What is an Iris®Giclé

A giclée begins with the original art or transparency being scanned to create a digital file.  Special software programs, in conjunction with calibrated equipment, are used to manipulate the image to achieve the desired results, which most often is a close match to the original artwork.  The image is then output to the Iris® inkjet printer.

Watercolour paper or specially prepared canvas is placed on the Iris® printer’s drum and rotated at a very high speed.  Archival water based inks are sprayed onto the surface at a rate of a million microscopic droplets per second from each of 4 nozzles, based on information received from the computer file.  Each droplet is about the size of a red blood cell.  Actual resolution of an Iris® giclée is 300 dpi, but the perceived resolution is about 1800 dpi due to the variable density dot pattern that creates the continuous tone and smooth gradation of these high quality giclée prints.  These prints are known for their deep, saturated colour and a surface quality that retains minute detail, subtle tints and blends.  They are also the most faithful to the original.