Latex printing — pros and cons

In the fast-paced world of advertising and visual communications, choosing the right printing technology is crucial. One modern technology that is rapidly gaining popularity is latex printing. What does this method involve, and what are its advantages and disadvantages? In this article, we will explore this technology in detail and compare it with solvent printing.
What is Latex Printing?
Latex printing is a digital technology that uses water-based inks infused with latex. Through the application of heat, the inks quickly adhere to the material, allowing the finished products to be used immediately. This method is more environmentally friendly, as it does not emit harmful substances, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and does not require chemical solvents.
Advantages of Latex Printing
Eco-Friendliness and Safety
One of the main advantages of latex printing is its environmental cleanliness. The absence of harmful emissions makes it safe for both equipment operators and those nearby. This is an ideal solution for companies that prioritize environmental sustainability and employee well-being.
High Image Quality
Latex printing ensures excellent color reproduction and high clarity. The prints feature sharp outlines and vibrant shades, which is particularly important for advertising or decorative materials.
Durability and Resistance
Latex prints are characterized by high resistance to external influences, UV light, and mechanical damage. This makes them suitable for both outdoor and indoor applications.
Variety of Materials
The technology allows for printing on various surfaces, such as paper, film, fabric, or banners. This provides extensive possibilities for application in diverse projects.
Speed of Execution
The prints dry immediately after printing, eliminating drying time and significantly accelerating the production process.
Disadvantages of Latex Printing
High Energy Consumption
The ink curing process requires elevated temperatures, leading to higher electricity usage compared to other printing methods.
Insufficient Black Depth
Some customers have noted that achieving a deep black is not always possible with latex printing, which can affect the quality of certain prints.
Material Requirements
While the technology is versatile, certain materials may require special treatment or may be incompatible with this type of printing.
Latex and Solvent Printing
Solvent Printing
Solvent printing is a technology that uses inks derived from chemical solvents. This method is widely used in large-format printing, particularly for outdoor applications.
Advantages of Solvent Printing:
Rich Black Color and Vivid Shades
Solvent printing is renowned for its ability to achieve deep tones and bright colors.
Resistance to Environmental Conditions
Prints produced with solvent inks are characterized by high durability and the ability to withstand outdoor elements.
Low operating costs
Solvent-based inks are typically cheaper, which reduces overall printing costs.
Disadvantages of Solvent Printing:
- Emission of Harmful Substances – Solvent-based inks release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are detrimental to health and the environment.
- Extended Drying Time – Printed materials require more time for solvents to evaporate, prolonging the production process.
- Limitations for Indoor Use – Due to emissions, solvent prints are not recommended for indoor environments without adequate ventilation.
At Four zeros printing house, we offer a wide range of printed products on various materials and thicknesses. After assessing your order's needs, our specialists will select the most suitable printing technologies considering your budget and project requirements, ensuring the highest quality printing.
Latex and Solvent Printing - Comparison
When to Choose Latex Printing?
Opt for latex printing:
- For indoor applications such as interior decoration, wall graphics, wallpaper, or advertising materials within buildings.
- For environmentally oriented projects where reducing negative impacts on the environment is essential.
- When speed is a priority and you need ready prints immediately after production.
- For safe solutions, such as in schools, hospitals, or restaurants, where it is important to avoid harmful VOC emissions.
When to Choose Solvent Printing?
Opt for solvent printing when:
- You need to produce large quantities for outdoor applications, such as banners, billboards, and other materials designed for long-term use outside.
- Your budget is limited, and printing costs are a determining factor, while environmental concerns take a back seat.
- High color saturation is required, especially for projects where color intensity is paramount, particularly for deep black shades.
Summary
Latex printing is a modern, eco-friendly technology that offers significant advantages, especially for interior projects and tasks that require quick turnaround. Despite some drawbacks, such as higher initial costs and increased energy consumption, its benefits often outweigh these concerns when quality, safety, and environmental sustainability are prioritized.
When considering the advantages and disadvantages of latex printing, it's important to evaluate them in light of specific needs and requirements. In comparing latex and solvent printing, factors such as the application area, budget, quality requirements, and environmental impact should be taken into account.
Choosing the right printing technology is crucial for the success of a project. Therefore, it is advisable to consult professionals who can help identify the best solution tailored to individual needs.
At our printing house, Four zeros, in Warsaw, you will find the top experts ready to assist you in selecting the appropriate printing technique based on your project's needs and complexities.
Powiązane produkty
You might also be interested in

Personalized printing: invitations, labels, gift cards
Personalization in digital printing is more than just decoration — it’s a powerful marketing tool that leaves a lasting impression. Personalized print creates a sense of exclusivity: each client feels special. Products like custom labels, invitations, or name tags help establish an emotional connection between a brand and its audience.
Research shows that 80% of consumers are more likely to choose a product that reflects their personal needs and emotions. That’s why personalized printing — from simple name cards to large-scale campaigns — is becoming one of the most effective branding channels in today’s content-saturated world.
Why do personalized products have such an impact?
- Strengthening the brand
Custom designs on invitations, labels, and gift cards are a powerful way to make your brand memorable. Placing your logo and brand identity on every item creates a cohesive image of your company. - Greater customer engagement
When a customer sees their name on a gift card or an invitation, they feel recognized and valued. This small but meaningful gesture helps build long-term relationships with your brand. - Resource efficiency
On-demand personalized printing allows you to produce only the quantity you need. Less waste, no overproduction — maximum efficiency.
Where does personalization make the biggest impression?
- Invitations: weddings, business events, or parties. Custom names and designs add elegance and distinguish your design from generic templates.
- Labels: for bottles, products, or souvenirs — with a name, company, or personal dedication. Creates a real “wow” effect in real life.
- Gift cards: personalized cards are both an emotional gift and an effective loyalty tool.
How does it work in practice? Personalisation technologies
- VDP (Variable Data Printing): each invitation or label can feature unique names, QR codes, or custom images.
- Custom die-cutting: products in any shape: hearts, logos, bottles. Not only creative, but also emotionally engaging.
- Printing effects: spot varnish, foiling, embossing. These techniques add beauty and a distinct personal style.
Practical tips from Four zeros
Invitations to remember
Use custom graphics and die-cut shapes instead of standard templates.
Labels with character
Add a name, QR code, or promo code — with VDP, each item is unique.
Elegant gift cards
Choose personalized printing, designer paper, and striking finishes.
Quality in small runs
On-demand printing lets you produce exactly the quantity you need — no leftover stock.
Conclusion
Personalized invitations, labels, and gift cards are more than just attractive print — they’re a strategic way to show that your brand knows and values its customers. Technologies like VDP, custom die-cutting, and foil stamping allow you to create products that impress both emotionally and visually. Want your invitations to be memorable, your labels to catch the eye, and your cards to feel luxurious? Turn to Four zeros — we’ll bring your project to life with precision, speed, and creativity. Thoughtful personalization - heartfelt printing. Four zeros.

Designing and preparing for print: mistakes to avoid
Anyone who has ever prepared a layout for print, whether these are business cards, flyers, posters or packaging, knows that mistakes are often spotted only after the final product is received. But by then it’s already too late: you end up reprinting and spending more money. That’s why at Four zeros we created this simple, practical guide to help you save costs and avoid unnecessary stress.
1. Not setting colors to CMYK
Why does it matter? On screen, colors appear in RGB, but printing is done in CMYK. So, the question is: CMYK or RGB for print? The answer is simple — always CMYK. If you don’t switch, your project may look dull or distorted, and the colors you saw on your monitor won’t match the print.
Four zeros tip: Always prepare your print file in CMYK. If you’re working in RGB, convert before exporting, run a color proof, and only then send it to print. This also applies to vector graphics.
2. No bleeds or safe margins
Why does it matter? Without a 3–5 mm bleed, important elements risk ending up too close to the edge or being cut off.
Four zeros tip: Always add 3–5 mm bleed for backgrounds or elements near the edge. Keep key content (text, logos) at least 5 mm away from the trim line.
3. Low-resolution graphics
Why does it matter? For quality print, images must be at least 300 dpi at 1:1 scale. Low-quality or web images will look blurry.
Four zeros tip: Use high-resolution files (300 dpi or vector). If scaling up, do it carefully, or switch to vector formats (SVG, EPS). For PDFs, check quality in a graphics editor.
4. Wrong fonts or text not converted to outlines
Why does it matter? If you use custom fonts that the print shop doesn’t have, the software may replace them, changing your layout.
Four zeros tip: Either include fonts with the file (if the license allows) or, preferably, convert text to outlines. This guarantees your layout looks exactly as intended.
5. Incorrect margins and ignoring folding methods
Why does it matter? For folded leaflets or brochures, it’s important to account for the spine width and inner margins. Otherwise, text may fall into the fold.
Four zeros tip: Design with folding and spine width in mind. Check with the print shop about paper thickness and margin sizes before finalizing.
6. Lines too thin and details too small
Why does it matter? Lines thinner than 0.1 mm may not print at all.
Four zeros tip: Use lines at least 0.3 mm thick. Enlarge or simplify very fine details for reliable results.
7. No protective finish (laminate, varnish)
Why does it matter? Without protection, prints are easier to scratch, smudge, or damage. The right finish not only protects but also enhances appearance.
Four zeros tip: For frequently handled items, choose matte, glossy, or soft-touch laminate. For business cards, 3D varnish adds elegance.
8. Skipping a preflight check
Why does it matter? Even small errors (wrong color profiles, missing fonts, no bleed) can affect print quality or make printing impossible.
Four zeros tip: Always run a preflight check (for example, in Acrobat Pro) or send your file to the print shop for verification. A proof is especially useful for large-format projects or packaging.
Conclusion
Preparing for print isn’t just about visuals, it’s also about the technical details. Avoiding common mistakes ensures a clean, professional result without extra hassle.
If you want your layout to be perfect, reach out to us. At Four zeros, we take care of every detail so the final product is not only beautiful but also reliable.
Four zeros — print you can rely on.

Printing or embroidery on textiles: what’s best for your project?
Introduction
Customising clothing is a powerful way to build your brand, express visual identity, and stand out in the market. When it comes to choosing between printing and embroidery, a range of factors come into play: fabric type, purpose of the garment, budget, and the look you want to achieve. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each technique.
Machine embroidery – elegance and durability
Machine embroidery is the process of stitching a design with threads controlled by a computer. It’s considered a premium option due to its long-lasting quality and refined appearance. A growing trend is printed embroidery – a combination that merges classic printing with embroidery for a unique aesthetic.
Advantages:
✔ Durability – doesn’t fade, wash out, or wear off.
✔ Professional look – adds a sense of prestige.
✔ Versatility – works well with various fabrics: cotton, polyester, jersey, leather.
Disadvantages:
✖ Higher cost – especially for small runs or intricate designs.
✖ Limited detail – hard to reproduce small elements or colour gradients.
✖ Thickness – may feel bulky on lightweight garments.
Textile printing – colour and precision
Textile printing is the process of transferring an image onto fabric using various methods: screen printing, sublimation, direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, or heat transfer. It has gained popularity thanks to its precision and ability to reproduce complex graphics.
Advantages
✔ High detail – ideal for rendering fine elements and shadows.
✔ Vivid colours – especially effective for bold logos.
✔ Cost-effective for large runs
✔ Lightweight – doesn’t alter the fabric’s structure, ensuring comfort.
Disadvantages
✖ Less durable – the print may fade over time.
✖ Fabric limitations – not all fabrics are suitable for printing.
There are also hybrid techniques available – such as printed embroidery or embroidered print, which combine the strengths of both methods for a unique effect.
Comparison of Techniques: Embroidery vs Textile Printing
When choosing between embroidery and textile printing, several key factors come into play. Durability is one of the main advantages of embroidery — it is highly resistant to wear and washing, making it ideal for long-term use. In contrast, textile printing offers medium durability, especially when exposed to frequent washing or abrasion.
In terms of appearance, embroidery provides a raised and elegant look, giving garments a premium and professional feel. Textile printing, on the other hand, creates a flat but vivid finish, allowing for vibrant colours and a modern aesthetic.
Looking at cost, embroidery tends to be more expensive, particularly for small quantities, while textile printing is more cost-effective for larger production runs.
When it comes to detail, embroidery has limitations, especially with very fine lines or complex graphics. Textile printing excels in this area, offering high precision and the ability to reproduce intricate designs.
Finally, considering comfort, embroidery can be less comfortable on thin fabrics due to its texture and thickness. Textile printing maintains the original feel of the fabric, ensuring greater comfort for the wearer.
In summary, the choice depends on your priorities — whether you value durability and elegance, or detail, colour, and comfort.
When to choose embroidery?
- You need prestigious, long-lasting branding for uniforms or formal wear.
- You want to emphasize your brand’s status.
- The project is simple, without gradients.
- Quality matters as a company’s calling card.
When to choose printing?
- The design has fine details, shadows, or complex graphics.
- You need an economical solution for large batches.
- You value lightness and comfort in wearing.
- You’re interested in digital printing that offers precision and rich colours.
Conclusion
Choosing between embroidery and printing depends on the type of project, material, budget, and desired effect. Embroidery stands for durability and prestige. Printing offers precision and efficiency for mass production. Increasingly, combined methods are used to create unique products. If you’re unsure which to choose, contact us!
At Four zeros, we’ll help you select the best technique for your project and deliver high-quality printing and embroidery that meet your expectations.