Print With Us!
What is a Risograph?
A Risograph is a stencil-based digital duplicator. Traditionally it's been used as a copy machine to produce simple one or two color images for offices, churches, or schools that would need a large quantity of prints in a cost effective manner. Though it looks like a copy machine it acts more like a screen printer on steroids. It uses thermal heads to cut a precise stencil that is wrapped around an ink drum, which holds one specific color. This drum holds the ink, the screen and the stencil. In the printing process the paper is fed through one side of the machine, wrapped around the drum where the ink pushes out onto the page, and then like magic shoots out the other side. This machine is made to print at high speeds and large quantities which brings some faults that turn into charming characteristics. Those being loosely reliable registration, vibrant colors, and halftoned and dithered images. This is what is so enticing to us about the Risograph, it's never a perfect representation of your image but that adds to the quality and style which is where the machine plays its part in the collaborative process.
Our Colors
Risograph machines use pre-mixed, soy-based inks. The colors can be used with transparency to make an overlapping effect, creating a variety additional colors. Our current colors are Sunflower, Bright Red, Violet, Aqua, and Black.
Sunflower, Red, Aqua, Violet, and Black color chart printed on 6" x 7" 67 lb. Cardstock Paper.
Black, Aqua, Red, and Sunflower color chart printed on 8.5" x 11" French Paper Speckletone Cream.
Violet, Aqua, and Sunflower color chart printed on 8.5” x 11” copy paper.
Violet, Red, and Sunflower color chart on 8.5” x 11” copy paper.
Printing With Riso
Risograph printing is a cost effective form of printing for large quantities. The larger the quantity, the cheaper each print become to produce. We do not recommend for individual or smaller edition sizes. Generally, we ask for a minimum edition of 100 for books and 50 for prints, but willing to be flexible considering the project.
Types of projects we’ve worked on:
Prints
Posters
Books
Zines
Post Cards
Wedding Invites
J-Cards and CD inserts
Magazines
Check out our previous client’s projects here.
The Quirks of Riso Printing
As the Risograph is printing at high speeds and large quantities, a variety of faults, imperfections, lovable quirks, and charming characteristics are bound to happen, which include:
Misregistration
Uneven coverage
Smudging
Tire Marks
Check out more examples of the quirks here.
Paper
The Risograph can print on any paper weight between 60lb text to 80lb cover. All paper must be uncoated. Due to the size our studio, we do not currently carry stock paper. We’d be happy to help pick out paper with you and order it to our studio at cost.
Sizes
The Risograph can print any size between 4” x 6” and 11” x 17”. Allow for a files a .25” border on all side of the image. Printing a full bleed image is not possible. A full bleed is possible if trimmed down. We only print on standard sizes such as 8” x 10”, 8.5” x 11”, 11” x 14”, and 11” x 17”. Custom sizes can be achieved through our Finishing Services.
Binding and Finishing Services
We are available for Binding and Finishing services including Trimming, Folding, Saddle Stitch (Staple) Binding, Spiral Binding, and Thermal Binding.
More information about Binding and Finishing Services can be found here.
Additional Resources
Have a project you need printed?