Printing Techniques
There are many printing techniques available for you to get the desired result for whatever product you require, such as business cards, invitations, posters and restaurant menus. Some are more expensive than others, but the results and finishes are limited by just your imagination.
Designers are taught their craft using computers, but it’s important to understand printing techniques to fully realize the potential of your designs. Choosing the correct printing technique can take your designs from what is a really good design, to a great finished product.
DIE CUT
While not strictly a printing technique, a die is used to for cutting, scoring, stamping, embossing or debossing irregular shapes into paper. It can take an average piece of paper and turn it into a unique, beautiful piece of art.
EMBOSSING AND DEBOSSING
These two similar processes create an impression on paper by applying pressure between a metal plate mounted in the press and a counter. The difference is in the finish, with embossing creating a raised impression, and debossing producing a depressed impression.
Foil
Foil stamping is the application of, most commonly, gold or silver pigment foil to create shiny and unique designs that would be difficult to produce with regular colours. Other colours can also be used, but they are far less common than silver and gold.
LAMINATION
This technique is great for any printed design that needs to be protected from water, the weather, or other elements that could damage it. There are two ways to laminate your design. The first is to add a film to your work to produce a soft, silk-like finish that compliments vibrant colours. This is called silk lamination. The second way is to coat the surface with a liquid that dries to form a tough surface. Either way the end result is a water resistant surface with a glossy, dull or satin finish.
Letterpress
Most commonly used with metal type, but can be used with wood or stone blocks, letterpress involves ink being spread across raised letters, then stamped onto paper to produce a reverse image.