Identify Printing Processes

Lithography/Offset Paper substrate

High Quality

Inks dry incompletely (by absorption of paper)This causes ink from newspaper to rub off on hands.

Gravure / EtchingHigh QualityContinuous-image products

Gift Wrap Vinyl Floor Covering Wallpaper

• Long-Run Publications Catalogs Retail Inserts

Lithography / Offset fingerprint Type and Line Art are smooth when magnified with loupe.

Relatively smooth edges on the type and no “halos”

Gravure / Etching fingerprint Type and Line Art have serrated edges when magnified with loupe.

The serrated edges around the type are a sure sign that it is gravure.

Flexography Plastic Substrates

Packaging Material

Some newspapers

Can print on smooth and rough substrates

Flexography fingerprint A “halo” pattern is noticeable on lower end of packaging material.

Lighter ring appears around edges.

Screen Printing Used for outdoor products

Used for non-paper substrates

Used for non-flat substrates

Use logical deductions… Identify the substrate

Consider the volume of printing (how many were printed?)

Is there pattern repeated (gift wrap)

Look at the “fingerprint” using a loupe.