend?
A professional framer is usually more expensive than a ready made frame however the final outcome is beautiful and can help maintain the artwork's long life. Professional framers walk you through your options of matching your artwork with frames, different types of glass and mounts to help finish personalise your artwork. Professional framers can be found locally to yourself or online. For a ready made picture frame I would suggest a German brand called Nielsen. Nielsen was founded in 1971. Known as a highly regarded ready made manufacturer producing frames to a reputable standard. These can be bought from various framers with hand cut acid free mounts and acid free backing boards.
Nielsen frames along with window mounts are available from John Lewis, amazon, professional framers who stock ready-made frames, art shops like great art, galleries also.
A few suggestions are as follows:-
What is a Mount?
The purpose for a Mount is to enhance and bring attention to the artwork as well as providing protection and keeping it away from the glass. There can be various options and colours for the mount.
Acid Free mounts are highly recommended as these do not discolour over the years.
Different types of Mounts
Window Mount
Window Mount is one of the most traditional mounts to use in a picture frame. A rectangular, square or oval shape is measured and cut to the size of the actual artwork forming a window, which is used to surround the artwork.
A deeper layered window mount can be created by different colours, textures and various thickness of the mountboard.
Close Mount
If your desire is to let the artwork speak for itself showing edges and borders, then the Close Mount could be an option. The artwork will be hinged to the acid free backing board using archival tape. Underneath the lip of the frame, small fillets are placed to separate the frame from the glass, this helps protect the artwork.
Float Mount
Float mount is similar to the Close Mount method.
The artwork will be hinged to the acid free same size backing board using archival tape, allowing the artwork to speak for itself. This method is great for canvas artwork, sculpture or dense artwork or deep box frames. Float mounts tend not to have glass on the front of the frame.
To read a little more on Giclèe printing, paper sizes, mounts and picture framing click on of the links:-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_size#A_series