| day’s printing technologies, you have an | | | | offset printing than with screen printing. |
| abundance of options. Two of the main ones are | | | | Many large quantity paper printing is completed with |
| offset printing and screen printing. However, there is no | | | | offset printing. For example, if you are printing on |
| one method that works best for all projects. Thus, it is | | | | multiple mediums but want the images to look the |
| helpful to know the differences between the two so | | | | same, then offset printing may be the best way to |
| that you can choose the most appropriate method for | | | | create that consistency. For example, if you are |
| your project. | | | | printing on both the front of a CD and the CD jacket, |
| The Technical Differences | | | | offset printing will make it easier for the two to appear |
| One of the first things that you need to understand is | | | | similar. |
| the technical differences between offset and screen | | | | Screen Printing: Pros and Cons |
| printing. For screen printing, during the first step of the | | | | Screen printing is faster and easier to set up, which |
| process, the image is burned onto a film positive from | | | | means the project is often cheaper than offset printing, |
| the electronic artwork. Then ink is pushed through a | | | | particularly for smaller runs. Screen printing can also |
| fine mesh screen onto the object being printed. | | | | provide you with a faster delivery time, which is ideal |
| With offset printing, the image is burned onto the | | | | for those with a tight deadline. |
| printing plate. The plate is then inked and the image | | | | If you are trying to match a specific color, then it is |
| transferred to the surface of the item. | | | | easier to accomplish with screen printing, which will |
| Offset Printing Considerations | | | | give you truer color results. You will also be able to use |
| If you think the offset printing process is right for you, | | | | metallic and fluorescent inks with this process. |
| then there are some things to consider. For starters, | | | | However, solid colors may not print as well with |
| offset printing is more expensive and time consuming | | | | screen printing as they do in offset printing, and the |
| to set up, which means the final cost can be pricey if | | | | lower line screen used means that the surface is not |
| you only need a few units. The process becomes | | | | as smooth. |
| more cost effective after 5,000 units. It can also mean | | | | Deciding which printing method is right for you is a |
| that you will have a longer delivery time due to the | | | | personal choice. You will need to take into |
| more complex process. | | | | consideration what you are printing, how many copies |
| If you are transferring photographs or images using | | | | you need, the quality and colors of your artwork, and |
| percentages of color, then offset printing will provide | | | | even the turnaround time that you need for the |
| you with better image results. You will need higher | | | | finished project. With these considerations in mind, you |
| resolution photos for offset printing to get the best | | | | will be able to choose the printing process that is right |
| possible image, and the lines will be smoother with | | | | for you. |