Magazine Printing: 3 Helpful Q & As

Many companies choose to use our wide range of printed brochures for their custom-made magazines. And who can blame them! With numerous options to choose from, 30 years’ experience and free UK delivery, our printed magazines hit the spot! However, if you’re keen to create a custom magazine, you might have some questions about the process. How are magazines printed? What is the process of magazine printing? Etc. We answer your questions here!

Q: What paper should I use for magazine printing?

When it comes to magazine printing, there’s a lot of important choices you need to make. One of the first will be: what type of paper should you use for custom printed magazines?

We offer Silk paper as standard, because it is the most popular and commonly used for magazines and printed brochures alike. A light material is securely bonded to paper under pressure and heat, offering a pleasantly aesthetic sheen to the surface. Unlike Gloss paper, it isn’t high shine and won’t be very reflective, but it does add a professional finish. Most business cards are printed with silk paper, so it’s that kind of extra touch that can present your magazine or brochure in the best possible light. Silk paper is also soft to touch, adding a pleasant tactile sensation for magazine readers!

However, we make sure we cover all sorts of magazine printing, including eco-friendly magazines. For environmentally conscious readers and brands, we offer uncoated and recycled paper stocks.

If you’re looking for a super glossy magazine (something like high fashion or baking) we’d suggest going for the Gloss paper; the high shine will make your colours pop and make the magazine all the more attractive.

Of course, you’re welcome to mix and match – a Gloss cover to grab the attention and recycled pages to keep your commitment to eco-friendly magazine production, perhaps? 

Whatever combination of paper stocks you need for your printed magazines – we can help!

Q: What are the different methods of magazine printing?

There are two main methods of magazine printing:

1. Digital magazine printing

Digital printing is fast. There’s no need to create specific plates per print run – your printed brochure or magazine design goes from computer to printer! 

This technique is best used for short runs or magazine printing where you need variable data (e.g if you pop your customer’s address on the front in a mailing list). 

2. Lithographic magazine printing 

Lithography came into the public printing arena as early as 1817, so it’s a tried and tested method … of course, we’ve modernised it a bit since then! The process consists of creating plates of your printed design, wetting them, inking them and print the finished product.

Lithographic printing is often considered best for long print runs of the same item, as once you’ve created the plates you can make copies time and time again. 

3. Letterpress

You may have heard of magazines printed via a letterpress technique. This is an older method of printing (circa 15th century) which is starting to go extinct! Sometimes called ‘relief printing’, a printing press is used to produce copies by impressing an inked, raised surface – like a large-scale stamp. (Want to learn more about the letterpress technique? Take a look at this informative article).

Q: What optional extras are there for a printed brochure?

Whether you’re creating a printed brochure, magazine, programme, catalogue or more – you’ve got plenty of options to ensure your finished product stands out from the rest!

Create:

• Foiled magazines – use foil to highlight parts of your design – choose from ten colours
• Spot UV magazines – a highly reflective finishing extra that will add class and luxury to your finished item
• Laminated magazines – choose from a wide variety, including Anti-Scuff and Soft Touch (for an extra smooth, silky feel).

Got a question about your printed magazines that we didn’t answer? We can answer it now!