AZAR SAYAN's Print Guides

Transferring a pattern onto an object is achieved by different methods which distinguishes the printing methods from each other. Also, plate differences can cause different printing methods. (Except digital printing which its main difference is not having plate.)

Screen Printing

The most popular type of plate which is popular because of easy preparation of screen is screen printing. The screen is made of net which by blocking some holes; the ink is transferred from the open holes onto the object to make the pattern.

Gravure Printing

It was the main paper printing method, and modern print paper started with this type of printing.  We all, sometimes, print using the same method. Whenever you fingerprint a piece of paper for identification purposes, in fact you are using gravure printing. Our fingers are used as print plate. In this method, the object is engraved to form a pattern; ink from the surface is then transferred to the object. Stamping paper is also another example.

Intaglio; transferring ink from the engraved surface

Normally, copper or zinc plates are used as a surface, and the incisions are created by etching, engraving, drypoint, aquatint or mezzotint. Collographs may also be printed as intaglio plates. To print an intaglio plate, ink is applied to the surface and then rubbed with tarlatan cloth to remove most of the excess. The final smooth wipe is often done with newspaper or old public phone book pages, leaving ink only in the incisions. A damp piece of paper is placed on top and the plate and paper are run through a printing press that, through pressure, transfers the ink from the recesses of the plate to the paper.

Digital Printing

Currently, we are using this method in many homes and offices as small printing machines for small quantities of papers. The plate is omitted in this method; and microprocessor system transfers the photo on the paper dot by dot.