The word giclée was adopted by printmaker Jack Duganne. He wanted a name for the new type of prints he was producing on a large-format, high-resolution industrial prepress proofing inkjet printer that he had adapted for fine-art printing. In fact he was looking for a word that would not have the negative connotations of “inkjet” or “computer generated”. It is based on the French word gicleur, which means “nozzle”. It is often used by artists, galleries, and print shops to suggest high quality printing but since it is an unregulated word it has no associated warranty of quality.

Pigment fine art prints have a lifespan of up to 50 years or even more, depending on the specifications of each paper (OBA percentage, acid free, etc.) and as defined by the certifications provided by the manufacturing companies, without these being at the same time lifetime guarantee and this because there can be no control as to the conditions in which the prints are exposed at the end.

These certifications tests have been carried out under specific exposure conditions, such as indoor use, no sunlight or uv radiation, 20˚C – 28˚C temperature, 60% humidity and absence of environmental or other air pollution. Any deviation from the above can reduce the lifespan and affect the quality of the prints. Under normal conditions of sun exposure (direct or even reflected), the lifespan can be reduced to less than 5 years. Photolab Athens informs about the certifications of each method by the manufacturing companies, but does not guarantee the lifetime of the prints.