Lithography or flat-printing is the most inexpensive printing process. Member stores who have in-house printing capabilities often use this form of printing to create informal social invitations and correspondence for young adults. While there is nothing inherently wrong with lithography, our members have seen many examples of home-made or print-shop business cards and stationery which are, quite frankly, a disgrace. This has less to do with the printing process than the paper stock, how the paper is cut and the appalling use of color in the design. If you are starting a new business or are self-employed, you would be well advised to spend a bit of time to have an experienced stationer work with you to develop your business correspondence.
The great advantage of lithography is that it is affordable and relatively easy to learn. Much in-store printing is done with laser and ink-jet printers that are well within the financial reach of most households. Most member stores have a wide selection of imprintable paper stock and invitations that most buyers can print themselves. Color resolutions on monitors and in printers need to be continually adjusted to achieve “true” color matches. Also, certain printers can only handle papers of limited thickness and length. As such, heavy paper stock or place cards may be beyond the printing capabilities of many home or office printers.