Fine ink printing, often called giclée printing in the fine art world, is a process of producing high-quality archival prints using precision inkjet technology and pigment-based inks. The name comes from the French word for spray, reflecting the printing method. Today it describes a standard of quality rather than a specific machine or brand.
What Makes a Print Fine Ink?
A true fine ink print uses pigment-based inks (not dye-based) applied to archival fine art paper or canvas. The inks are tested for longevity and rated to resist fading under normal display conditions for 100 years or more. The paper is typically a cotton rag substrate with a neutral pH to prevent yellowing over time.
Why Collectors Value Fine Ink Prints
Fine ink prints allow collectors to acquire exceptional reproductions of original artwork at accessible prices, or to purchase digital-native artwork at the same quality standard as traditionally produced originals. The archival longevity makes them a real investment rather than a consumable decoration.
Limited Editions and Authenticity
Most serious fine ink prints are issued in limited editions with signed and numbered certificates of authenticity. Edition sizes vary by artist but smaller editions of 25 to 100 are common in the collectible fine art print market.
How To Display Fine Ink Prints
Fine ink prints benefit from UV-protective glazing in their frames to further extend the color life of the piece. Avoid direct sunlight and high-humidity environments. Properly displayed, a quality fine ink print will outlast its owner.
Explore Fine Ink Prints
Browse the Fine Ink Print Collection and discover the work of Rosa Chen and Aiko Tanaka.