How we work, from initial consultation through to print
Print options... choice of materials... fonts... design.... if you are new to print production and a little bewildered, we can guide you painlessly through all the possibilities or, you maybe quite experienced in this field and deliver us your existing brief. Either way, once we have put together your design, we will send the results to you as a PDF 'proof' for checking, or you may prefer to see it in person here at The Print Factory.
The proof is important as it lets you see the concept come to life and gives you an opportunity to make any amendments or alterations to the layout. When you are completely happy with your bespoke artwork we then ask you to 'sign it off'. Once we have received this final confirmation it gives us the nod to go to print.
We take pride in our hands-on, skilled, know-how, to produce your individual print requirements. We have extremely high expectations and believe that printing is a craft which only a true, experienced professional can undertake.
The proof is important as it lets you see the concept come to life and gives you an opportunity to make any amendments or alterations to the layout. When you are completely happy with your bespoke artwork we then ask you to 'sign it off'. Once we have received this final confirmation it gives us the nod to go to print.
We take pride in our hands-on, skilled, know-how, to produce your individual print requirements. We have extremely high expectations and believe that printing is a craft which only a true, experienced professional can undertake.
Choosing the right kind of printing
Lithography
Lithographic printing provides high image quality which is much more consistent compared to digital printing and allows you to specify a colour match to a specific pantone reference number. Lithography is used to print large quantities of the same item, such as business cards, letterheads, presentation folders and prospectuses in
a single print run.
The technology works on the basic principle that ink and water do not mix. The image is put on a thin metal plate which is dampened by water and ink from rollers on the printing press.
The oil-based ink adheres to the image area and the water to the non-image area. The inked area is then transferred to a rubber cylinder or "blanket" and then onto the paper as it passes around the blanket. The process is also known as "offset" since the image does not transfer directly from the plates to the paper but is offset or transferred to another surface as the intermediary.
Thermography
Thermographic printing provides a luxurious yet affordable embossed feel and with it's texture and durability, lends itself perfectly to items such as greeting cards, invitations, business cards and headed stationery.
Thermography is a process where the image or type is raised. The process starts with the ink, still wet, being coated with a fine powdered resin. The excess powder is then removed and, as the printed matter passes along a conveyor belt on the thermo-machine, extreme heat fuses the print onto the card/paper and the combination of powder and ink dries to create a glorious textured, raised, high gloss finish.
Digital
We also offer digital printing which differs from offset printing as there is no need for film, plates and pre-press assembly work. The 'ideal' solution for small runs with a quick turnaround.
Lithographic printing provides high image quality which is much more consistent compared to digital printing and allows you to specify a colour match to a specific pantone reference number. Lithography is used to print large quantities of the same item, such as business cards, letterheads, presentation folders and prospectuses in
a single print run.
The technology works on the basic principle that ink and water do not mix. The image is put on a thin metal plate which is dampened by water and ink from rollers on the printing press.
The oil-based ink adheres to the image area and the water to the non-image area. The inked area is then transferred to a rubber cylinder or "blanket" and then onto the paper as it passes around the blanket. The process is also known as "offset" since the image does not transfer directly from the plates to the paper but is offset or transferred to another surface as the intermediary.
Thermography
Thermographic printing provides a luxurious yet affordable embossed feel and with it's texture and durability, lends itself perfectly to items such as greeting cards, invitations, business cards and headed stationery.
Thermography is a process where the image or type is raised. The process starts with the ink, still wet, being coated with a fine powdered resin. The excess powder is then removed and, as the printed matter passes along a conveyor belt on the thermo-machine, extreme heat fuses the print onto the card/paper and the combination of powder and ink dries to create a glorious textured, raised, high gloss finish.
Digital
We also offer digital printing which differs from offset printing as there is no need for film, plates and pre-press assembly work. The 'ideal' solution for small runs with a quick turnaround.
The finishing touches
When it comes to 'print finishing', this final leg of the journey is implemented with equal care and attention, ensuring our customers continue to receive the highest quality of service right to the very end. We offer a wide range of in house print finishing, covering a myriad of services which are almost exclusively done by hand and executed with meticulous care and precision:
- Cutting
- Scoring
- Stitching
- Folding
- Numbering
- Padding
- Perforating
- Drilling
- Encapsulation
- Lamination
- Die Cut
Choosing your paper or card
We use reputable UK paper merchants using sustainable resources for all our paper supplies.
Our most popular ranges are:
Conqueror
Splendorgel
GF Smith range
Snow White
We are of course more than happy and willing to source and use alternative stationery stock outside of our in-house range.
Our most popular ranges are:
Conqueror
- Uncoated paper and card (120gsm, 300gsm, 350gsm)
- Smooth (wove) or Textured (laid)
- Colours: Diamond White, Brilliant White, High White, Oyster and Cream
- Envelopes to match in sizes: C4, C5, DL and C6
Splendorgel
- Ivory Board (340gsm and 400gsm)
- Uncoated very smooth board/card
- Colour: Although called 'Ivory' it is actually a bright white in colour
GF Smith range
- Uncoated paper and card (120gsm to 350gsm)
- Colours: A wide spectrum of colours and textures
Snow White
- Laser guaranteed
- Uncoated paper (100gsm and 120gsm)
- Colour: Snow white
We are of course more than happy and willing to source and use alternative stationery stock outside of our in-house range.
Behind the scenes
Litho Printing Presses
Digital
Thermography
Finishing (Cutting/numbering/perforating)
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