Printing Techniques

Classic Lamination

The most common imprint for a four color process bag. Each color is printed on a film (clear for a glossy finish, frosted for a matte finish) utilizing either gravure printing or flexography. Lastly, the film is laminated onto the bag’s material.

ChromaPrint

A technique in which a sheet of aluminum foil is placed between the film and the bag’s material. The aluminum creates a metallic effect (chrome or brushed metal) on the print. A white ink can also be used on the film to mask the metallic effect on some areas of the print.

Glamprint

A form of selective varnish. It creates a combination of glossy and matte finish on the bag. Unlike typical Selective Varnish, Glamprint doesn’t easily replicate an image, so its more effective use is for a tone-on-tone effect.

Sublimation

The process begins with mirror printing artwork onto transfer paper. Next, a pneumatic press is used to heat and press the paper against the material. The ink evaporates, transfers and solidifies itself onto the fabric.

PixiePrint

This technique mixes metallic dust with silkscreen ink to create a glittery effect. PixiePrint roughly costs the same as regular ink and provides the client with a truly spectacular result.

Silkscreen Print

An ink block stencil first transfers the ink on the fabric. A squeegee then forces the ink throughout the open area of the stencil, completing the printed artwork. It is the most economic printing technique, but not always the most long-lasting.

Hot Stamping

Hot Stamping is achieved by printing a 4 color process artwork on a transfer film. To fuse the film with fabric, the film is then stamped with heat and pressure. Finally, a steel stamp in the outline of the artwork is molded to enable a clean cut artwork.

Laser Engraving

A fantastic technique: A laser will raze through a layer of fabric to create a classy tone-on-tone effect. The results are absolutely show-stopping!

Foil Stamping

Similar to hot stamping, foil stamping is achieved by stamping a film, either of a metallic color or a holographic pattern, onto the material. A steel stamp shaped with final artwork is molded to create the perfect imprint of the vector art.

Offset printing

Offset printing is a common printing technique. The inked image is transferred (or "offset") from a plate to a rubber blanket and then to the printing surface. It is typically used for 4 color process printing on paper bags.