As a design agency, we know that the journey from digital concept to tangible creation is where the real work begins. The choice of printing technique can make a huge difference in how a design is experienced, felt, and remembered.
Whether it’s business cards, product packaging, or large format posters, each printing technique has its own benefits, limitations, and ideal applications.
Here’s an overview of the most popular printing techniques, how they work, and where they excel:
1. Offset
Ideal for: High volumes (books, magazines, brochures)
2. Digital printing
Ideal for: Small to medium print runs (business cards, posters, personalised products)
Digital printing has transformed the industry by eliminating the need for plates, as in offset printing. Instead, the digital file is sent directly to the printer. Digital printing is ideal for projects with short turnaround times or customised designs, as no extensive setup is required.
- Benefits: Quick setup, affordable for small print runs, ideal for customisation
- Drawbacks: Slightly lower image quality for very large print runs, limited paper options
- Ideal applications: Short print runs of brochures, business cards, posters, personalised or variable data printing
3. Screen printing
Screen printing is a versatile technique that can be used on anything from T-shirts to posters. In this process, ink is pushed through a stencil onto the desired material. A separate screen is needed for each colour in the design, which makes it more time-consuming for designs with multiple colours. However, it is ideal for bold, high-contrast designs.
- Benefits: Durable results, vibrant colours, suitable for various materials (paper, textiles, glass)
- Drawbacks: More expensive for complex designs, slower for large print runs
- Ideal applications: Clothing, posters, promotional items, signs
4. Flexographic printing
5. Pad printing
Ideal for: Complex shapes and uneven surfaces (pens, electronics, small promotional items)
Pad printing, also known as “tampon printing,” is a specialised printing technique that allows ink to be transferred onto irregular, curved, or rough surfaces. In this process, the ink is absorbed by a silicone pad and then transferred onto the material. Thanks to the flexible silicone pad, pad printing is ideal for surfaces that other methods are not suitable for.
- Benefits: Suitable for complex and curved surfaces, precise placement
- Drawbacks: Less suitable for large print runs or flat surfaces, limited colour options
- Ideal applications: Pens, computer mice, watches, electronics, and other products with a uniquely shaped surface
6. Gravure (Intaglio)
Ideal for: Luxury, tactile designs (business cards, wedding invitations)
One of the oldest printing techniques, letterpress works by pressing inked plates onto paper, leaving a unique impression. This method provides a distinctive, tactile experience and is often used for luxury printed materials such as invitations, business cards, and other special items.
- Benefits: Provides a tactile, high-quality appearance, highly customisable
- Drawbacks: Higher costs, limited to simple designs, longer production times
- Ideal applications: Invitations, business cards, artisanal prints
7. Letterpress Printing (Book printing)
Ideal for: Luxury, tactile designs (business cards, wedding invitations)
One of the oldest printing techniques, letterpress works by pressing inked plates onto paper, leaving a unique impression. This method provides a distinctive, tactile experience and is often used for luxury printed materials such as invitations, business cards, and other special items.
- Benefits: Provides a tactile, high-quality appearance, highly customisable
- Drawbacks: Higher costs, limited to simple designs, longer production times
- Ideal applications: Invitations, business cards, artisanal prints
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