Printing is a procedure for reproducing images and text with ink on paper using a printing press. It is usually carried out as a large-scale industrial process and is an essential part of publishing and transaction printing. There is a lot of different printing techniques, these can be used in any type of printing procedures.

Printing Techniques

Embossing/Debossing

These are very similar processes that create different results, although both processes involve making a metal plate and a counter. Paper is stamped between the plate and counter when the plate is mounted on a press, the force of the stock pressure pushes the plate creating the impression. The only difference between the two printing techniques are debossing creates a depressed impression whilst embossing produces a raised impression. There are two ways you can use the printing technique of embossing at home, dry embossing and heat embossing.

Dry Embossing

Dry embossing – also known as ‘relief embossing’ – is done by tracing a stencil with some paper over it with something called a stylus (a hard point, typically of diamond or sapphire, following a groove for reproduction) to get the raised effect.

Heat Embossing

Heat embossing – also referred to as stamp and heat embossing – is done by stamping an image on a piece of paper, sprinkle powder over the stamped page and then applying heat to it, such as an iron.

Silk Lamination/Lamination

Silk lamination is a printing technique that provides a soft, silky finish that is water-resistant and tear-resistant, and rounds off dynamic colours. These pieces are traditionally printed in full-colour, however to get the unique texture the cardstock is coated with a hard wearing, weather-resistant, silk laminate finish. This printing technique can also be a liquid that dries to a tough gloss or dull surface, or it can be a film. Both bond to the surface to protect it and give it a shine or a hush effect.

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