Choosing BetweenPrinting Methods

Azimuth Print, the UK’s premier printerhttps://www.azimuthprint.co.uk/

There are many different printing / finishing methods amongst which are 4 colour process printing and spot colour printing, foil stamping and embossing / debossing. Each method is capable of producing quality printed material, but it is important to know which method fits your specific printing needs. The information below will give you the information you need to choose which printing method is right for you.

Getting to know the process

Process Usage Texture

Detailed

4 Colour Process

Four colours of ink (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) are mixed together to create colours.

Typically for prints with more than three colours.

Spot Colour Print

The Pantone Matching System is a collection of pre-mixed inks that can be used for specific colours.

Commonly used for prints with 1-3 colours, but can create unlimited number of hues.

Foil Stamping

A film is applied to the paper in the desired area using heat and pressure.

Used for its metallic options and combinations with embossing.

EmbossingDebossing

Embossing raises the image out of paper, debossing recesses the image into paper.

Often used to highlight logo and/or combinations with other methods.

Your Colour Options4 Colour Process

Spot Colour Print

Foil Stamping

Embossing Debossing

Colour Selection

Millions of colour can be made.

There is a limited colour palette, but there are over 1500 colours to choose from.

Colour are determined but type of foil used. Selection includes metallic and non-metallic colour.

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Colour Consistency

Different printers will produce different results. Colours will vary.

One specific ink is used to print a colour and will remain consistent.

Printers stock some colour films, so colours are consistent when using the same printer

Colour is not applied, but it will always be consistent with the colour of your paper.

Brand Colours

Colours are not spot on, but can be imitated with a close match.

Colour are matched specifically to a company’s brand colours.

Does not apply.

Does not apply.

Your Colour Options4 Colour Process

Spot Colour Print

Foil Stamping

Embossing Debossing

Photos & Gradients

The ability to make nearly every colour allows for full colour photos and gradients.

Photos will need to be converted to monotone or duotone images.

Does not apply.

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Metallic Options

Colours cannot be printed metallically.

There are metallic inks to choose from. The ink contains bits of metallic material to shimmer.

There are metallic films to choose from. The film is highly reflective to produce a shine.

Does not apply.

Neon Colours

It is not possible to produce bright neon colours because the inks are mixed.

Only one ink is used so it is able to create bright and vibrant neon colours.

Does not apply.

Does not apply.

Selecting The Type of Paper

Dark / Coloured StockOnly darker inks can be printed on dark or coloured stock paper. Coloured stock will slightly change the colour of ink being applied.

4 Colour Print

Spot Colour Print

Foil Stamping

Embossing / Debossing

Selecting The Type of Paper

Thick Stock

A heavier and thicker stock type. Can be coated or uncoated and makes for great printed materials. The thicker the paper, the harder it is to emboss.

4 Colour Print

Spot Colour Print

Foil Stamping

Embossing / Debossing

Selecting The Type of Paper

Coated Stock

Coated stock is smooth and has varying degrees of gloss. Ink sits on the surface of coated stocks, producing sharp and bright images. Heavy ink coverage can result in cracking at the scores.

4 Colour Print

Spot Colour Print

Foil Stamping

Embossing / Debossing

Selecting The Type of Paper

Uncoated Stock

Uncoated stock is smooth and has no gloss on it. Ink soaks into the paper, which may result in slightly duller colours. Cracking does not occur and a lot of ink can be applied.

4 Colour Print

Spot Colour Print

Foil Stamping

Embossing / Debossing

Selecting The Type of Paper

Textured Stock

Texture stock comes in many different fine textures, ranging from linen to felt to tweed. Using a textured stock can add richness to any print. Since textured paper has crevices, ink may not cover the paper consistently resulting loss of detail.

4 Colour Print

Spot Colour Print

Foil Stamping

Embossing / Debossing

Selecting The Type of Paper

Visually Textured StockVisually textured stocks can be a good alternative if you want a more subtle texture or if you don’t want to deal with limitations of physically textured paper. Visually textured stocks are typically uncoated and have a fine grain or small fibres embedded into them.

4 Colour Print

Spot Colour Print

Foil Stamping

Embossing / Debossing

We look forward to producing your orders

Call 0117 332 0055or e-mail to

sales@azimuthprint.co.uk for details and prices.

You can order online atwww.azimuthprint.co.uk