There are many different printing / finishing methods amongst which are 4 colour process printing and spot colour printing, foil stamping and embossing / debossing. Each method is capable of producing quality printed material, but it is important to know which method fits your specific printing needs. The information below will give you the information you need to choose which printing method is right for you.

1. Azimuth Print, the UK’s premier printer
https://www.azimuthprint.co.uk/

2. There are many different printing / finishing
methods amongst which are 4 colour process
printing and spot colour printing, foil stamping
and embossing / debossing. Each method is
capable of producing quality printed material,
but it is important to know which method fits
your specific printing needs. The information
below will give you the information you need to
choose which printing method is right for you.

3. Process Usage Texture Detailed
4 Colour
Process
Four colours of ink (cyan,
magenta, yellow and black)
are mixed together to create
colours.
Typically for prints with
more than three colours.
Spot
Colour
Print
The Pantone Matching
System is a collection of pre-
mixed inks that can be used
for specific colours.
Commonly used for
prints with 1-3 colours,
but can create unlimited
number of hues.
Foil
Stamping
A film is applied to the paper
in the desired area using
heat and pressure.
Used for its metallic
options and
combinations with
embossing.
Embossing
Debossing
Embossing raises the image
out of paper, debossing
recesses the image into
paper.
Often used to highlight
logo and/or
combinations with other
methods.

4. 4 Colour Process Spot Colour
Print
Foil Stamping Embossing
Debossing
Colour
Selection
Millions of colour
can be made.
There is a limited
colour palette,
but there are over
1500 colours to
choose from.
Colour are
determined but
type of foil used.
Selection
includes metallic
and non-metallic
colour.
Does not apply.
Colour
Consistency
Different
printers will
produce
different results.
Colours will vary.
One specific ink is
used to print a
colour and will
remain
consistent.
Printers stock
some colour
films, so colours
are consistent
when using the
same printer
Colour is not
applied, but it will
always be
consistent with
the colour of your
paper.
Brand
Colours
Colours are not
spot on, but can
be imitated with
a close match.
Colour are
matched
specifically to a
company’s brand
colours.
Does not apply. Does not apply.

5. 4 Colour Process Spot Colour Print Foil Stamping Embossing
Debossing
Photos &
Gradients
The ability to
make nearly every
colour allows for
full colour photos
and gradients.
Photos will need to
be converted to
monotone or
duotone images.
Does not apply. Does not apply.
Metallic
Options
Colours cannot be
printed
metallically.
There are metallic
inks to choose
from.The ink
contains bits of
metallic material to
shimmer.
There are
metallic films to
choose from.
The film is highly
reflective to
produce a shine.
Does not apply.
Neon
Colours
It is not possible to
produce bright
neon colours
because the inks
are mixed.
Only one ink is used
so it is able to
create bright and
vibrant neon
colours.
Does not apply. Does not apply.

6. Dark / Coloured Stock
Only darker inks
can be printed on
dark or coloured
stock paper.
Coloured stock
will slightly
change the colour
of ink being
applied.
4 Colour Print
Spot Colour Print
Foil Stamping
Embossing / Debossing

7. Thick Stock
A heavier and
thicker stock type.
Can be coated or
uncoated and
makes for great
printed materials.
The thicker the
paper, the harder
it is to emboss.
4 Colour Print
Spot Colour Print
Foil Stamping
Embossing / Debossing

8. Coated Stock
Coated stock is
smooth and has
varying degrees of
gloss. Ink sits on the
surface of coated
stocks, producing
sharp and bright
images. Heavy ink
coverage can result
in cracking at the
scores.
4 Colour Print
Spot Colour Print
Foil Stamping
Embossing / Debossing

9. Uncoated Stock
Uncoated stock is
smooth and has
no gloss on it. Ink
soaks into the
paper, which may
result in slightly
duller colours.
Cracking does not
occur and a lot of
ink can be applied.
4 Colour Print
Spot Colour Print
Foil Stamping
Embossing / Debossing

10. Textured Stock
Texture stock comes
in many different fine
textures, ranging
from linen to felt to
tweed. Using a
textured stock can
add richness to any
print. Since textured
paper has crevices,
ink may not cover the
paper consistently
resulting loss of
detail.
4 Colour Print
Spot Colour Print
Foil Stamping
Embossing / Debossing

11. VisuallyTextured Stock
Visually textured
stocks can be a good
alternative if you
want a more subtle
texture or if you don’t
want to deal with
limitations of
physically textured
paper. Visually
textured stocks are
typically uncoated
and have a fine grain
or small fibres
embedded into them.
4 Colour Print
Spot Colour Print
Foil Stamping
Embossing / Debossing

12. Call 0117 332 0055
or e-mail to
sales@azimuthprint.co.uk
for details and prices.
You can order online at
www.azimuthprint.co.uk