Printing Methods

Question 1

Screen printing

Answer 1

• It works by forcing ink through a stencil.
• Unique method.
• Stencil reflects printed image, is made from paper or card supported by fine mesh.
• Photographic stencils can be made with using a computer.
• Ink is spread and forced through mesh with spreader.

Question 2

Gravure

Answer 2

• Used to produce HQ photographic images.
• Can reproduce fine detail.
• Costly
• It is opposite to letterpress (printing areas lower).
• Image engraved on a copper plate.
• Cells make up picture

Question 3

Flexography

Answer 3

• Uses a relief plate (made from flexible material like rubber).
• Used to print unconventional materials, e.g. Polythene for packaging.
• Good to use with these materials because ink evaporates from mix with solvent, and so it dries quickly.

Question 4

Lithography

Answer 4

-Most common process
-Flat printing plate which image is transferred to photographically, by UV light.
-Plate washed in chemical ink which makes the oil-based ink attract.
-Other areas repel from water.
Used for medium to large prints because set-up costs are high.

Question 5

Letterpressing

Answer 5

One of the oldest forms of industrial printing.
It is a relief method as the printing plate is not flat.
A printing plate is prepared with the image to be printed raised above the surface of the plate.
Surface coated in ink, pressed into paper
Expensive process- plate is specially made with the need of high-quality paper.
Uses-stationary, high quality books