5 Printing Techniques

Print 1

Die Cut

Die cut involves cutting irregular shapes in paper or paperboard using a die. A die can be used in printing for cutting, scoring, stamping, embossing and deposing. The die is a steel blade used to punch out the desired shape. They are normally custom pieces, but your printer will usually have some standard dies. Custom dies can substantially increase the cost of the piece.

Print 2

Silk Lamination

Lamination is Plastic film in various finishes that is applied to the entire printed sheet to create various effects. Different effects like high Silk, matt or, more unusually gloss effects. Silk lamination provides a soft, silk-like finish, is water-resistant and tear-resistant, and complements vibrant colors. Pieces are traditionally printed in full-color, like any regular business card, however one additional step is taken to get their unique texture. Lamination can be a liquid that dries to a tough gloss or dull surface, or it can be a film. Both adhere to the surface to protect it and give it sheen or a muted effect. The effect could be glossy, dull, or even satin.

Print 3

Thermography

Thermography produces raised printing similar in appearance to engraving, but using a different process for attaining the effect. In thermography, a special powder is added to the ink that is to be printed on the paper. The printed piece is heated, causing the powder and ink mixture to dry, which in turn results in a raised effect on the paper. This kind of printing technique refers to two types of printing, both of which rely on heat to create the letters or images on a sheet of paper.

Print 4

Varnish

A varnish is a liquid coating applied to a printed surface to add a clear glossy, matte, satin, or neutral finish. There are different types of varnishes, Gloss varnishing which gives the printed surface a glossy, sheen look. Matte varnishing that gives the printed surface a non-glossy, smooth look. Silk or Satin Varnishing gives the printed surface a neither a high gloss or matte, but the middle ground. UV Varnishing is a process for achieving an even more striking type of coating on your printed material. All-over UV varnish is a UV seal applied all over the printed surface. And last, Spot UV Varnish A spot varnish is applied to chosen spots (areas) of a printed piece. This has the affect of highlighting and drawing attention to that part of the design.

Print 5

Letterpress

Last but not least Letterpress is the oldest printing process. In this method, a surface with raised letters is inked and pressed to the surface of the printing substrate to reproduce an image in reverse. Typically, metal type has been used, but other possibilities include carved wood or stone blocks. Most popularly used on wedding invitations, this process can also be used to create unique business cards as well as other custom printed products.