Frequently Asked Questions
Table of Contents
- What is a Serigraph ?
- What is a Lithograph?
- What is a Giclee?
- What is an offset Lithograph?
- Can you describe the difference between an HC, AP and PP?
- Do you provide custom framing?
What is a Serigraph?
A Serigraph (sometimes called Silkscreen) is created using a printmaking process in which paint is pushed through a fine screen – usually made of silk or nylon -- onto either canvas or fine art paper. A different screen is used for each color represented in the print.
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What is a Lithograph?
Based on the principle that oil and water repel, a Lithograph is created when an artist produces an oil-based or pen image on a stone or piece of metal. This surface is then moistened and covered with an oil-based ink. The resulting chemical reaction between the oil and water drives away the ink on the surface – except where the drawing was first done. Fine quality paper is then placed against the surface and a lithographic press is used to create the print. Modern technology and processes have provided artists with many unique methods with which to create magnificent lithographs.
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What is a Giclee?
From the French word meaning "spray of ink", a Giclee is a print created by using state of the art computer technology to reproduce images. By printing the image on media much like that used for the original – usually either canvas or high-quality paper – a piece of artwork stunningly similar to the original is created.
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What is an offset Lithograph?
The offset lithography process works by first transferring an image photographically to thin metal, paper, or plastic printing plates. Unlike other forms of printing, the image on the printing plate is not recessed or raised. Rollers apply oil-based ink and water to the plates. Since oil and water don't mix, the oil-based ink won't adhere to the non-image areas. Only the inked image portion is then transferred to a rubber blanket (cylinder) that then transfers the image onto the paper as it passes between it and another cylinder beneath the paper. The term offset refers to the fact that the image isn't printed directly to the paper from the plates, but is offset or transferred to another surface that then makes contact with the paper.
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Can you describe the difference between an HC, AP and PP?
HC: Hors de Commerce - These prints are outside the edition but are the same as the edition and are used as gifts or payments to those involved in the production of the edition. They are marked "HC" and are usually numbered but not always.
AP: When a limited edition is created there will generally be approximately 10% additional run off as Artist's Proofs. These are sometimes numbered and sometimes they are not. They are exactly the same in quality and marked "AP". These prints are set aside for the artist and publisher. There is a perception that an AP is of more value because it is a smaller edition. Realistically they are exactly the same.
PP: Printers Proofs are impressions exactly the like the edition and is the property of the printers responsible for pulling the edition. They are marked "PP".
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Do you provide custom framing?
Yes we can provide you with discounted custom framing. Custom framing may take up to two weeks to complete. Please view our custom framing section and contact us for a quote on framing.