Guides · By the Liberty Press pressroom team
Heatset vs coldset web printing: a publisher’s guide
Heatset and coldset are the two main types of web offset printing. Both print on continuous rolls of paper at high speed. The difference is how the ink dries, and that decides which papers you can use, how the finished piece looks and what it costs.
How each process dries the ink
Heatset presses send the printed web through a dryer just after the printing units. The ink dries largely by evaporation, then chill rolls cool the paper and set the ink before folding and cutting (Wikipedia: Offset printing). The result is a glossy, high-contrast image, typically on coated paper.
Coldset presses use no dryer. The ink dries by absorption into the paper (and some evaporation), so coldset is suited to uncoated, supercalendered and matte papers that let ink soak in (TC Transcontinental).
Side-by-side
| Factor | Heatset web | Coldset web |
|---|---|---|
| Drying | Dryer oven plus chill rolls | Absorption into the paper |
| Papers | Coated and uncoated, including gloss | Uncoated stocks such as newsprint |
| Look | Glossy, sharp, high contrast | Matte, softer |
| Typical products | Magazines, catalogs, inserts and other medium-to-high quality runs (Wikipedia) | Newspapers, directories, inserts, forms and books on uncoated paper (TC Transcontinental) |
| Energy and emissions | Higher; dryers need emission controls (U.S. EPA) | Lower; most ink oils stay in the paper (U.S. EPA) |
| Cost | Higher per copy | Usually the most economical option (Wikipedia) |
When to choose heatset
- Magazines and catalogs where photo quality sells the product
- Coated or gloss paper
- Pieces readers keep, or that represent a premium brand
When to choose coldset
- Newspapers, tabloids, directories and inserts
- Long runs where cost per copy matters most
- Uncoated stocks with a natural, matte feel
What about UV?
UV inks cure instantly under ultraviolet lamps instead of drying by heat or absorption. Some web presses add UV so they can print higher-gloss color on stocks that would otherwise run coldset (Wikipedia).
How Liberty Press can help
Liberty Press runs all three: high-gloss heatset, coldset with up to 4 webs, and UV web offset presses, plus in-house binding and USPS mailing. If you are unsure which process fits your publication, a consultant can quote both. See our printing capabilities or call 801-853-5353.
Get a quote on your next project
Talk with a Liberty Press printing consultant about quantity, page count, paper, binding and mailing. We help you find the most effective way to spend your printing dollar.