Source: The Creative Greenhouse
Within graphic design, one of the most important areas is undoubtedly printing. Although the internet and online marketing are becoming more established and more widely used by companies, that doesn't mean they shouldn't print logos, business cards, etc. And it must be done with high quality. This is where risography and screen printing come in, two widely used techniques in high-quality production that achieve different results.
Now, which one is better? How do they differ? That's what we want to talk about next. Shall we get to it?
What is risography?
Before we discuss the key differences between risography and screen printing, you need to understand the basics of each technique.
Risography is a technique that It comes from Japan and became known in the 1980s, specifically through the Riso Kagaku Corporation. It works quite simply. It's like a photocopier, except that instead of using conventional inks, soy-based inks were used. Master templates were also used, created with a rotating drum.
This allowed the printing was much faster and more efficient and ensured that large-volume runs were completed in less time and, more economically.
Another advantage of this technique is the ability to achieve very vibrant colors and even textures if done correctly. However, it has a limitation regarding color registration, as it can sometimes be inaccurate between what you choose and the tone it prints in. Added to this is the fact that the color range is smaller.
What is screen printing?
Screen printing, on the other hand, is another printing technique. However, it differs from the previous one in its origin. We can say that it is the oldest printing method in existence and Its origin dates back to ancient China. At that time, to print something, a mesh was stretched over a frame. The ink was pressed through this mesh to transfer the image to the desired location, whether it was paper, fabric, glass, etc.
In addition to this advantage, it also gives you the ability to achieve reliefs and special effects, even creating intense and long-lasting colors. But all this comes at a price: the cost is higher, especially for small production runs. And for large production runs, the technique requires a slower process, so the product cannot be delivered in a short timeframe.
Of course, it has been modernized over time, but its applications remain very diverse, unlike other printing techniques.
What are the differences between screen printing and risography?
Source: risography
Now that you know a little more about each technique, it's time to learn about all the differences that can help you determine which technique is best for you based on what you're looking for.
As we have told you before, one of the main differences between risography and screen printing has to do with the support on which they printIn the first case, risograph printing only prints on paper. However, screen printing offers more possibilities, as it can print on metal, paper, fabric, plastic, glass, or wood.
On the other hand, a big difference is colors. Risograph printing is more limited in this regard. It's true that the colors are very vibrant and striking, but the inks are limited, and so are the combinations that can be created with them. This isn't the case with screen printing, which offers much greater choice in colors and shades.
As for printing, Risograph is ideal when you want to make medium or large print runs, Because it's much cheaper than other techniques. But if the print run is small, it can be very expensive.
Screen printing, on the other hand, would be ideal when you want to print very limited products and want a high-quality finish. However, it's expensive, whether the print run is small or large, because it requires a more elaborate process.
As for the finish, In the case of risography, you will be looking at a matte and, sometimes, somewhat rough finish.. It depends on the screen printing: you can find matte, glossy, textured, etc., although this will increase the price of this print.
The time it takes to print in each technique also differs. Risograph is much faster than screen printing, since this is done with a more complex process and also requires drying.
Which is better
You now have the keys to deciding between risography and screen printing. Now it's time to decide which is best. And how can you do it? Well, we recommend that you you base it on the type of print you are going to do, the quality or finish you want and the budget. Especially in the latter.
And depending on whether you want to make a small or large print run, and whether it's of higher or lower quality, your budget will determine which of the two you'll do.
For example, imagine you're a graphic designer and want to print your portfolio so you can have copies for your clients to show them in person. Here, we're talking about a run of one or two copies, which would allow you to spend a little more in exchange for better quality in your designs. In other words, screen printing would be worth it to demonstrate quality.
On the other hand, imagine you're being asked to design a book and print 1000 copies. Since this is a large print run, risograph printing would be more beneficial, even if it means losing some quality in terms of colors (for example, on the cover and back cover). But you can always vary the shades to adapt it to this technique. Hence the importance of understanding each of them and their strengths and weaknesses so you can adapt when you have a client who will be printing (or yourself).
Which technique would you choose? Screen printing or risograph? We'll read your comments.