Print Impressions

Nothing has replaced paper between fingers: the affirmation communicated to people by having the message printed.

But print processes are diverse and can be confusing.

To help you, here is a brief guide to the main considerations for print today.

Digital Printing

This is printing straight from a computer via a RIP (Rasterized Image Processor) through a printer onto paper or vinyl by fusing toner (ink). Essentially, it’s a far better version of what you have in the office: far better quality, many more options (such as size and registration), and fast.


It is cost-effective for small runs (less than a 1000 prints) which is why it specializes in flyers and in-store, one-off graphics. Turnaround can be slightly faster than Litho printing. Digital Print quality can be slightly inferior to Litho Printing depending on the job: generally, full colour work with minimal areas of flat, solid colour are comparable to Litho quality.

Litho Printing

Litho uses a ‘plate’ placed on a roller on a large press machine to transfer an image to a rubber blanket and then to paper. The plates are produced by various means; more commonly these days it is CTP  (computer to plate) removing the need to print the image to film(s) and then plate.


Litho is cost-effective for larger runs (over 1000) and is also essential in certain cases. The quality is superior to Digital; and it can do things Digital simply cannot, such as: perfect Pantone colours, special inks, e.g. metallic (silver etc) inks, and spot varnishes. It can also handle a wider variety of stock - heavier and textured paper.

Foil Blocking

A specialist process that can be used in conjunction with Digital and Litho or on its own; it involves creating a block which is used to transfer a image in foil to stock. The foil can be metallic - silver, gold etc - but can also be any colour vinyl with any finish - from matt white to holographic metallic pink. It adds a new dimension to invitations and any print that is meant to impress (including our own business cards)

We use all of these printing processes and will advise which is best for you and your job.