The Ins and Outs of Printing | Myth Debunking!

Thu 29th September 2022

Want to know more about certain aspects of printing? Well, you've come to the right place! In this blog, we detail and outline some common myths and facts to do with everything print related! 

Print is not environmentally friendly - myth or fact?

Myth debunked!
It is easy to say at first glance within the printing industry that it isn't environmentally friendly; paper is made out of trees, fair point. However, paper does not deplete our finite natural resources. The production of paper actually encourages sustainable forest management. European forests have been growing by over 1,500 football pitches (the English equivalent, not the American one). Here at GP Print, we use the Presstek 34 Di Eco-Friendly Printing Press, which is waterless and chemical-free, all while using vegetable inks. High-quality results and environmentally friendly? Win-win.

Print is dead - myth or fact?

Myth debunked!
With the advancement of technology, many assume that print marketing is dying. However, the digital world is saturated, with more and more people seeking to 'detox' from screen time. That's why many businesses and individuals still spend money on newspapers, magazines and other print periodicals, which present ample opportunity for ads and inserts.

Production of print-based periodicals requires an investment of time and money. It is more closely regulated than online spaces, something which consumers are aware of. As such, advertising in print signals to readers that you are a reputable company that values investing in its brand and is willing to be scrutinised. All of this lends greater credibility.

Is print marketing less annoying than internet marketing - myth or fact?

Myth debunked!
Printing has been found to be 43% less annoying than internet marketing. Customers are often put off by a large number of promotional emails and messages. Surprisingly, they now appreciate an excellent catalogue or a thank you note in their mail.

You should only use cartridges that were created by the printer manufacturer - myth or fact?

Myth!
(Kinda) Many printer manufacturers claim that aftermarket cartridges will produce poor output quality or even permanently damage the printer. Although some aftermarket suppliers are guilty of producing cartridges of subpar quality, not all of them should be dismissed so quickly. Reputable vendors that offer quality assurance through a warranty will deliver prints on par with printer manufacturer quality.

Aftermarket cartridges will void your printer's warranty -myth or fact?

Myth debunked!
Some people are under the impression that using print cartridges that weren't manufactured by the printer company can void their printer warranty should something happen to the printer - this is simply false. Your freedom to use compatible or third-party products are protected under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Improvement Act, which prohibits a manufacturer from denying you service or a refund that would have otherwise been covered simply because you use a compatible product.

Now time for some cool facts about printing - we promise they're cool!

• It took almost two years to produce Shakespeare's First Folio. The First Folio was printed in 1623 and was the first time Shakespeare's plays were published together.

• The world's smallest printed book (according to the "Guinness World Book of Records") is a 22-page Japanese picture book containing mostly flowers that measures 0.73914 x 0.7493mm. A magnifying glass is necessary to see the images.

• The largest catalogue printed was more than 63.5mm thick? In January 2005, Aviall Services released its "Product and Catalog Book," which contains 2,656 pages and weighs 3.57 kg.

• The oldest surviving printed book is the Buddhist "Diamond-Sutra," dated 868 AD.

• Long-time writer/artist for Marvel Comics, Mark Gruenwald's last wish was to be cremated and have his ashes mixed with the ink in the Printing of a comic book.

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