Special print finishes in the graphic arts industry

There are various types of printing systems in the graphic arts industry. Each one involves three processes: prepress, press, and postpress. To deliver a high-quality product, it is not only necessary to pay close attention to the printing itself, but also to take into account the preparation and finishing of the print.

Table of Contents:

• 1. Printing Processes in the Graphic Arts
  • 1.1. Prepress
  • 1.2. Print
  • 1.3. Post-printing
• 2. Large-format printing finishes
  • 2.1. Acabados más comunes en impresión de gran formato

1. Printing Processes in the Graphic Arts

To gain a better understanding of the types of special finishes offered by the industry, it is necessary to address the differences between each printing process. The description of each phase provided below is general in nature, so as not to go into too much detail about each type of printing system. However, we will place special emphasis on digital printing and will discuss the final process—post-printing, more commonly referred to as finishing—in greater depth.

1.1. Prepress

This is the pre-press phase, the process in which the job is optimized. Tasks such as scanning, color proofing, film production, etc., are carried out. In digital prepress, tasks focus on image digitization, text processing, digitization of originals if needed, pagination, assembly of digital publications, layout, etc. In short, it is a phase designed to optimize and prepare for printing, taking into account resolutions, dimensions, format, content, and media.

1.2. Print

Among the most common printing systems are: offset printing, rotogravure printing on rotary presses, flexographic printing on rotary presses, screen printing, and digital printing. For each system, the equipment, techniques, and substrates are different.

Digital printing differs from other techniques primarily in that it does not use a printing plate. In this regard, its low costs and printing speed are its main advantages.

There are various technologies that fall under the umbrella of digital printing, and each of these techniques differs based on the format used.

The very versatility of digital printing makes it possible to print on a variety of substrates, such as paper, canvas, banners, or vinyl. When it comes to banner printing, there are three main types of materials: frontlit banner, micro-perforated banner (also called mesh), double-sided (blockout) banner, and backlit banner.

1.3. Post-printing

Finishing plays a practical, functional, and quality-related role in the printing process. Once printing is complete, the material must be die-cut, folded, and varnished to prepare it for assembly.

For example, when printing book-style documents, post-printing finishes include binding, stitching, ring binding, creasing, perforating, and half-cutting.

Special finishes in graphic printing on paper refer to the following types of finishes: lamination, encapsulation, varnish, stamping, faux embossing, debossing, security ink, etc.

In digital printing for signage on canvas and banners, the finishes depend on how the material will be displayed. In any case, to achieve an excellent finish, three factors must be taken into account: the quality of the material, reinforcement of the edges, and the correct choice of grommet type.

2. Large-format printing finishes

In the visual communications sector, large-format printing of posters and advertisements is a very common technique that yields excellent results for advertising materials. These are used by retail businesses, shopping centers, trade shows, festivals, and events in general.

The most common substrates used in the industry are vinyl, canvas, flags, billboards, and large-format paper. It is important to evaluate the type of substrate and the technology to be used based on production volumes and whether the piece will be displayed outdoors or indoors.

2.1. Most Common Finishes in Large-Format Printing

Cut to the bone

Once the banner has been printed, it must be cut to the selected size. This is commonly used at trade shows and events, and is the most basic way to finish a banner.

Perimeter Reinforcement

This system is recommended for maximizing tear resistance. The perimeter is reinforced either by folding the tarp over or by using a strip of tape along the perimeter to increase the thickness where the fastening system (eyelets) will be installed.

To attach this load-bearing tape, you must use high-frequency, hot-air, hot-wedge, or ultrasonic welding techniques.

Its use is necessary for all types of fastening; however, for very small tarps intended for use for one or two days and not exposed to inclement weather, this option can be omitted.

Vainas

Also known as a gusset, these serve as an alternative to grommets. They are commonly used on banners or in indoor spaces. This reinforcement is created by folding the canvas material so it can be sewn or welded. Once this fold is made, a tube is inserted to secure it.

For indoor use, you may only need a tube at the top; for outdoor use, it is recommended to use an additional lower tube to provide rigidity.

One of the drawbacks of this technique is that, if the stitching method is used, the material suffers significantly from being constantly pierced, which affects its tensile strength. Visually, the stitching detracts from the canvas’s appearance, as it is very visible on the image.

Securing the tarp with grommets

The use of grommets ensures proper installation of the canvas. Grommets are necessary to protect the canvas from the tension exerted between the support and the frame. Without this component, the canvas would tear easily.

The choice of grommet will depend on the type of canvas and its finish. To install it, you must use specialized machines to punch holes and attach the grommet.

Velcro and Adhesives

They are another way to reinforce the perimeter area. You can use double-sided tape to join the fabric on the back and front sides.

It is recommended for printing shops that do not have welding equipment or for applications such as frames. Adhesive Velcro is sometimes used, as in pop-up displays.

The graphic arts industry encompasses a comprehensive system of solutions for visual communication. It is an industry undergoing constant transformation driven by the latest technology. Understanding the various processes gives us a comprehensive view of graphic arts and large-format signage.

At PLASTGrommet, we are manufacturers specializing in digital printing finishing solutions, driven by our commitment to quality.