After printing an image to giclee canvas, printmakers have the option of enhancing them. Canvas is a very versatile material, and may be embellished in a number of ways. The most common way to accentuate a giclee print is by painting the print to give it character and an authentic look. Acrylic and oil paints are the two most common paints used to embellish the print. Be sure to use water resistant canvas in order to avoid ink separation, and make sure to wait until the original print is done drying before applying any paint.
Giclee needs to always be coated with a varnish after printing to prevent yellowing and aging. There are varnishes specifically made for giclee that are able to complete this job. Coating can be applied to giclee art prints with a spray gun, manual roller, or a special coating machine. The style of application is up to the printmaker ‘s discretion. However, it is recommended that high volume coating be handled using a coating machine to prevent menial labor and possible errors.
After the varnish has been applied to the giclee print, the printmaker may then apply paint or gel to enhance the appearance and feel of the canvas. There are many water-based gels available that dry on clear. These gels may be easier for the user to apply than actual paint, and give the prints a gorgeous finish. Another favored technique that can be used is the adding of acrylic paint to these gels and then applying them directly onto the canvas. This creates a translucent mixture that is perfect for embellishing light areas of the print where the colors can be noticed through the gel. Also note that embellishing giclee prints is not restricted to colored prints, as black and white prints can be accentuated by utilizing these methods as well.