What is overprinting?

Overprinting is a great way to save money, when you are a bigger company who may need lots of different names on the same style business card (for example). You benefit by getting bulk printing discounts by printing the basic card (known as base-stock) which has everything except the information which you would like customised on each card.

(click on the image for larger version)

For example, persons name, direct phone number and email address for each individual is different so you would leave this off the base stock. In the case of business cards, they may be left 4up (4 cards on one page ready to be cut out) because it is easier to overprint them like this.

Next, the designer (me) prepares the "overprint" which includes that custom information, as separate artwork. The 'overprint' would be 4up (4 times on the same size page) to match the pre-printed bulk base stock.

Now, the base stock is run through the printing machine for a second time and the overprint is applied to it - creating a finished, customised business card in whatever small quantities you need for each person. Overprinting base stock both takes advantage of bulk printing savings, as well as making the most of only ordering exactly what you need for each person.

This method also considerably improves turnaround times because you can still have all your fancy features like spot gloss or silver foil, which normally takes 7-10 days - because the stock is pre-printed the overprinted final cards would only take a few days to complete and deliver.

Overprinting can be used for many other applications and other printed material. If you would like more information about overprinting, or how Medform may be able to help your business - please contact us today.

-- Heather Measday | graphics@medform.com.au