Digital Printing

Our printers use soy ink, which is eco-friendly eliminating waste and friendly to the environment. Digital printing refers to methods of printing from a digital based image directly to a variety of media. Digital printing soemtimes can have a higher cost per page than more traditional offset printing methods. However, this is usually offset by the cost saving in avoiding all the technical steps in between needed to make printing plates. It also allows for on demand printing, short turn around, and even a modification of the image (variable data) with each impression. The savings in labor and ever increasing capability of digital presses means digital printing is reaching a point where it will match or supersede offset printing technologies ability to produce larger print runs at a low price.

Offset Printing

Offset printing is a commonly used printing technique where the inked image is transferred (or "offset") from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface. When used in combination with the lithographic process, which is based on the repulsion of oil and water, the offset technique employs a flat (planographic) image carrier on which the image to be printed obtains ink from ink rollers, while the non-printing area attracts a water-based film (called "fountain solution"), keeping the non-printing areas ink-free.

Letterpress Printing

Letterpress printing (form of printing text from its invention by Gutenberg in the mid-15th century until the until the second half of the 20th century) is relief panting of text and image using a press with a 'type-high bed' printing press and movable type, in which a reversed, raised surface is inked and then pressed into a sheet of paper to obtain a positive right-reading image. 

In addition to the direct impression of inked movable type onto paper or another receptive surface, letterpress is also the direct impression of inked printmaking blocks such as photo-etched zinc 'cuts' (plates), linoleum blocks, wood engravings, and others. We offer this elegant printing alternative at Santa Rosa Printing.

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