Studio Q Printery

Risograph

Soy-based inks. Separate passes through a stencil drum. That unmistakable grain, vivid colour, and the beautiful imperfection of mis-registration. Our signature process.

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Risograph printed piece — Studio Q Printery
Risograph printing detail — Studio Q
Risograph printed stationery — Studio Q Printery
Risograph print work — Studio Q Printery Auckland
§ 01 — How it works

The Process

01

Separate your colours

Artwork must be prepared as individual grayscale layers — one per ink colour. Darker values = more ink density on the final print.
02

Burn the master

The Riso thermally burns a stencil from each layer — the "master" — which wraps around the ink drum inside the machine.
03

Print each pass

Paper feeds through the drum once per colour at up to 130 sheets per minute. Each pass lays down one ink layer.
04

Embrace the mis-reg

Slight shifts in registration between passes create that signature overprint and mis-aligned charm. It's the soul of risography — never fight it.
§ 02 — File requirements

Specs & Setup

File format Separate grayscale PDF per colour layer, or layered PSD/AI with spot colour layers clearly named
Colour mode Grayscale per layer — black = full ink, white = no ink, grey = halftone
Resolution 300 dpi minimum at final print size
Bleed 3mm on all sides
Colour layers Maximum 4 ink colours per job (each requires a separate drum pass)
Max sheet size 330 × 487mm (A3+). Standard sizes: A6, A5, A4, A3, A3+
Stock Uncoated paper 80–200gsm. We can print on your paper — ask us.
Ink range 12 inks in stock — see full colour catalogue

Not sure how to set up your file? We offer a pre-press check service — send us your artwork and we'll advise before print.

§ 03 — Pricing guide

Starting Prices

Small format
A6 Cards
From $XX
NZD per 50 copies
  • 1 or 2 ink colours
  • Single or double-sided
  • 80–120gsm uncoated
  • PDF file check included
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Most popular
A5 Zine / Poster
From $XX
NZD per 50 copies
  • Up to 3 ink colours
  • Single-sided poster or folded zine
  • 80–120gsm uncoated
  • Pre-press check included
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Large format
A3 / A3+ Print
From $XX
NZD per 25 copies
  • Up to 4 ink colours
  • Single-sided poster
  • 100–200gsm uncoated
  • Pre-press check included
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All prices are starting guides in NZD and exclude GST. Final pricing depends on quantity, number of colours, and paper stock.

Ready to print?

Send us your artwork or brief and we'll get back to you with a quote. We love working with artists, designers, and makers of all kinds.

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