How can print make your design look even better? 

Various printing techniques and finishes can be utilised to add an additional touch to your print project. We work with our clients to advise them on printing techniques appropriate for their project and budget, including advising on finishing touches to add that extra 'wow' factor.

Printing Techniques

Litho Printing

Litho printing is the traditional form of print, perfectly suited to long run work with fantastic colour reproduction. Our litho work is produced on modern presses coupled to the most recent 'computer to plate' technology. They are run by highly experienced print minders, who have an eye for detail and can produce high quality print work day in day out. We can print in CMYK, Spot Colours, Metallic inks. For spot colours we use the Pantone Matching System from which the client may choose any, or a combination, from over a 1,000 different colours. Using the Pantone system we can match any colour you like, especially if you have a sample. We can then print your corporate colours with consistent results time after time on all projects.

Digital Printing

If your requirements are for shorter runs, but full-colour is still important, then we recommend our Digital Printing service. A small print run capability means you only request what you need, when you need it. This ensures that your printed materials are always up to date. Costing less than traditional offset, there are many more benefits to Digital Print, including personalised print and short turn around times.

Specialist Print

High-quality bespoke printing for all occasions both personal and business. Using the finest quality watermarked paper with the most unique fonts and shades, we create the finest in luxury stationery. Print Works ensures watertight security and ensures your stationery is handled with the quality of service and product it deserves. We use a unique combination of traditional skills and modern technology to create the ultimate in bespoke stationery.

Engraving or die-stamping: the finest quality results are produced from an engraved die (which can be used again) for letterheads, invitations, crests etc.

Print Finishes

Thermography

This is available in a high gloss clear finish which allows the ink colour to show through and gives a smooth raised printed finish. Solid areas have an orange peel effect. Thermography adds that special touch when it matters, business cards, letterheads and invitation cards being ideal examples. When used for letterheads it should be noted that although perfectly suitable for use with inkjet printers or other processes not involving heat, the image will melt if fed through a laser printer or photo-copier.

Embossing

Embossing uses the same principle as die stamping. A female block is produced using zinc, magnesium, copper, brass or steel. These are process engraved to one depth or hand-engraved to multiple depths. In simple terms, the material to be embossed is pushed into the die using a male counterforce. Embossing can be used to raise a printed or foiled image. It also used to “Blind Emboss” images, this raises the image on plain paper.

Embossed logos are incorporated into many corporate identities, used especially on corporate invitations, business cards, letter headings and compliment slips.

Letterpress

Letterpress was the every-day printing technique for five centuries, until offset lithography took over. In very simple terms, ink is applied to the surface of metal type (which has a raised surface with a reverse image, like a rubber stamp) and the type is pressed against paper to make an ‘impression’. The finished article has a tactile quality, with a thick layer of ink and a slight indentation where the type pressed against the paper. 

Engraving

Engraved Cards are the most luxurious of cards to correspond on. Beautifully printed using copper plates that impress the print into the card, these pass the “finger test” on both sides; raised on the front and depressed on the back. A stationery connoisseur will immediately recognise the quality of your stationery and your message will leave a lasting impression.

Spot-UV

Spot Varnish is applied to chosen spots (areas), of a printed piece. This has the affect of highlighting and drawing attention to that part of the design, but it also provides the additional visual stimulus of having varied textures on a single printed surface.

One very effective technique is to apply a UV gloss spot varnish on top of matt laminated printing. This achieves maximum contrast between the highly reflective shiny UV coating and the light-absorbing matt laminate, and can, for instance, create a striking first impression on presentation folders or a brochure cover.

Die Cutting

Precision die-cutting can be critical to the finished presentation of your printed point of sale material here at Print Works will have many years experience in crafting accurate dies combined with state of the art finishing equipment to provide a quality finished result. Any shape die-cut is possible, a rabbit for easter, a heart for valentines, a cracker for Christmas, it's up to you.