surfaceprinted

Surface printing refers to a method of transferring an image or pattern onto a surface, typically a flat one. It is a broad category that encompasses various techniques where the printing element is raised and comes into direct contact with the substrate. This contrasts with intaglio printing, where the image is etched into the printing plate, or offset printing, which uses an intermediate blanket cylinder.

In its simplest form, surface printing can involve manually applying ink to a stamp or stencil and pressing it onto a material. Industrially, it is often associated with flexographic printing, a type of rotary relief printing. In flexography, flexible printing plates with a raised image are mounted on cylinders. As the substrate passes between these cylinders and an ink-covered roller, the raised areas of the plate transfer ink to the surface. This method is commonly used for printing on packaging materials like plastic films, paper bags, and cardboard.

Another application of surface printing can be found in decorative printing on materials such as wallpaper, laminates, and textiles. Here, large rollers or plates with the desired pattern are used to apply ink or other coloring agents to the surface of the material as it moves through a printing press. The key characteristic remains the direct contact between the raised image carrier and the substrate being printed.