Detailed Explanation and Application of 20 Printing Processes

20 Printing Processes

#1 Four-Color Printing

• Principle: Reconstructing color originals by mixing CMYK (Cyan/Magenta/Yellow/Black) inks.
• Features: Rich in colors, suitable for printing photos and gradient colors.
• Tips: Pay attention to the color difference between printed products and the screen. It is recommended to confirm by proofing.

#2 Spot Color Printing

• Principle: Using inks of independent colors other than CMYK (such as Pantone colors).
• Features: Solid single-color printing without dots, and large dark color blocks are not easy to show through.
• Application: Brand logos, packaging backgrounds.

#3 Screen Printing

• Principle: Ink is printed onto the substrate through the mesh of the screen, supporting three-dimensional textures.
• Features: Thick ink layer, saturated colors, suitable for T-shirts, posters, and irregular surfaces.

#4 RISO Printing

• Principle: Stencil monochromatic printing, with random color mixing effects produced by multi-color superposition.
• Features: Environmentally friendly ink (soybean oil-based), strong retro grainy texture.
• Application: Hand accounts, independent publications.

#5 Laminating

• Classification: Glossy film (high gloss), matte film (matte), crystal film (three-dimensional).
• Function: Waterproof and wear-resistant, improving texture.
• Comparison: Glossy film is suitable for promotional items, and matte film is suitable for high-end picture albums.

#6 Embossing/Debossing

• Embossing: Local protrusion (such as LOGO embossing).
• Debossing: Local depression (such as texture engraving).
• Application: Business cards, gift boxes, certificate covers.

#7 Texturing

• Principle: Forming textures (such as cloth grain, leather grain, water wave grain) by applying pressure with a mold.
• Features: Enhancing the sense of touch layers, replacing traditional laminating.

#8 Spot UV

• Principle: Locally coating UV varnish, which forms a high-gloss area after curing by ultraviolet light.
• Effect: Highlighting key graphics and texts, increasing visual focus.

#9 UV Reverse

• Principle: The surface oil and base oil are mixed, and after UV light irradiation, a contrast between  (frosted) and high gloss is produced.
• Features: Realizing the contrast between bright and matte surfaces on the same layout, enhancing the sense of exquisiteness.

#10 Reverse Frosting

• Principle: Using the difference in UV varnish tension to form concave-convex texture.
• Effect: Simulating metal wire drawing/leather texture, suitable for high-end packaging.

#11 Varnishing

• Classification: Glossy varnish (high gloss), matte varnish (matte), UV varnish (wear-resistant).
• Function: Protecting ink, improving gloss or touch.

#12 Edge Gilding

• Types:
  • Gilding on edges: Hot stamping with metallic colors (gold/silver/red).
  • Color spraying: Spraying a single color on the edge.
  • Screen printing on edges: Printing patterns on the edge.
• Application: Hardcover books, high-end business cards.

#13 Dot Line Pressing

• Function: Pressing out dotted lines for easy tearing, or decorative patterns.
• Application: Coupons, tickets, hand account stickers.

#14 Hot Stamping (Gold/Silver)

• Principle: Transferring metal foil (gold/silver/laser color) by hot pressing.
• Features: Enhancing the sense of luxury, often used for LOGOs or titles.

#15 Water Transfer Printing

• Principle: Transferring patterns to curved objects (such as cars/cups) using a water medium.
• Features: Adapting to complex shapes, with strong simulation effects.

#16 Laser Embossing

• Principle: Combining UV varnish and laser film to form a colorful reflective effect.
• Features: Environmentally friendly and degradable, with anti-counterfeiting function.

#17 Die Cutting

• Principle: Cutting out special-shaped contours (circular, wavy, animal-shaped) with a mold.
• Application: Greeting cards, packaging boxes, cultural and creative peripherals.

#18 Foaming

• Principle: Screen printing foaming ink, and the graphics and texts bulge after heating.
• Features: Three-dimensional touch, suitable for Braille or decorative protrusions.

#19 Flocking

• Principle: Short fibers are vertically adhered to the substrate to simulate the texture of flannelette.
• Features: Soft hand feel, moisture-proof and wear-resistant, suitable for high-end gifts.

#20 Glitter Printing

• Principle: Printing metal foil flakes to form a shiny reflective effect.
• Features: Long-lasting color, suitable for holiday decorations and celebration materials.  

CM Printing Shenzhen Co., Ltd can undertake all the aforementioned types of printing processes. If you need any assistance, please feel free to contact us at any time.