How do you print this stuff?

We utilize a method of printing called offset lithography. In this method, an image is transferred from a metal or polyester printing plate onto a rubber blanket and then “offset” onto the paper as it passes between the blanket and the impression cylinder. This differs from methods of printing such as screenprinting or letterpress in that the plate (and thus the image) never come in contact with the paper.

This style of printing has been around for about a century and is still the most affordable method for high quality reproduction.

What kind of equipment do you use?

The press we use is an Itek 3985 / Ryobi 3302 twin tower offset printing press. This is a true two-color press, complete with two blankets and register table, allowing for two colors to be printed in a single pass with great control over registration.

Our paper cutter is a Challenge Champion 30.5″ cutter with a hydraulic clamp and push-button blade. In short, it’s terrifying.

All of our pre-press work is done in Adobe InDesign CS5.

How do you make plates?

We print them directly from our computer onto polyester laser plates. These plates are great for line art, text, and runs under 2,000. Though their resolution is not as high as traditional metal plates, they are much more affordable for short runs.

How do you feel about the environment?

We frickin’ love it. That’s why we try to print as responsibly as we can! We use the vegetable-based Brigl press wash, as well as soy-based Zipset inks. Our dampening system is alcohol-free and we try to re-use everything from the boxes our supplies are shipped in to the paper bag our bagel came in (seriously, NYC – why does everything need its own bag?). We love to print on 100% post-consumer recycled paper whenever possible, as well. Generally speaking, we usually print on stock that is at least 30% post-consumer recycled and in many cases 60% post-consumer recycled.