Digital Prints
Orders less than 100 will be printed with a digital printer. This is a cost-effective and "greener" printing option because there is less wasted chemical and paper. There is no need to bring the image "up to color" and check for registration and position.
High volume orders of 100 of more will be printed via digital offset printing. Digital Offset printing takes your design and creates a plate out of it. The image is then transferred with ink, or "offset," from the plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing paper. The cost of creating the plate is more expensive and requires more work than digitally printing, but is faster and more efficient for a large quantity.
The following are the types of finishes for your digital prints:
| Matte finish paper has a dull coating applied to the paper surface that yields a non-shiny, smooth finish that is superior for color contrast and text clarity. Matte finish paper is well known for its versatility and can be used with designs that contain white space, solid colors, photographs or a combination of these elements. The matte finish enhances soft and simple designs such as those with a focus on text, lines or borders while complementing colorful designs like landscapes and illustrations. | Glossy finish paper has a high gloss coating applied to the paper surface that yields a smooth, shiny finish, vivid colors, vibrant images and excellent reproduction. Glossy is best used on full color designs that have bright solid colors, photographs or bold patterns. Designs that contain prominent headlines, rich colors and tones, lots of imagery and minimal text are well-suited for a glossy finish. (Text heavy designs tend to be difficult to read on a glossy finish - we recommend a matte finish for them.) | Linen-finish paper has a subtle embossed finish throughout the paper surface like finely woven cloth. The tooth of this paper will show through and actually become a part of the overall design. Linen is best used with designs that contain a lot of white space or with light, solid color designs. It enhances soft and simple designs such as florals, toiles, borders, and those that contain light pastel colors or where the background color has a subtle appearance. Linen also works better with designs that focus more on elegant typography than with the heavy use of imagery. A design printed on linen paper will appear less vibrant but will evoke a much warmer and more classic feel. |
Thermography
Pretty in Prints is proud to announce that our designs are now available to be printed via thermography. Thermography printing is when the text and/or design appears raised. The cost is more for this type of printing, but the result is very formal and professional looking.
Thermography printing is acheived by heating a powdered polymer onto the inked areas through a radiant oven system and exposed to temperatures of 900 to 1300 degrees Fahrenheit. There are many options for the look of your thermography printing and can range from shiny, matte, to metallic. Your design can be created to incorporate thermography text, design or both. Prices vary depending on the size, amount and number of colors used on your prints.