After converting an image to giclee canvas, printmakers have the option of enhancing them. Canvas is a very protean material, and can be enhanced in multiple ways. The most widely used way to enhance a giclee print is by applying paint to the print to give it character and an authentic look. Acrylic and oil paints are the two most prevalent paints used to embellish the print. Be sure to use water resistant canvas in order to avoid ink separation, and remember to wait until the original print is done drying before applying any paint.

Giclee should always be treated with a varnish after printing to avoid aging and yellowing. There are varnishes specifically manufactured for giclee that are able to fulfill this job. Coating can be applied to giclee art prints with a manual roller, spray gun or special coating machine. The style of application is up to the printmaker to choose. However, it is recommended that high volume coating be accomplished using a coating machine to prevent time-consuming labor and complicated errors.

Once the varnish has been applied to the giclee print, the printmaker can apply paint or gel to improve the look and feel of the canvas. There are multiple water-based gels available that dry on translucent. These gels may be easier for the user to apply than actual paint, and give the prints a beautiful finish. Another favored technique that can be applied is the adding of acrylic paint to these gels and then applying them directly onto the canvas. This creates a pellucid mixture that is ideal for improving light areas of the print where the colors can be observed through the gel. Also note that enhancing giclee prints is not limited to colored prints, as black and white prints can be embellished by utilizing these techniques as well.