How Is a Giclée Different From a Screen Print?

While both are high-quality fine art print methods, they differ significantly in process and finish. Browse Sam Leitch's full print collection, including both screen print and giclée editions, to see how each method expresses his work differently.

Screen Print

• Each colour applied separately through a silk screen
• Ink layered manually by hand
• Visible texture from ink build-up
• Slight natural variations between prints

The screen printing process is fundamentally craft-based, each layer is a physical act, making the finished print a direct record of skilled hand production. This is what gives screen prints their distinctive tactile character and why slight variations between prints are considered part of their value, not a flaw.

Giclée Print

• Single digital print process using archival pigment inks
• Smooth surface finish
• Highly detailed photographic reproduction
• Consistent results across editions

Giclée prints are produced on Hahnemühle German Etching 310gsm, an archival cotton rag paper that holds colour with exceptional fidelity and longevity. The process prioritises precision and photographic accuracy over handcraft variation.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Should You Choose?

Screen printing emphasises process and layered depth, ideal for collectors drawn to the handmade and the tactile. Giclée printing focuses on precision and colour accuracy, ideal for those who want the closest possible reproduction of an original painting.

Both are produced as limited editions, numbered, signed, and archival. Both offer exceptional quality. The choice comes down to personal preference and aesthetic priorities.

For further guidance on the differences between fine art print types, Artsy's guide to collecting prints is a widely respected resource for new and experienced collectors alike. And once you've chosen your print, see our guide on how to frame your print to ensure it is displayed and preserved at its best.