Frequently Asked Questions — Fine Art Giclée Prints by Guido Ricciardelli.
1. What is a giclée print?
A giclée is a high-quality fine-art print made using pigment-based inkjet technology. The name comes from the French word 'gicler', meaning “to spray,” because the printer sprays microscopic droplets of ink onto the surface. These prints are commonly used for reproductions of original artworks, and they’re prized for their detail, color fidelity, and longevity.
2. How do giclée prints differ from regular digital prints or posters?
Giclée prints use pigment-based inks, which are more stable and fade-resistant than the typical dye-based inks. They are printed at very high resolutions with 12 different ink colors, for better tonal gradation and color accuracy. They use archival-quality substrates, which help ensure the print’s long-term durability. Thanks to the quality of materials and process, giclée prints can last many decades without fading when properly cared for.
3. Why choose a giclée print by Guido Ricciardelli?
These prints replicate with extreme fidelity the detail, color and feel of my original artworks; through a very careful process that is done by my own editing, testing, printing and supervision in order to attain and guarantee maximum quality. For this purpose I use top tier equipments and materials, as well as printing on museum grade papers. Then I proceed to signing and numbering each piece on the front. Lastly I spray each piece with protective varnish for added protection and longevity. Each final result is a carefully made, robust and prestigious piece for passionate art collectors.
4. Are the prints signed and numbered?
Yes, print editions are signed by me on the front. They are limited edition prints and are therefore also numbered on the front. This means that there will only come into existence that set amount of reproductions for that series, after which they will never be produced again.
5. Do your giclée prints come with a certificate of authenticity?
Yes, each print is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. The certificate includes my signature, edition numbers, and details about the print.
6. How are the prints shipped?
Prints are carefully packaged to prevent damage. They are protected by layers of covering and rolled in archival tubes, as is the preferred option for larger prints.
7. How long do shipments take to arrive?
For Italy: 3 to 5 business days. For Europe: 5 to 7 business days. Globally: 7 to 10+ business days. The actual cost of shipping is double and triple the price that I am charging my customers. This I do as a show of goodwill.
8. How should I care for my giclée print?
Frame the print preferably under UV-filtering glass when possible to reduce light exposure. Know that for added protection, a protective layer of UV resistant varnish has been already sprayed on the surface. Avoid direct sunlight to maximize longevity. Preferably use archival-quality mounting and backing materials. When printed with pigment-based inks and kept correctly, a giclée print is very stable and resistant to all fading. However, direct sunlight or improper handling can reduce longevity, so this advice is recommended.
9. Is buying a giclée print a good investment?
While a giclée is not an original painting, limited edition giclée prints still hold great value, especially if signed and numbered by the artist. With each print, I make sure that collectors are getting the absolute best of the original artwork at a much more affordable price and at a much more accessible size. And as with any art, value depends also on the demand for my work, of which you would be supporting it's production, for which I am extremely grateful and confident in your investment.
10. How do I place an order?
Select the artwork you want. Proceed to checkout, where you will be asked for shipping and payment details. After payment, I will personally print and ship the print.
For any further questions, do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely in the Lord,
Guido Ricciardelli.



