09 Feb Printing Techniques
Posted at 19:26h
in Resources
When working within the field of publication design, it is important to consider printing techniques that might enhance your final work. Not only can embossing, lamination, or letterpress breath life into a project, it can bring additional emotive qualities to the images, typography, and layout you have developed. Check out the chart below that covers valuable printing techniques and vocabulary.
| Technique | Description |
| Embossing | Embossing creates a raised impression on the card stock. |
| Debossing | Debossing creates a depressed impression on card stock. |
| Lamination |
Lamination (aka silk lamination) provides a soft, silk-like finish to the page. It is water-resistant, tear-resistant, and complements vibrant color choices. The lamination effect can be glossy, dull, or satin. |
| Varnish | A varnish is a liquid coating applied to a printed surface to add a clear glossy, matte, satin, or neutral finish. |
| Foil | A foil layer is affixed to a certain material by a heating process. |
| Thermography | Thermography produces raised printing similar in appearance to engraving. |
| Die Cut | Die cut involves cutting irregular shapes in paper or paperboard using a die. |
| Letterpress | A surface with raised letters is inked and pressed to the surface of the printing substrate to reproduce an image in reverse. |
| Silk Screening | A printing technique that uses a woven mesh to support an ink-blocking stencil. The attached stencil forms open areas of mesh that allows ink to transfer onto the material. |
Keep in mind that your local small printer might not be able to produce many of these techniques (for cost efficiency reasons), but your larger commercial press will certainly be happy to help you choose the right technique for your next professional project.
Embossing
