Offset Printing

Offset printing is a commonly-used printing technique where the inked image is transferred (or “offset”) from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface. When used in combination with the lithographic process, which is based on the repulsion of oil and water, the offset technique employs a flat image carrier on which the image to be printed obtains ink from ink rollers, while the non-printing area attracts a water-based film (called “fountain solution”), keeping the non-printing areas free of ink.

Advantages of offset printing compared to other printing methods include consistent high image quality and lower cost. Offset printing is the cheapest method for producing high quality printing in high numbers.