There’s nothing worse than unboxing a print you were excited about—only to find that something feels… off.
The colors aren’t quite right. The textures feel flat. It looks “almost” like the original, but that almost is loud enough to make you hesitate before offering it for sale.
The truth? Most of those issues start before the printer ever gets involved.
Because when it comes to fine art printing, the prep work matters just as much as the print process. Especially if you’re investing in archival-grade giclée prints that are meant to last decades, be framed, or sold as collector pieces.
Why Prep Matters (Even If You’re a Traditional Artist)
If you paint, draw, or work in physical media, chances are your first step into the world of giclée printing starts with digitization—scanning or photographing your work.
But here’s where things can go sideways:
- Subtle color shifts
- Washed-out details
- Texture that disappears entirely
And once those things are embedded into your file? No printer can fix them.
Prepping your file for fine art printing isn’t about perfection—it’s about fidelity. Your goal is to capture your work as honestly and accurately as possible, then make quiet, intentional adjustments so it prints the way it was meant to be seen.
Step 1: Start With a High-Resolution File
This part is non-negotiable. Giclée printing demands high-resolution input if you want the output to hold up.
- Resolution: 300 DPI (minimum) at the actual size you plan to print
- Format: TIFF or PSD preferred. Avoid JPEG unless you absolutely must
- Capture method: Either scan your piece with a high-end flatbed scanner or photograph it using a proper fine art photography setup (diffused lighting, no glare, tripod, color reference card)
Think of it like this: you’re building the digital “master copy” of your artwork. Don’t rush this step.
Step 2: Get Your Colors Right
Color shifts are the most common issue artists run into when printing. The best way to avoid them? Start with a properly calibrated monitor and controlled lighting.
Here’s what helps:
- Calibrate your screen using tools like Datacolor Spyder or X-Rite
- Shoot or scan in neutral lighting—daylight-balanced bulbs or north-facing windows
- Work in AdobeRGB or ProPhoto RGB color space if your printer supports it
- If possible, soft-proof using your printer’s ICC profile to simulate how the print will look on the selected paper
Without color management, your beautiful golden ochres might print orange, or your subtle blues could get swallowed in gray.
Step 3: Apply Gentle Digital Touchup
You’re not trying to “enhance” your work—you’re trying to clean up the scan or photo so it accurately reflects the original.
What to do:
- Remove dust spots, smudges, or scanner debris
- Correct minor exposure issues, but avoid dramatic contrast changes
- Preserve texture and brushwork—don’t blur or over-sharpen
- Watch your edges—clean transitions look more polished in print
- Zoom in to 100% and inspect every inch before exporting
Think of this step as respectful editing. You’re not altering the art. You’re making sure it travels well from screen to print.
Step 4: Prep for the Printer
Once your file looks exactly how you want it, there are a few technical steps to make sure it prints properly.
- Flatten layers and remove hidden adjustment masks
- Convert the file to the ICC profile provided by your giclée printing lab
- Embed the color profile when saving the file
- Leave bleed or borders if requested—some labs prefer ¼ inch all around for trimming or framing
- Save as TIFF or high-res PDF
Pro tip: Don’t assume your printer knows your intent. Communicate! Let them know how you want the print to look and ask for feedback if it’s your first time.
Bonus: Always Run a Test Print
Even with perfect prep, it’s nearly impossible to predict exactly how your art will translate to ink and paper on the first try. That’s why a small test print is gold.
It lets you:
- Catch unexpected color or tone shifts
- Compare the print side-by-side with your original
- Decide if your chosen paper supports the mood of the piece
It’s one extra step—but one that can save you money, heartache, and reputation in the long run.
The Print Is the Final Voice
Once your work is prepped, printed, and in someone’s hands, it speaks for you.
That’s the power of fine art printing—and the responsibility. A properly prepared file becomes a confident print. A confident print becomes something that lasts.
Whether you’re selling limited edition giclée prints, entering a gallery show, or simply printing for yourself—give your work the attention it deserves before it hits the paper.
Because when you respect the process, the print respects the art.
