Archival Quality Giclee Prints
Gloss canvas: A thick 350 gsm 2x1 19 mil, Ph-neutral, poly-cotton canvas that's perfect for photo or art reproduction. Combined with OEM archival water-based inks and the glossy surface, this canvas will yield the maximum color saturation, contrast and longevity available today.
Advantages:
High saturation
High contrast
Deep blacks
Archival
No cracks
Satin canvas: A real satin canvas, ideal for precision printing of high or low saturation images where really deep blacks are not necessary. Satin and mat surfaces can't produce really deep blacks like a glossy surface can because of their high diffusion factor.
Advantages:
High saturation
High contrast
No reflections
Archival
No cracks
Photo paper: Superb photo paper which comes in two variants, satin and gloss. They both come in 10 mil thick white, acid free paper for maximum gamut and longevity. Easily framed or laminated, they also look exceedingly good on their own. Available in sizes up to 48 inches on the small side and up to 100 inches on the longer side.
Textured watercolor: This textured fine art paper is an archival, Ph-neutral, OBA-free, thick and gorgeous 400 gsm medium, made by Strathmore. The special top coating of this paper gives it unprecedented precision, contrast and color saturation for a matte medium. It is also much more resistant to water spills than most fine art paper.
Smooth watercolor: A smooth fine art paper, bright white, 100% cotton, 250gsm, Ph-neutral, archival medium made by Canon. It is the ideal paper when you need a discreet medium that won't interfere with the image.
I can make giclee prints on 3 materials: Canvas, Textured Fine Art paper and Smooth Fine Art paper. To make sure my giclees last as long as possible, I use only archival, made-in-USA paper and canvas. Combined with OEM archival water-based pigmented inks, these materials will yield the longest-lasting, best-looking giclees available today.
Stretching: Giclees on canvas are put on stretchers made of thick domestic Basswood, available in 3/4" and 1 3/4" deep sides. Much larger and thicker than most, these stretchers won't bend or break. Any size is available. The giclees are stretched on these frames using proprietary equipment for a tight, precise fit that is impossible to achieve with pliers.
I use Canon and HP archival OEM inks, rated to last over 100 years. With proper care, your print should last just as long.
Cotton canvas is very popular because it is the cheapest material on the market at the moment, but it is the material with the most defects per square foot of all the canvases available today.
I use the very best poly-cotton canvas available today. Poly-cotton canvas retains the look and feel of cotton canvas – you can't actually tell them apart – but without the bumps, bad treads, and sagging in dry weather.