Giclee Printer Reviews

Thoroughly reading Giclee Printer Reviews are vital for both artists who are looking to buy a printer and others who are looking to find a fine art printing company. Unfortunately, since the giclee printing industry is still very young, widely published information on all inkjet printers, inks, inkjet papers, and other related digital equipment are not readily available. In the end, its the artists who suffer because they are paying top dollar for reproductions that dont meet the highest standards of the fine art printing market.

For example, an Epson 10000 which was released only about six years ago is literally considered to be in the stone ages now. Any self-respecting fine art printmaker who uses an Epson 10000 to reproduce art for artists is simply not worthy of any respect. This statement is fair for two main reasons: First, since the release of the Epson 10000, Epson has released two technologically superior printers called the Epson 9600 and the Epson 9800. Both of these printers print with color and dmax that put the Epson 10000 to shame. Second, these new printers only cost $5,000, which means they can be leased for as low as $100 per month.

Nevertheless, the fine art printing industry is so segmented that owners and primary users of Epson 10000 printers are still reproducing giclee fine art for artists who dont know any better. Its not that the Epson 10000 owner is trying to rip anyone off here; let's make that clear. It's more that they are simply uninformed themselves. The blind are leading the blind. This is the first sign that you are using the wrong printmaker to reproduce your art. The most reputable and influential fine art printers are on the forefront of the available technology and are most qualified to provide you with the highest quality prints at the lowest possible prices.

The game doesnt end at the Epson 10000, it only begins there. Artists and printmakers are also uninformed of the wide range of inkjet papers -- inkjet canvas, fine art papers, watercolor papers -- that are being used for the reproductions. Novice printmakers choose one particular brand of inkjet canvas or fine art paper and dont make a practice of regularly seeking out superior products. Why? We dont know. All we can say is to avoid these fine art printers at all costs and be sure to find one who makes a regular practice of testing new technologies. The better art looks, the better it sells and somebody needs to perform due diligence. When the due diligence stops, or when there is no due diligence, its like a car driving without anybody behind the wheel. Would you like to take a ride? We wouldn't.