Poster Design Poster Production and Print 2

Question 1

What is 'screen printing' (serigraphy) and when is it preferred for posters?

Accepted Answer

Forcing ink through a mesh stencil for each color layer, preferred for limited-edition art posters

Answer

Screen printing pushes ink through a fine mesh screen for each separate color, prized for its vivid, opaque inks and tactile quality in art posters.

Question 2

What is 'color registration' in multi-color poster printing?

Accepted Answer

The precise alignment of each color layer on press so they combine correctly

Answer

Color registration ensures each ink layer aligns perfectly with others so the combined print appears sharp rather than blurry or color-shifted.

Question 3

What is the purpose of a 'press proof' before a large poster print run?

Accepted Answer

A sample print made on the actual press and substrate to verify color and quality before full production

Answer

A press proof uses actual press conditions, inks, and paper to give an accurate preview before committing to the full production run.

Question 4

What does 'GSM' measure in relation to poster paper selection?

Accepted Answer

Grams per square meter — the weight and thickness of paper stock

Answer

GSM (grams per square meter) quantifies paper weight — higher GSM means heavier, thicker paper, which gives a premium feel to posters.

Question 5

What is 'large format printing' in the context of poster production?

Accepted Answer

Printing on substrates wider than 24 inches using wide-format inkjet printers

Answer

Large format printing uses wide-format inkjet printers to produce banners, trade show displays, and posters wider than standard commercial presses.

Poster Design Practice Test