Our products are produced using a variety of print methods and techniques. The following categories and explanations should help you understand more about our process and how each of our products are printed. TGK has selected default print methods for each product (specified as a “quick fact”) that achieves optimal quality for optimal price. If you prefer a print method other than the default indicated, please contact us. Additional fees may apply.
| Product | Print Method (by default) |
| Signature & Couture Invitations (excluding pockets) | Offset |
| Signature Pockets | Digital |
| Save the Dates | Digital |
| Other Stationery including programs, menus, place cards, table cards, etc… | Digital-Short Run |
The Green Kangaroo reserves the right to change the default print method for any order if deemed optimal by TGK staff.
Please note: by nature, slight variation in color is possible with any print method. Ink swatches are the best indication of color (not your computer monitor).
A Note about Swatches: TGK sends out 2 different types of ink swatches – “Offset” and “Digital”. These swatches will assist you in choosing the right color for your order. For best results, be sure that the print method indicated on your swatch matches the print method indicated on the invitation/stationery you are ordering. . We do not currently have swatches for “Digital Short-Run” products.
We use a traditional 2-color “offset” printing press in which a plate makes an inked impression on a cylinder, transferring the image on to the paper. This classic process uses ink from a can, rather than building colors using CMYK (like your printer at home). Offset printing is flat and results in a crisp and pure image. It is a timeless print method, and becomes more cost effective with larger quantities as the costs are fixed.
TGK uses a commercial-grade digital printing press of the highest quality. Our digital press uses liquid ink (rather than toner) and results in high resolution digital color that rivals a traditional offset printing press. The print quality is similar to offset printing with bright, long-lasting colors. This technology is at the forefront of the color printing industry, offering the quality of traditional offset printing while capitalizing on the efficiency of a completely digital workflow. This means you get the best print quality for graphics, text and photographs at competitive prices.
When an order requires “variable data” (like guest names on place cards or envelopes) on each piece, TGK often prints in-house. We have a fleet of high quality professional design printers that we use for Digital – Short Run orders. Menus, place cards, table cards, envelopes, and occasionally programs are printed using this method. We do not currently have sample ink swatches available for Digital Short-Run products. However, the color and quality are comparable to the standard “Digital” ink swatches.
Thermography produces raised printing similar in appearance to engraving. In thermography, a special powder is added to an offset printed piece. It is then heated, and the mixture dries to form a raised image. Thermography is available on some TGK invitations. Additional charges may apply if thermography is not the default print method. Thermography may not be suitable for designs that are graphic intense. Please contact us if you are interested in Thermography.
Letterpress is one of the oldest and, some say, the most beautiful printing techniques. Metal or polymer plates are inked and then pressed into the paper. You can feel the recessed texture around the type, a distinctive characteristic of letterpress. TGK will soon be launching a Letterpress collection. Custom quotes for current designs, however, can be accommodated upon request.
Engraving is not available at TGK. The raised effect of engraving is similar in appearance to thermography without the glossy look, but the cost is substantially higher.
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