How to Choose the Right Printing Technique for your Custom Booklets

Does getting the best results for your custom booklet depend on choosing the right print technique? The answer is… it depends. The physical results don’t always show a dramatic difference between techniques. However, things like price, print speed, and accuracy are substantially influenced by the methods you use.

Understanding Different Printing Techniques 

There are two main commercial printing techniques used these days: digital printing and offset printing. The common wisdom is that digital printing is best used for shorter print runs and where fast turn-around times are needed. This is because digital printing does not require the creation of printing plates, saving time and, with low print quantities, money.

However, offset printing is the preferred method for larger print runs, say 500 booklets or more. This is because, despite the fact that the plates used in offset printing are more expensive upfront, the cost of laying down ink with offset printing is actually lower than with digital printing. This means, after a certain quantity has been surpassed, the initial plate production costs becomes negligible, while the savings on ink keep adding up.

Another distinguishing factor between the two techniques to consider is color accuracy.  Offset printing allows for the use of spot or Pantone Matching System (PMS) colors. This is a highly accurate method of color matching, beyond what standard digital printing can offer. This accuracy is particularly important for achieving optimal image and brand color accuracy.

Special Techniques for Custom Booklets 

In addition to deciding between the two main printing techniques, customizing your booklet may require choosing between different print finishing options. These special techniques impart various visual and textural qualities to the final print. The most popular finishing options include:

• Foil – Adds shiny, often metallic or reflective details to the booklet. Popular for the covers of event programs, investor presentations, and other formal pieces that need to make a powerful impression.
• Gloss – Adds a transparent, shiny coating over all or part of the booklet design. Can be used on covers or interior pages, especially as a means to enhance important details.
• Soft touch – Adds a tactile, velvety texture to all or part of the booklet design. Especially popular for use on cover details as way to enhance a booklet’s perceived quality.
• Embossing and debossing – Creates a stamped or raised impression on the booklet. Typically used on covers to highlight important details like logos and titles.

Find Your Perfect Print Method with Wallace Carlson

At the end of the day, each booklet is unique, and finding the right print processes to create them requires individual attention and expertise. You’ll find those things with Wallace Carlson Printing, where we pride ourselves on our Michelin Star-level client experience. We’ll work with you to understand your goals, perfect your booklet design, and find just the right combination of print techniques to achieve your ideal final product.

Curious about more ways to enhance your custom booklets? Check out the various types of custom booklet solutions or explore top design tips to create visually stunning booklets.