1. Identify Printing Processes

2. Lithography/Offset Paper substrate High Quality
Inks dry incompletely (by absorption of paper) This causes ink from newspaper to rub off on hands.

3. Gravure / Etching High Quality Continuous-image products
Gift Wrap
Vinyl Floor Covering
Wallpaper
Long-Run Publications
Catalogs
Retail Inserts

4. Lithography / Offset fingerprint
Type and Line Art are smooth when magnified with loupe.
Relatively smooth edges on the type and no “halos”

5. Gravure / Etching fingerprint
Type and Line Art have serrated edges when magnified with loupe.
The serrated edges around the type are a sure sign that it is gravure.

6. Flexography Plastic Substrates Packaging Material Some newspapers
Can print on smooth and rough substrates

7. Flexography fingerprint
A “halo” pattern is noticeable on lower end of packaging material.
Lighter ring appears around edges.

8. Screen Printing Used for outdoor products
Used for non-paper substrates
Used for non-flat substrates

9. Use logical deductions…
Identify the substrate
Consider the volume of printing (how many were printed?)
Is there pattern repeated (gift wrap)
Look at the “fingerprint” using a loupe.