Monday, September 24, 2012

Wedding Invitations 101: Digital Printing verses Offset Printing

How do you know if you should choose digital or offset printing for your wedding invitations? 

Put on your glasses everyone, welcome to class! In Wedding Invitations 101 today, we are going to break it down for you. 

The first thing you should know is that digital printing is produced on a digital press which uses toner instead of ink whereas, offset printing is produced on a traditional roller press which uses ink that comes out of a can. 

At Jaffa Printing, we offer both digital and offset printing. It is important to understand both methods of printing so that you can choose the one that's right for you. 


OFFSET PRINTING:

Upon walking into the print shop, you will smell the thick aroma of ink and hear the hum of rollers turning. These are the sounds and scents of traditional offset printing.

If you are interested in using a metallic ink or doing raised printing then offset printing is definitely the method for you as these options are not available on a digital press.


If you have a preference for the ink to have more of a matte look, you should choose flat offset printing. Which brings me to my next point.


Another benefit to this method of printing is that both flat and raised printing are available on an offset press. But keep in mind that if you choose raised ink, the ink will take on more of a shiny shimmery look.

It is important to note that offset printing is usually a more expensive method of printing. It is a much more involved process that requires burning plates, hand mixing ink and washing down rollers. 


This method takes more time because it is more involved but also because in offset printing, the ink comes off the press wet and needs plenty of time to dry.

DIGITAL PRINTING:
If you are interested in flat printing, low prices, or beautiful photographic invitations then you should choose the digital method of printing. 

If you like smooth paper and prefer the ink finish to have a little bit of a sheen, this would be another reason for you to choose the digital method of printing.

The most common reason people choose digital over offset printing is for the FAST turnaround. If time is of the essence, you should definitely choose digital.

See, now that wasn't so bad, was it? Imagine how impressed your friends & family will be by your newly acquired knowledge in printing.

Now I know what you are thinking, you are wondering about the price difference aren't you. Click here to see an example of the PRICE difference between digital and offset methods of printing.
Happy Wedding Planning,
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