Print shops are able to create marketing materials to help you advertise your business. They provide a range of services for different mediums, allowing you to choose a printing method that suits your project. High-quality materials create a beneficial impression for potential customers and clients. Here is more information about the different techniques and materials used in printing:
Digital and Offset Techniques
Some print shops offer both modern and traditional printing techniques. With digital printing, professionals place digital images directly onto the material’s surface. It is appropriate for projects requiring a quick turnaround. Methods include:
- Inkjet: The designer sends a digital file to the inkjet printer, and it replicates the image onto the material with ink droplets. This is appropriate for recreating graphic-based designs and photos and can be used to create flyers and product displays.
- Laser: The technology transfers the image to the material by utilizing focused light, powder toner, and heat. It is a high-speed method that can be used to print text-based products such as newsletters and reports.
- Digital press: Specialists format the text of a lookbook, cookbook, or textbook on an online platform, addressing margins, line spacing, and text size. The product is sent to a digital press, and the print shop binds the finished product.
The offset method is also known as lithography. This technique uses plates and rubber blankets, and the ink is transferred from the rubber to the paper. Offset printing offers high color accuracy and image quality, reproducing small details. This technique is appropriate for large runs, including catalogues and brochures.
Large-Format and Custom Printing
A print shop uses large-format printers for wider materials. These can accommodate papers up to several feet, and they utilize inkjet technology and specialized ink to create high-resolution images. This method works with vinyl, canvas, fabric, paper, and other materials. Specialists can utilize wide-format printing to help you advertise your business to a larger audience, creating large banners and signage for events, shows, or outdoor displays.
Custom printing fulfills specific customer needs, offering additional flexibility to help you showcase your brand identity. This method includes screen printing options and fabric orders to create branded materials, such as customized mugs and T-shirts. You can create customized business cards and letterhead stationery. With letterpress printing, a digital design is placed on a photopolymer plate and pressed on soft stock, creating a tactile impression.
Paper Types and Finishes
Mediums for your print project include paper with glossy, matte, or satin finishes. Glossy paper is reflective, making it appropriate for photographic designs. Matte paper is non-reflective and is easier to read, and satin finishes combine matte and glossy elements to create shine without glare.
Cardstock is a thicker, more durable material that you can request for business cards and postcards. It comes in coated and uncoated options. Coated cardstock provides a smoother product and helps prevent fading, and uncoated cardstock offers a rougher surface for a simple look and organic feel.
Other finish options include lamination and UV coatings to protect your promotional materials. Fine lamination is beneficial to make menus and other products more durable, reflecting your company’s dedication to creating quality materials. UV coatings help prevent the sun from fading your banners. You can also choose decorative finishes such as foil stamping and embossing to help your business cards stand out.
Contact a Print Shop
Having additional knowledge about print options is beneficial for deciding on the types of marketing materials to use for your company. Specialists at your chosen print shop will review your design and recommend appropriate materials and methods to fulfill your business needs. Some places offer hard and soft proof options to allow you to see the product before the final print. To begin working on your printing project, contact a print shop today.
