You probably didn’t expect to work with printers during your career as a web designer or developer—but if you’ve been in the business for very long, you know that it does happen. Which means you need to learn how to pick the right imprint methods in order to avoid costly mistakes.
Printing with inks
There are two main types of ink printing—four color process (also known as CMYK) and PMS. And the type of ink you need to use for a certain project is more than just a matter of preference. Each printing method has its own specific purpose.
CMYK printing mixes four colors to create original inks, which makes it great for recreating photos and other complex designs. However, these colors vary from one printer to another. That’s why PMS inks work better if you need to match exact brand colors, include large areas of solid color, or add neon or metallic colors to your design.
Printing with texture
Besides printing with inks, there are also several methods that offer texture to a design. Three of the most popular are foil stamping, embossing, and debossing.
Foil stamping is a great way to apply color to dark stocks, because the foil’s shininess really stands out against the paper. Since not all printers carry the same foil colors, you may have to adapt your design if you switch to a new printer.
Embossing raises the stock’s surface, while debossing recesses it. These options are the same color as the paper stock, so many people combine them with foil or ink to help the design stand out. Neither method works well on thick stocks, which make it harder for the paper to retain the impression of the design.
Conclusion
These tips come to you from Company Folders, a print shop and design firm. Learn more about them and see examples of their work on their website.
