What Is an Archival Pigment Print?

by Michael McCarty
Founder, Tribeca Printworks
An archival pigment print is a high-quality photograph created with refined pigment particles. The result is a high-resolution, museum-quality artwork that is made to last — “archival” refers to the print’s ability to last for long periods without fading.
“Archival pigment” is sometimes confused with “giclée,” a French word meaning “to spray or squirt.” At the time the print was named, the digital printers worked by spraying ink onto the paper’s surface. While all giclée printing uses high-quality archival pigment inks, not every archival pigment print may be labeled as a giclée.
What Makes Archival Pigment Superior to Poster Printing?
Archival pigment produces results that are incomparable to poster printing. These prints feature greater color accuracy and fine detail preservation. At Tribeca Printworks, our fine art printing services use the finest art paper and techniques to produce flawless results.
- Customization: Our archival prints are tailored to meet your visual goals for your artwork. We help your work look authentic and make it easier to add your artist signature and numbering.
- Print size: Archival pigment printing maintains the clarity and vibrance of the image regardless of print size. We offer a wide range of format options, so you can enjoy the beauty of the piece at various scales.
- Reproduction: Archival prints offer museum-quality fine art printing. Our team of professionals can help you find the perfect custom frame to protect and complement your artwork.
What Is the Process of Archival Pigment Printing?
We customize our process based on the media you choose and what’s best for your beautiful pieces. Images are produced by specialized printers designed to use archival ink. These printers produce final products with rich tonal depth and highly saturated details.
It’s important to choose the best paper for art prints to get the maximum effect from archival pigments. One of the top-rated photo papers for archival prints is Hahnemühle Photo Rag Bright paper, which is 100% cotton and provides a museum-quality matte, smooth surface. The completed image will be clear, vibrant and long-lasting.
Find Quality Archival Printing Services at Tribeca Printworks
The Tribeca Printworks team has nearly 40 years of combined experience in the art industry. We produce the most vibrant, high-quality archival pigment prints using the best quality materials that deliver a long-lasting and beautiful finish.
Whether you want print and frame services or print only, we can cover your printing needs. Our team offers archival prints on a variety of media, and we are passionate about providing a personalized experience that focuses on the best option for your unique piece.
Complete our contact form today for a free consultation and quote.
