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FAQ

1. What is the Best Color Space for Fine Art Printing?

For fine art printing with inkjet printers, sRGB and Adobe RGB are often recommended. They have a wider color range, allowing for more vibrant and accurate colors in prints than CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). However, CMYK is essential when preparing images for offset or laser printing, as it represents how colors mix in the quadrichrome printing process.

2. What is the Giclée Printing Process?
Giclée printing is a high-quality digital printing technique used primarily for fine art reproductions. The process includes:

  • Digital File Preparation: High-resolution digital images are created or scanned from original artwork.
  • Color Management: Colors are managed using specific software to ensure accuracy.
  • Printer Setup: Inkjet printers with multiple ink cartridges (often 8 or more) provide a wider color gamut.
  • Printing: Fine droplets of pigment-based inks are applied to archival-quality paper or canvas.
  • Finishing: The artwork may be coated or framed for durability and presentation. Giclée prints are known for exceptional detail and color fidelity, making them a popular choice among artists and collectors.

3. Are you following the Giclée printing process?
Yes, at D&B Graphics, Boulos Isaac Fine Art Lab & Studio, we have been following the Giclée process since 1997.

4. When did you start your business?
We started D&B Graphics as a distinguished design bureau in 1986. In 1996, we added prepress services, and in 1997, we expanded into fine art printing.

5. What printing machines are you using in your facility?
At Boulos Isaac Fine Art Lab and Studio, we use high-end Canon 12-color printers: the Canon ImagePROGRAF PRO-4000 and PRO-4600 for fine art printing, and the Mimaki JV100-160 for high-end commercial printing, all with genuine inks.

6. What does Museum Grade ISO 9706 mean?
Museum Grade ISO 9706 is an international standard ensuring paper longevity. The key aspects include:

  • Acid-Free: Prevents yellowing and degradation.
  • Lignin-Free: Avoids brittleness and discoloration.
  • Minimum Lifespan: Over 100 years under normal conditions.
  • Environmental Stability: Resistant to humidity and light exposure.

7. Difference Between Cotton Rag, Alpha Cellulose, and Fiber Paper

  • Cotton Rag: Made from cotton fibers, durable, ideal for fine art and archival use.
  • Alpha Cellulose: Chemically treated wood pulp, more affordable but lower in quality.
  • Fiber Paper: Made from various plant fibers, with varying quality.

8. Why is Acid-Free Paper More Precious?

  • Lasts Longer: Resists yellowing and brittleness for over 100 years.
  • Protects Against Damage: Prevents chemical deterioration.
  • Archival Quality: Preferred for documents and artworks.

9. What is the Best Resolution for Fine Art and High-End Photography Printing?

  • 300 PPI: Ideal for high-quality detail and clarity.
  • 150-200 PPI: Acceptable for larger prints when combined with appropriate printing size.

10. Is the Most Expensive Paper Always Better?
Not necessarily. The best choice depends on:

  • Artistic Intent: Texture and finish matter more than cost.
  • Print Type: Some papers suit photography better than others.
  • Testing: Artists should test different papers for optimal results.

11. Does Your Facility Apply a Color Managed Workflow?
Yes, we use calibrated Epson scanners, Eizo monitors, Canon printers, and Calibrite spectrophotometers to ensure color accuracy.

12. Are you using Dye Inks or Pigment Inks?
We use Canon® LuciaPro Micro-Encapsulated Pigment Ink, known for longevity, UV resistance, and water/smudge resistance.

13. What File Format Do You Need for Printing?
We accept TIFF (without layers) and JPEG. We do not accept RAW files.

14. What is Bit Depth?
Bit depth determines color representation:

  • 8-bit: 256 tones per color.
  • 16-bit: 65,000+ tones per color, better for professional use.

15. Do You Offer Photo Editing?
No, but we provide post-processing expertise when reviewing files on our calibrated monitor.

16. Which Color Space is Better: sRGB or Adobe RGB?
Adobe RGB has a wider color gamut, but unless you have a calibrated monitor supporting 98% of Adobe RGB, sRGB is recommended for consistency across devices.