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December 31 2023

The Art and Science of Giclee Printing

Printing.coop • PrintzBlitz.com


This article delves into the world of Giclee printing, a sophisticated inkjet printing method that has revolutionized the art and photography industries. We will explore its history, the technology behind it, its applications in various fields, the comparison with traditional printing methods, and the future of Giclee printing. This comprehensive guide aims to provide a deep understanding of Giclee printing for artists, photographers, and print enthusiasts.

 

History of Giclee Printing
The journey of Giclee printing begins in the late 20th century, marking a significant milestone in the world of fine art reproduction. The term 'Giclee,' derived from the French verb 'gicler' meaning 'to spray or squirt,' aptly describes the inkjet printing process used in this technique. Initially developed as a digital method to produce fine art prints, Giclee quickly gained popularity among artists and photographers for its ability to accurately replicate the nuances of original artworks.
The evolution of Giclee printing is closely tied to advancements in digital technology, particularly in the realms of inkjet printers and color management. Early Giclee printers were limited in color range and resolution, but as technology progressed, these printers became capable of producing images with extraordinary detail and a wide spectrum of colors. This advancement was crucial in bridging the gap between original artwork and reproductions, making Giclee prints virtually indistinguishable from the originals.
Giclee printing's rise irn popularity also coincided with the digital revolution in photography and art. Artists and photographers found in Giclee a tool that allowed for greater control over the final output, enabling them to produce works that were true to their original vision. The method also opened up new possibilities for limited edition prints, offering a high-quality, yet cost-effective solution for reproducing artworks.
Today, Giclee printing is revered in the art world for its fidelity and durability. It is a preferred choice for galleries, museums, and collectors who seek the highest quality reproductions. The history of Giclee printing is not just a tale of technological advancement but also a story of how innovation can redefine artistic expression and accessibility.

Understanding the Technology Behind Giclee Printing
Giclee printing stands out in the digital printing world due to its unique combination of precision, quality, and versatility. At the heart of this technology are high-end inkjet printers, which are significantly different from standard desktop printers. These specialized printers use small spraying devices that can accurately place incredibly tiny droplets of ink onto a variety o·f substrates.
The inks used in Giclee printing are another critical component. Unlike traditional inkjet inks, Giclee inks are typically pigment-based, providing superior color range, depth, and longevity. These inks are resistant to fading and can maintain their vibrancy for up to a century under optimal conditions. The color gamut of Giclee printing is notably broader than that of conventional printing, allowing for more accurate reproduction of the original artwork's colors.
Substrates in Giclee printing also play a vital role. A wide range of materials can be used, including archival quality papers, canvas, and even fabrics. The choice of substrate greatly influences the final appearance of the print, with each material offering its unique texture and finish. Archival quality papers, for instance, provide a matte finish and are preferred for prints where detail and color accuracy are paramount.
Another aspect of Giclee printing technology is the software and color management systems used. These systems ensure that the colors produced by the printer match the original artwork as closely as possible. Advanced color profiling and calibration are essential for achieving consistent and accurate results.
In summary, the technology behind Giclee printing is a sophisticated blend of hardware, consumables, and software. It's this combination that enables artists and photographers to reproduce their works with an unprecedented level of detail, color fidelity, and longevity, making Giclee printing a preferred choice for high-quality art reproductions.

Giclee vs. Traditional Printing Methods
The comparison between Giclee and traditional printing methods reveals significant differences in quality, durability, and applications, making Giclee a distinct and often preferred choice in many scenarios.
Quality is one of the rmost notable differences. Giclee printing, with its advanced inkjet technology, offers a level of detail and color accuracy that surpasses most traditional printing methods. The use of pigment-based inks in Giclee printing contributes to a broader color gamut and deeper color saturation, resulting in prints that are more vivid and closer to the original artwork. Traditional methods, while effective in their own right, often fall short in replicating the subtleties of color and texture present in original artworks.
Durability is another key factor where Giclee printing excels. Giclee prints, when created on archival quality substrates with pigment-based inks, can last for decades without significant fading or color
degradation. This long1evity is crucial for art collectors, galleries, and museums, as it ensures the preservation of artworks over time. Traditional printing methods, particularly those using dye-based
inks, are more susceptible to fading and environmental damage.
In terms of applications, Giclee printing is highly versatile, accommodating a wide range of substrates and sizes. This flexibility makes it ideal for fine art reproductions. photography, and even large-scale artworks. Traditional printing methods, such as lithography, screen printing, and offset printing, have their unique advantages and are preferred for certain types of projects, especially those requiring large print runs.
In summary, while traditional printing methods continue to be valuable for specific applications, Giclee printing stands out for its superior quality, durability, and versatility. Its ability to produce high­fidelity reproductions has made it a favorite among artists, photographers, and collectors, and it continues to shape the landscape of art and photographic reproduction.

The Future of Giclee Printing
The future of Giclee printing is poised for exciting developments, driven by technological advancements and evolving market demands. As we look ahead, several trends and potential innovations stand out, promising to further enhance the capabilities and applications of Giclee printing.
One of the key areas of development is likely to be in the realm of printer technology. Future Giclee printers may offer even higher resolutions and faster printing speeds, without compromising on quality. Advancements in ink technology are also anticipated, with the potential for new ink formulations that provide even greater color accuracy, longevity, and environmental sustainability.
Another area of growth could be in the integration of Giclee printing with emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). This integration could open up new avenues for interactive art and exhibitions, where viewers can engage with Giclee prints in immersive and dynamic ways.
The market for Giclee printing is also likely to expand, with increasing demand from various sectors including interior design, fashion, and advertising. These industries are recognizing the value of high­quality, customizable prints that Giclee technology offers.
Furthermore, as the awareness of environmental sustainability grows, Giclee printing could see a shift towards more eco-friendly practices. This might include the use of recycled materials for substrates and the development of inks that are less harmful to the environment.
In conclusion, the future of Giclee printing looks bright, with potential advancements in technology and expanding market opportunities. These developments will not only benefit artists and photographers but will also enhance the way we experience and interact with printed images. As Giclee printing continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly maintain its status as a key player in the world of high-quality art and photographic reproduction.

 

September 12 2021

Is Trade Printing Right for You?

So, what is Trade Printing? Who are Trade Printers, and why should you care?
Let's take a look:

A trade printer provides wholesale printing to print resellers who sell to the ultimate client. A trade printer does not have contact with the reseller's clients without the reseller's permission. A trade printer will sell printing at wholesale prices, allowing the reseller to mark up printing prices to market comparable retail rates. The reseller's margin may vary depending upon local market prices and the services they are providing their client. Some print resellers may simply be placing orders and having them shipped to their clients while others may be designing the piece, getting print bids, attending press runs, and delivering the final product to the customer.

Who uses trade printers?

Trade printers are used by graphic designers, ad and marketing agencies, print brokers and anyone else who resells printing to their customers. Some commercial printers even use trade printers if they lack a specific printing capability such as foil stamping, spiral binding or large format printing.

What should you look for in a trade printer?

  • Quality and reliability
    Deal with an established printer who has a track record of success. Your reputation is on the line so make sure to check how long the printer has been in business. Request samples of their work to review the quality of their printing and understand what type of commercial printing technologies they offer.
  • Protection of your client relationship
    Reputable trade printers will not try to steal your client, even if they are also selling commercial print to the end-user. A good trade printer will supply you with unbranded samples and catalogs you can give to your customers and will never contact your customer directly without your permission. Your client will receive their printed products in plain or "blind" packaging that never identifies the printer.
  • Printing expertise and capabilities
    A good trade printer should function as your print consultant and offer solutions to your clients' professional printing needs. They will also offer a wide range of services including multiple finishing and paper options as well as mailing services allowing you one-stop-shopping, thus avoiding the need to source multiple vendors. A good trade printer will also review your files and make suggestions or changes to improve the quality of your clients' project rather than just printing the file as submitted.
  • Fanatical customer service
    Look for a commercial printer that has trained customer service representatives who know printing and are available by phone to answer questions. They need to be able to turnaround quotes quickly so you don't miss out on business. They should also have online systems that give you access to your own custom ordering page where you can access the status of your current and past quotes and orders.
  • Shipping and production options
    A good trade printer will have multiple shipping and production speed options to meet your clients' timelines. As a reseller, you may get priority order processing and production.
  • Ratings and testimonials
    Check your printer's website for current testimonials, awards, Better Business Bureau ratings, or supplier ratings from organizations such as ASI and Sage. When in doubt, ask for references.
  • Guarantee Policy
    Check your printer's guarantee policy to understand how they deal with errors or returns.

If you are a printing reseller looking for a trade printer, visit PRINTING. printing.coop for more information. You will find sales tools that you can use with your customers to ensure you are meeting all their needs and expectations.

September 05 2021

Canadian co-operatives eligible for Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund

Two credit unions are also partnering with the government to provide microloans to businesses and entrepreneurs

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The Government of Canada has launched a Black Entrepreneurship Program to address systemic barriers in the business world.

The programme is backed by an investment of up to CA$350.8m over four years, bringing together the government, black-led business organisations and financial institutions.

As part of this, the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund will provide loans up to $250,000 to black business owners and entrepreneurs across the country, including co-operatives.

The loan fund is a $291.3m investment, comprising around $33.3m from the federal government, $130m from BDC, and $128m joint from the Royal Bank of Canada, BMO Financial Group, Scotiabank, CIBC, the National Bank of Canada, TD Bank, Vancity Credit Union and Alterna Savings.  

Another pilot microloan programme will provide microloans between $10,000 and $25,000 for Black entrepreneurs and business owners in British Columbia and Ontario. The plot is delivered by the Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE) in partnership with credit unions Vancity and Alterna Savings. The initiative aims to tackle a critical gap in the marketplace for black businesses that need smaller financial support to start up and grow. Other financial institutions are encouraged to join the pilot as partners.

To be eligible, businesses must be majority owned by a black Canadian and may include start-ups and existing for-profit small businesses in Canada, including sole proprietorships, social enterprises, partnerships or co-operatives. They must also have a business number, a business plan, and financial statements or projects for start-ups.

Mary Ng, minister of small business, export promotion and international trade, said: “The opening of the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund is a historic achievement to support black business owners and entrepreneurs so they can start up, scale up and grow across Canada and around the world. As a critical piece of Canada’s first-ever Black Entrepreneurship Program, the loan fund helps reduce barriers black business owners and entrepreneurs face in accessing financing. Our government is proud to work with FACE and other black community leaders to continue to address systemic racism against black Canadians.”

Christine Bergeron, president and CEO at the Vancity credit union said: “Serving Canadians as a financial institution is a privilege, and one that entails a great deal of social responsibility. Entrepreneurship can offer great mobility and prosperity, but systemic inequality has meant that this opportunity is not equally available to all Canadians.

“This programme is an important step in addressing systemic racism faced by black business owners and entrepreneurs, and Vancity is proud to work with FACE and looks forward to supporting black entrepreneurs with much-needed microloans.”

Robert Paterson, president and CEO, Alterna Savings, said: “Alterna Savings is proud to partner on the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, and we are committed to joining with our peers to change the experience for the black community when it comes to accessing capital and building a business. At Alterna, we have a deep understanding of community loan funds through our 20 years leading our Community Microfinance Program, and credit unions have a long history in Canada of supporting underserved entrepreneurs, helping them become economically and socially empowered.”

Tiffany Callender, CEO of FACE, added: “It is an important day for Canadian entrepreneurs of African descent. Starting today, thanks to support from the government of Canada and different financial institutions, the true value of black entrepreneurship is finally being recognised. We are optimistic about the future of our entrepreneurs, and we are eager to accompany them as they achieve their business goals. This is a historic opportunity to become a sustainable part of the Canadian economic fabric, and we know that Black entrepreneurs are up to the task.”

source: https://www.thenews.coop/na/

January 21 2021

What Are Banners?
Feather Flag Banner, Retractable Banner, and Fabric Banner

Banners are one of the world’s most long-standing and versatile signage solutions. With banners you get the high visibility of large structural signage at a much lower price point. Because banners are fabric or vinyl based, they pack down for easy storage and transportation when needed. There are many applications for banners to be used both indoors and outdoors. Banners come in many forms and sizes, from the highly popular vinyl banners to banner flags and banner stands.

Outdoor banners include vinyl banners, mesh banners, pole banners, break-away banners and fence banners, as well as all of our flag banners. All banners can be used indoors, but the most common banners used indoors include fabric banners, vinyl banners, retractable banners, step & repeat banners , X banners and table top retractable banners.

Common Uses: Banners are versatile signs that can be used indoors and outdoors depending on the type and conditions in which the banner will be used. Banners are most frequently hung from buildings/structures, strung up between posts or attached to fences. Banners are mainly used by businesses and organizations large and small to promote sales, announce events and hire new talent. They also work great as branding and logo signage. Banners are also good for personal use for private events such as birthday parties or welcome home events for military personnel.

Installation: Banners are simple to display and do not require professional installation. Vinyl, fabric, and mesh banners all include grommets at no extra charge, which makes hanging or mounting them much more simple. In many cases, all it takes to set up your banner is a rope or bungee cord and somewhere to hang it. For banner stands or flag banners, there is some assembly required for the pole system to support the banner, but the setup takes less than 5 minutes and is easy to do.

Care: Proper care for your banners will keep them looking clean and new for a long time. Banners are durable and are built to last for years when cared for correctly. In most cases a simple spot cleaning with a non-abrasive cloth and water will restore your banner. For fabric banners and banner flags, you may machine wash the banners as needed, but do not machine dry or iron the banners. Refer to each product page listed above for further details about how to care for specific banner products.

Vinyl Banners

  • Made from durable 13 oz or 18 oz vinyl
  • Includes free grommets & welded hem
  • Highly versatile indoor & outdoor signage for temporary or permanent use

 

Fabric Banners

  • Made from professional grade 6.8 oz polyester fabric
  • Lightweight, yet durable and portable
  • Best suited for indoors and can be hung on walls, from ceilings or fixtures

     

    Mesh Banners

  • Made from 8 oz vinyl mesh
  • 30% perforated mesh for wind and harsh weather
  • Most commonly used outdoors on fences or between posts

     

    Pole Banners

  • Made from 18 oz vinyl
  • Double sided for effective viewership
  • Used on pillars, street posts and poles for outdoor advertising

     

    Fence Banners

  • Made from 8 oz vinyl mesh or 13 oz vinyl
  • Ultra wide banners to cover any fence—next day shipping
  • Designed to withstand wind as well as wet or sunny weather
April 13 2020
You have certainly had several opportunities to receive the business card from your professional partners, this small format communication medium, where all their contact details are registered to reach them quickly. But, besides that, what is the point of a business card? To understand why the business card is important, read the rest of the article. You can then check out our Business Card Printing guide to learn more about it.
The business card, a must-have communication tool
Why does the business card have a good reputation with people in business? This is because this small format communication tool has many advantages.
The business card, to make yourself known
It is an essential communication tool if you want to become known and expand your professional network.
Indeed, the competition in the professional world is so tough that we must give ourselves every chance to increase its visibility and attract a new clientele. During a physical meeting in the field, the business card is effective in transmitting contact information as well as essential information concerning his professional activities or his company. That's why the contents of a business card must be worked carefully for the card to be attractive.
The business card, to extend its professional network
When you give your business card to a prospect, you offer him a way to contact you quickly. Indeed a business card, by its many features, size, format, and quality of support, easily fits into a cardholder or wallet. It is therefore accessible at any time. This is a good way to extend your professional network that remains effective despite the advent of digital communication.
The business card, to disclose your professional skills
A well-developed business card makes it possible to become known and especially to attract new prospects who will be interested in your skills and professional skills. It's a small window that opens to your professional world. Not only do you highlight your company but through the few lines that summarize your skills, you also show your own strengths and those of your company. That's why it's important to look after the contents of your business card.
The business card to stand out from the competition
To understand why some people invest in business card printing design, we must not forget that the business card reflects the image of your business. A neat business card means you pay attention to the small details that make the difference.
April 13 2020
The arrival of the Internet and the many possibilities offered by this tool have changed the way of understanding a very old but still irreplaceable sector such as the printing industry. Not so much in its essence, because the products are still those of always (with some new features, of course), but rather in their form, that is online. Indeed, in the online printing press, everything is carried out by means of a very simple procedure that allows you to configure the product, compare prices, customize the order, send the files and much more. Let's see then what are the three key points, and the main advantages, of the world of online printing.
The convenience of ordering from your home or office
We start with comfort. Nowadays, to print any type of product, be it business cards, brochures, canvas, roll up or much more, it is no longer necessary to leave the house and go to a traditional typeface. It only takes a computer or a mobile device to carry out the order in a very simple and fast way: in a few minutes, you can complete the purchase and send the file you want to print. There are several forms of payment, so you can choose the one you prefer. Once the order is completed, you just have to wait for the delivery of your order at the indicated address. A good way to save time.
Competitive prices with the quality of always
Second, another important and interesting aspect of online printing has to do with prices. The products produced by the online fonts are produced together with many other similar orders, with the consequent advantages in terms of production costs, which thanks to economies of scale are reduced, also reducing the final price to customers. That explains why printing online is so convenient. But that does not mean that the quality of the printing or of the products is reduced. Quite the opposite: the characteristics of the products and printing are the same as always. And in online printers all the resources are also offered to obtain an impeccable result; In fact, templates of design instructions can be downloaded for each product, where the characteristics that a file must have for correct printing are explained: the size and bleed of the file, the CMYK color model, the fonts that must be embedded, the minimum recommended resolution, etc. And it's not all: as in any typeface, it is possible to request a proof of imposition and color to check the result before proceeding to the printing of the entire print run.
24-hour service
Third, another positive aspect of online printing and perhaps the most obvious one is that online printers are available every day, 24 hours a day, even on holidays, so it is always possible to place an order and save time.
In conclusion, as explained above, we can say that printing online is convenient and very much, for several reasons.
April 13 2020
Digital printing is based on a technology that uses electronic methods for sending digital files to the printing press, without the use of plates or matrices. In recent years, it has entered into competition with traditional printing processes for the production of printed materials in increasingly higher print runs, offering a product of excellent quality.
The working procedure is rather straightforward. The client passes the file to be printed to the prepress technicians who analyze, control and normalize the content. Once final, the file is sent directly to the print media.
Through digital printing, this process is particularly suitable for medium and low runs and can be applied to a large number of types of paper, cardboard and special media.
Digital printing makes it possible to obtain a finished printed product with various advantages:
  • It is a print of high quality and definition
  • It has a work process faster than offset printing and lends itself to deliveries faster
  • It has no start-up costs, so it is possible to print a few copies at low prices
  • Digital color inks are often shinier and brighter than offset
  • It is possible to print variable data, ie different from one copy to another (eg a number or a name pre-printed on a card)
  • Products can be embellished with one of the print imprints of the Digital print Printing Center: for example, UV varnishes and digital embossing.
All these advantages, applied to business cards, posters, invitations, postcards, badges, photographs, calendars, leaflets, catalogs, stickers, have made digital printing an irreplaceable tool in the hands of graphic studios and communication agencies.
The possibility of producing small quantities of goods at rather low costs, without having to make large inventories, has opened new doors to communication: the compromise between print quality, price, and quantity of digital printing is a real mirage for traditional procedures.
April 13 2020
Online printing has been developing in recent years. Simplicity and efficiency, in one click you receive your products in record time. Here's an overview of the benefits of using an online printing company like Printing Coop that combines quality and speed.
Create your models online
You do not have a graphic designer? This is not a problem! It is now extremely easy to create and personalize your flyers or business cards. Thanks to a legible interface, you can always view your creations, modify or improve them according to your desires: a wide choice of fonts, choice of colors, cropping of logos and photographs. At Printing Coop you can work as a professional with a simple and practical interface.
Choose flexibility and qualified customer service
The undisputed advantage of an online printing business like Printing Coop remains flexibility. With qualified customer service and printing professionals easily reachable by telephone, online chat, e-mail, ticket support or Facebook Messenger, Printing Coop is able to answer all the requests of its customers and prospects.
Choose the speed
Online printing companies have the advantage of executing an order in record time as soon as the order is validated. Deliveries are then made very quickly and online printers like Printing Coop offer very short production times because their workflow is automated. By choosing Printing Coop, you can take advantage of the delivery the same day (Montreal, QC) or in 24 / 48h everywhere in Canada!
Respect the environment
Attach importance to the paper used by your online printer: Printing Coop is certified ImprimVert and be in an approach of respect for the environment by recycling and using less harmful products. Printing Coop offers its customers the use of environmentally friendly raw materials: paper from sustainably managed forests (FSC or PEFC labels), 100% recycled paper, vegetable inks ... and also treats its industrial waste, by sorting recoverable waste, by securing the storage of its products.
April 13 2020
What is digital printing exactly?
Digital printing allows you to print directly on paper from digital data available on a computer. This highly responsive printing technique allows for faster printing of your communication documents.
How? Remember how offset printing works:
When printing in offset, printing is not done directly on the paper. It goes through a cylinder covered with a sheet of rubber, from which the ink is transferred to the paper.
With digital printing, the production is done directly on a printer and the documents are formatted by computer processing. So we go directly from the computer to the printer.
The difference between offset printing and digital printing, therefore, lies in the intermediate steps to the final printing of the document. Digital printing, therefore, shortens production times by eliminating certain steps between document design and offset printing.
A different final rendering
In digital printing, inks are usually powdered, and baked on the surface of the paper, while in liquid form for offset, printing. In the finished document, digital printing gives a glossy visual on all types of paper used. In offset, the inks are liquid and absorbed in part by the paper. So there is some difference in color for the same project depending on the finish and paper used.
Documents printed with digital printing generally have a maximum size of 30 cm x 45 cm. The ink is more surface, it is more fragile to friction and folding. Nevertheless, many documents can be printed digitally: pads, brochures, business cards, etc.