Printing is a process that allows text and images to be reproduced on paper and other surfaces. It has been around for over five centuries and has helped to spread knowledge across the globe.
There are many different types of printing and each has its own unique qualities. It’s important to understand the differences before choosing the right technique for your project.
Flexography
This is a modern method of printing that uses flexible photopolymer plates wrapped around rotating cylinders on a web press to transfer the image to the print media. It’s a popular choice for high volume jobs and has a wide range of benefits including the ability to print on a wide range of materials such as plastic, cellophane and metallic film.
Digital Printing
This modern method of printing uses digital files instead of traditional plates and can be a cost-effective option for small-scale projects. However, it can be challenging to master and requires a lot of practice to get the best results.
Monoprint
A monoprint is a unique one-of-a-kind work of art produced from a single plate, block or stone. Artists will usually create many experimental images before they perfect their final print.
Lithography
This is the oldest of the intaglio printing processes and began in China sometime before 800 AD. In this process the design is cut into a plate of copper or zinc with a sharp tool called a burin. The plate is then wiped clean with tarlatan before being run through a flatbed press between two rollers at a high pressure to force the ink onto the paper, leaving the background white where the plate was wiped clean.