OUGD406 Studio Brief 02 - Licence to Print Money - Traditional Print Methods

Traditional Print Methods:

Letterpress:
Relief printing using a printing press, a process by which many copies are produced by repeated direct impression of an inked, raised surface against sheets or a continuous roll of paper. A worker composes and locks movable type into the "bed" or "chase" of a press, inks it, and presses paper against it to transfer the ink from the type which creates an impression on the paper.

+ Letterpress has the ability to create bold crisp prints with high quality ink.
+ The handmade quality of letterpress creates a sense of intimacy and craftsmanship.
- Due to the multi-step process and custom plates, letterpress can be expensive.
- Multiple colours with letterpress is far more time consuming than in other processes since each colour requires another run through the press.

Screenprint:
A technique of printing where a mesh is used to transfer ink onto a substrate, except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a blocking stencil. 

+ Perfect for larger designs consisting of one or two colours.
+ Ideal for printing onto cotton and poly cotton clothing items.
+ The ink is heat dried, therefore garments can withstand the roughness of machine washing.
+ Durable
+ You can print on a large variety of materials - no limitations.
+ Effective and economical
- Each colour is applied separately, making the cost higher per additional colour.
- Separate screens are required for each individual design. So, for each additional colour, a new screen will need to be used.
- Not the best option if your design consists of several colours.
- Coated fabrics cannot be screen printed.
- Longer turn around time if many colours are used.
- Time consuming to set up and clean.
- Impractical for the production of a single item.

Digital Print vs Press Print:

Digital

• Less expensive
• Lose colour accuracy
• Lose colour range
• Cost of proofing 
• Can be faster
• Limited paper choice
• Limited finishing choices
• Limited choice of material sizes, styles and formats

Press Printing

• More costly
• Excellent colour accuracy
• Brighter colours are available
• Cost of proofing
• Press printing can take longer than digital
• Types of paper
• Fine line screens are available
• Wide range of finishing techniques
• Innovative formats, shapes, and sizes are possible