Inside Smoky Mountain Studios workshop with printers, frames, and pieces in progress

Smoky Mountain Studios

Fine Art & Archival Giclée Printing in Waynesville, NC

Artist-first fine art printing in downtown Waynesville, NC

Smoky Mountain Studios helps artists reproduce their work with museum-quality archival giclée printing on canvas and fine art paper. We offer artwork capture, color-focused proofing, custom sizing, print on-demand, and shipping. Product quality and customer service are our signature, and we are happy to work with you to get your project right.

A Branch of Twigs & Leaves 🌿

What we do

Archival Giclée Printing

Museum-quality prints on canvas and fine art paper, designed for long-term display and collector confidence.

Artwork Capture & File Prep

High-resolution capture of original artwork and thoughtful file prep so prints stay true to your originals and reorder cleanly.

Color Matching & Proofing

We dial in color, contrast, and detail so your prints will look true to the original. Whether on a gallery wall or in a customer's home, our prints are as close to your original work as possible.

Custom Sizes & Editions

From small gift prints to larger statement pieces, we offer custom sizing with consistency across runs. For production-scale artists, we support repeatable editions and reorders with a workflow built for volume and dependable turnaround.

Print On-Demand

Upon receipt or creation of a high-quality digital file we are able to create prints whenever you would like them, with average turnaround for paper prints being 2-3 business days and stretched canvas print turnaround being two weeks.

Shipping

We offer shipping of finished prints through UPS, USPS, FedEx, and other carriers as needed.

Our process

  1. Consultation: We talk size, medium (paper vs canvas), timelines, and goals.
  2. Capture / file review: We create or assess a high-quality print file.
  3. Proofing: Approve color and detail before final production.
  4. Final print: Archival giclée printing, ready for pickup or delivery.

Frequently asked questions

What is a giclée print?

Pronounced “jee-clay”: a giclée is a high-resolution inkjet print made with archival pigment inks on archival-grade paper or canvas.

Professional giclée standards typically include 300+ dpi source resolution, pigment-based inks, and acid-free, pH-neutral media. Combined with careful color matching, giclée printing captures the detail and color range of the original artwork.

What ink do you use?

We print with Epson UltraChrome pigment inks. Pigment inks use pigment particles (rather than dyes), making them more resistant to fading, humidity, and light exposure over time.

According to laboratory testing by Wilhelm Imaging Research, UltraChrome inks can achieve up to 200 years of color permanence on certain archival canvases and papers under controlled conditions.

How long will my prints last?

Longevity depends on materials and display conditions, but our process is built around archival standards. In museum conditions, pigment-ink prints on high-quality archival papers and canvases can last 100+ years without significant fading.

Should I print on canvas or paper?

The best choice depends on your artwork, how the print will be displayed, and the look you want to achieve.

Canvas giclée prints offer texture and depth, making them a popular choice for paintings and bold imagery. Canvas prints are stretched and finished with a protective varnish, giving them a gallery-ready presence without the need for glass.

Fine art paper prints are ideal for detailed work, photography, watercolor, and subtle tonal transitions. Hahnemühle's Photo Rag or Watercolor papers provide a refined surface that highlights detail and nuance, typically framed behind glass.

If you’re unsure, we’re happy to look at your artwork and recommend the best surface based on your style, goals, display plans, and budget!

Do I need an appointment?

Yes. Appointments are necessary so we have time to discuss size, surface (paper vs. canvas), timelines, and proofing. Call (828) 400-2297 or email anna@smokymtnstudios.com.

Visit: 189 Wall St., Waynesville, NC • Hours: Mon–Fri 10:30AM–5:30PM

Ready to start a print project?

Reach out to us to schedule an appointment to bring your artwork in. We’ll help you choose the best materials and a workflow that fits your style.

Contact the Studio