Types of Commercial Printing

In our overview of commercial printing, we mentioned some common techniques used to create commercial print products. Here, we’re going to explore each of those techniques in greater depth, so you can gain a strong understanding of their applications. Of course, to ensure you’re always using the right technique for the job, you can’t beat the advantages of working with an experienced commercial printing partner.

The Big Two

Let’s start by discussing the two core print techniques employed by professional print shops today. These methods are used not just for commercial print work, but by publishers and packaging printers as well.

Offset Printing

Offset printing uses custom-made metal plates. These plates are inked, then the ink is transferred to a rubber roller. That roller is what ultimately lays the ink down on the paper. The name ‘offset’ comes from the fact that the plate itself never makes direct contact with the paper. This method is preferred for large print quantities.

Digital Printing

Digital printing uses a commercial version of the technology found in common home and office printers. It is more affordable than offset printing for smaller runs, because it does not require the creation of any plates. However, it is less ink efficient, making it more expensive the more prints you need. This makes is a preferable choice for smaller jobs.

Five Other Commercial Printing Techniques

The following six commercial printing techniques are either less common in commercial printing or are a specific version of the two main techniques mentioned above. While generally less efficient or flexible than offset or digital printing, they all still have specific applications.

Large Format Printing

Large format is a specific type of printing that can be achieved with offset, digital, or other print techniques. Its distinguishing characteristic is the size of the equipment it requires. Large format printers can range anywhere from a couple feet wide to 15 feet.

Screen Printing 

Screen printing uses thick ink pressed through a mesh screen to create an image. It is a popular printing technique for clothing and fabric accessories, as it creates a vivid image that holds up to washing and wearing. However, it is a fairly labor intensive process.

Letterpress Printing 

Letterpress printing is one of the oldest commercial printing techniques. It involves either arranging individual characters or creating custom plates that are then inked and have the paper pressed into them. The process creates an emboss and an inked image in one go. In a commercial context, it’s usually used for items like business cards, stationary, and certificates.

Lithographic Printing

Lithographic printing is another very old commercial printing techniques. Originally, large limestone blocks were ground by hand and then etched with chemicals to create an image that could be printed, hence the name ‘lith-’ referring to stone. Today, lithographic printing can refer to a number of printing processes, including a type of offset printing.

Flexographic Printing 

Flexographic or ‘flexo’ printing uses flexible plates mounted on rollers to rapidly produce prints. It’s extremely fast and cost effective, but it’s not well suited to reproducing more complex images and designs. It’s a popular commercial printing technique for labels, packaging, and items like wrapping paper.

Specialty Printing Techniques

Finally, there are many specialty and finishing print techniques that can be used to enhance commercial print products. These techniques include treatments like gloss, foil, embossing, die cutting, and soft touch. The techniques on offer will vary from printer to printer, so if you have a specific effect you want, ask your print provider about it early in the project planning process.  

If you’re curious to learn more about the ins and outs of commercial printing, check out our post on eco-friendly practices in commercial printing. And if you’ve got a commercial printing project in mind, we’re here to help at Wallace Carlson Printing! Get in touch with us today to get started.