Types of printing, binding, materials, finishes and more
Welcome to The Print, the blog for printers
This is a space dedicated to learning about printing. Our experts in the field write posts explaining the different printing and binding techniques, about the materials and finishes that exist and we also write about the best known printers making realistic reviews to help you make better decisions.
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We have divided our blog into different categories so you can navigate better and go directly to the posts that interest you the most. The most relevant categories are types of prinitng and materials and finishes.
In the “materials” category we focus on explaining the different types of paper, inks and media that are used. Here you will learn which material is best for each type of project and how it affects the final result. Basic papers and special or sustainable materials. On the other hand, the “printing techniques” category is designed for those who want to understand the different printing processes, how they work and how they differ. We talk about offset, digital, screen printing and other methods.
Types of printing
- What is UV printing?UV printing is a unique method of digital printing that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to dry or cure ink, adhesive or paint almost immediately after touching paper, aluminum, foam board or acrylic; in fact, as…
- What is Giclée printing?Giclée printing is French for “spraying” or “spraying”. It refers to the process used by inkjet printers to reproduce artwork or photography to create a single copy of the original artwork. It is important to…
- Printing techniques MEGA-guideSince time immemorial, mankind has experimented with a variety of techniques to reproduce symbols and graphics, each time in a simpler, faster and more efficient way. In this search, the need for massive and realistic…
- Offset printing What is it and how does it work?Offset printing, also called offset lithography, in commercial printing, is a widely used printing technique. The inked image on a printing plate is printed on a rubber cylinder and then transferred (i.e. offset) to paper…
Binding
- What is paperback or softcover binding? Characteristics and typesA paperback book is a book whose pages are bound in a flexible paper cover (such as a paperback novel, a company annual report or a magazine). It is the opposite of a hardback book,…
- Glue binding What is it?In this article we will discuss glue binding, one of the most common and widely used types of binding When printing a book, catalogue, magazine or any similar product, one of the most important aspects…
- Types of binding for booksThere are very specific reasons to choose between the different types of binding for books. Get to know the advantages of each and decide which style best suits your book Bookbinding is the process of…
- Hardcover binding. Everything you need to knowHardcover binding is perhaps the binding method most prized by book lovers, as it gives any work a unique and magical look, unlike other types of binding. If you are thinking about printing a book…
Printing materials
- What types of paper are there?Paper has been fundamental in the history of mankind. From ancient scrolls, paper has evolved into a large number of different types, each manufactured to meet different needs. In this article we invite you to…
- Recycled paper What is it + 7 benefitsRecycled paper is paper that is turned back into paper. The best paper to use is 100% post-consumer recycled paper, which is made from scraps of paper that the consumer can no longer use for…
- Japanese paper or Washi What is it?Japanese paper, or washi, is one of Japan’s most fundamental and often overlooked artistic products. Over 1,300 years of production it has formed the backbone of many other Japanese art forms In fact, washi paper…
- Bond paper. Characteristics, uses and advantagesBond paper is a high-quality, durable writing paper, similar to bank paper, but weighing more than 50 g/m2. The most common weights are 60 g/m2 , 75 g/m2 and 90 g/m2 . Its name derives…
Finishes
- What is the cleft in printing?Cleft is a process that is carried out after printing and consists of making a groove or mark by pressing the paper or cardboard at the point where it is to be folded in order…
- What is lamination in printing? Everything you need to knowLamination is the process of applying a thin layer of plastic to sheets of paper or cards to enhance and protect print products. The most common types are glossy, matte and silk type. Plasticising is…
- Zig zag folding What is it?Let’s talk about zig zag folding One of the most common print finishes you will see is folding. Folding is a procedure that usually takes place after printing and cutting. It is done by special…
- What is wrap-around folding?The wrap-around folding, also known as the tri-fold (in its simplest version), is commonly used for multi-page advertising brochures. To create the popular tri-fold, the sheet is folded inwards twice: once on each side, dividing…
Paper sizes
- Business card size. What are the dimensions?What is the right size business card? Business cards are one of the most popular print products, they are a quick way to give a customer all the essential contact details and remain one of…
- DL size. What are the dimensions of the DL?Knowing DL size and other common formats is important whether you are in the world of graphic design or if you are doing any kind of print work for your workplace or business. We are…
- Size A5. What are the dimensions of DIN A5?The A5 size is one of the most used formats in the printing world, knowing the different formats used in printing is important to choose the one that best suits our project. In this article…
- Size A6 What are the dimensions of DIN A6?The size A6 or DIN A6 is without any doubt one of the most used formats in printing works, knowing its main characteristics and measures is essential for those people who want to dedicate themselves…