giclees, serigraphs, lithographs and posters

Giclee

The giclee printmaking method uses an ink-jet printer to reproduce a digital photograph of the original artwork or photograph. The word giclee originates from a French word meaning "sprayed ink." A good quality giclee print reproduces the fine details of the original artwork. Giclee prints can be in full color or black and white, and can be printed on paper or canvas.

Lithograph

Lithographs are created using a printing technique based on the principle that oil and water do not mix. A picture is made on a stone or a piece of aluminum using an oil-based ink or crayon. Water is added to the places that aren't covered with the oily substance. An oily ink is then applied to the whole surface area. It sticks only to the portions that have been covered with the oily chemical. The other portions, which were not created using oily ink or crayon, will repel the ink. Some of American artist Thomas Kinkade's work is reproduced using lithography.

Serigraph

Serigraphs used to be called screen prints, but that term has fallen from use. Because the chemicals in the inks used to eat the through the silk, people use other materials like polyester, nylon or steel mesh to make the screen. According to WiseGeek.com, this process works on the stencil principle. Mesh is pulled taught. Then portions of the mesh are covered, and ink to passed through only the portions that remain uncovered. Many T-shirt manufacturers use this technique to print designs on their shirts. It's also used in fine art printing.

Considerations

Costs of giclee and serigraph printing methods vary. Artists can make one print at a time, a limited edition or an unlimited edition of their work. Artists who make their own giclees on an inkjet printer should use high quality ink and paper to ensure the prints will last for many years without fading. Commercial giclee and serigraph printers' prices are based on the size of the rendering and the type and quality of materials used for printing.

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