Risograph

Riso is known for its unique texture, which is created by creating photo-sensitive stencils impressed with a single-color ink drum. Originally used in schools, churches and small businesses, riso printing has gained popularity among artists, designers, and promoters who appreciate the unique look and process. Riso colors are vibrant, have a velvety finish, and layer beautifully due to their oil-based nature.

Artists enjoy the imperfect nature of risograph printing, which includes mis-registration, roller marks, inconsistent ink texture, and embrace limitations as opportunity to be creative. If you’re making posters, flyers, zines, album packaging, menus, and more, risograph is a great choice. Please note that ink transfer is a liability, as the inks are oil-based, and you must take care when handling riso prints.

Our drum colors are black, red, blue, and pink. See color swatches above.

It is recommended to use uncoated paper with a minimum weight of 13lb, 46 gsm to a maximum of 100lb, 210 gsm. Our maximum paper size is 8.5x11” and our machine handles text stock better than card.

Your files must be color-separated, using grey-tone gradients to take advantage of the unique texture of riso by overlapping colors. It is recommend that flat areas of color be at most 75% grey.

Please name your files using your name and the color you want each file printed in. For instance: YOURNAME_BLUE.PDF

We can print on both sides of the paper, but prints require a resting period between sides to limit marks. If you want to do duplex printing, please set your greys at a maximum of 75% on 1 side.