Dormax Press

Dormax Press Digital & Offset Quality Printing

Why Doesn’t My Reprint Match the Original?One of the most common questions in printing is: "Why does my new print order ...
03/07/2026

Why Doesn’t My Reprint Match the Original?

One of the most common questions in printing is: "Why does my new print order look different from the first one?"

Most people assume the design file or artwork must have changed. But in many cases, the file is exactly the same! Even when you use the identical digital file, several everyday factors can change how the final printed piece looks:
A different paper mill: Paper made by different companies can look and feel slightly different.
A different board or label stock: Changing the type of cardboard or sticker material changes how it absorbs ink.
A different "white point": Not all white paper is the same—some look slightly blueish-white (cool), while others look yellowish-white (warm).
Different coatings: Glossy, matte, or protective finishes can drastically change the final colors.
Normal press variations: Printing machines naturally have tiny shifts in color and ink flow from one day to the next.

Consistency Starts with Planning
None of these variations mean that something went wrong or that your printer made a mistake. They are simply natural variables that come with the craft of printing.

True color and quality consistency doesn’t start on the printing press—it starts during the planning phase. The more of these variables you can decide on and lock in ahead of time, the more consistent your packaging and marketing materials will look over time.

Pro Tip: Talk to your printer early in the process. A little bit of upfront planning can save you a lot of confusion and frustration later!

What about you? Have you ever reordered a print product and noticed it looked different from the original? What ended up being the cause?

Color is measured—not guessed.Why can two prints that look identical on press appear different at the customer’s site? B...
29/06/2026

Color is measured—not guessed.

Why can two prints that look identical on press appear different at the customer’s site? Because true color consistency depends on data, not visual judgment.

In flexible packaging, achieving stable colour requires a controlled process: setting the right standard, calibrating measurement equipment, monitoring values like ΔE, L*, a*, b*, and making corrections before variations become customer issues.

Factors such as ink viscosity, anilox wear, substrate changes, drying conditions, and press settings can all affect colour. The best printers don’t chase colour by eye—they control it through measurement and process discipline.

Measure → Compare → Analyse → Correct → Verify

A controlled workflow reduces waste, improves efficiency, and ensures brand colours stay consistent from the first print to the last.

colour consistency is not luck—it is the result of reliable data, technology, and process control.

PMS vs. CMYK: Why Your Printed Colors Don't Match Your ScreenEver approve an artwork on screen only to find the printed ...
23/06/2026

PMS vs. CMYK: Why Your Printed Colors Don't Match Your Screen

Ever approve an artwork on screen only to find the printed version looks different? This common surprise usually comes down to how color is produced.
The Core Difference
PMS (Pantone Matching System): Uses pre-mixed, specific inks. It is the gold standard for exact brand consistency.
CMYK (Process Color): Blends four standard inks—Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black)—to simulate thousands of colors. While versatile, it cannot perfectly replicate every shade.
What Causes the Mismatch?
Color Limitations: CMYK struggles to accurately reproduce vibrant shades like bright oranges, vivid greens, deep blues, and rich purples.
The Material (Substrate): The paper tone matters. Printing the exact same ink on a bright blue-white board will look noticeably different than on a warm yellow-white board.

The Takeaway: Discussing color expectations and printing methods early in your project prevents costly reprints, delays, and disappointment.

The Recipe that Changed the World: Magic or Science?Many people think prepping things for print is just about digital se...
13/06/2026

The Recipe that Changed the World: Magic or Science?
Many people think prepping things for print is just about digital settings and margins. But it actually started with a stove and a bit of chemistry.
Before Johannes Gutenberg, printers used watery inks. When they tried using it on metal letters, it was a disaster—the ink bubbled up, smeared, and faded. Water and metal just didn't mix.
So, in the 1400s, they created a "secret sauce" that actually stuck to metal:
Soot (Lampblack): Pure black powder collected from burning oil.
Boiled Flaxseed Oil: Cooked for hours until it became thick and sticky. This stopped the ink from running off the page.
Turpentine & Egg Whites: Added to help the ink dry faster and give it a beautiful shine.
The Real Breakthrough
None of these ingredients were brand new. Gutenberg’s true genius wasn't inventing something from scratch—it was putting existing pieces together. He combined three things:
1. Metal Letters: Using his background as a goldsmith.
2. The Wine Press: Borrowed from winemakers to squeeze the paper evenly.
3. Oil-Based Ink: Which finally stuck to the metal.
Why It Still Matters Today
After 40 years in the printing business, I’ve realized we are still doing the exact same thing today. We connect the dots between computers, chemicals, and machinery.
Technology has changed from hand-cranked presses to high-speed automation and AI, but the basic science—stickiness, thickness, and pressure—is exactly the same. We are still the modern-day wizards making the magic happen.
To my fellow print pros: who else misses the smell of real ink first thing in the morning? Some things just can't be replaced by a computer screen.

What is trapping in the Printing Industry?Ever spotted a crisp comic book cover and wondered why the colours never leave...
23/05/2026

What is trapping in the Printing Industry?

Ever spotted a crisp comic book cover and wondered why the colours never leave a white gap? That's trapping. Printers intentionally overlap colours by a hair—spreading light areas into dark, or choking dark areas back. It's the invisible prepress trick that saves artwork from shifting plates at high speed. Flawless registration,every-time.

One of the easiest ways to reduce print costs at Dormax Press has nothing to do with negotiating price.It’s our coordina...
04/05/2026

One of the easiest ways to reduce print costs at Dormax Press has nothing to do with negotiating price.
It’s our coordination and advice.

When your specs, timelines, and production methods are coordinated better:

· Fewer rush charges
· Fewer last-minute changes
· Greater press efficiency

The result? A better product at a better cost.
Not because it’s cheaper—but because it’s smarter.

Dormax Press: Coordinate professionally, print better.

Why does your printed blue look purple? The answer is likely in your ink choice.CMYK vs. Spot Colour — Do you know the d...
29/04/2026

Why does your printed blue look purple?
The answer is likely in your ink choice.

CMYK vs. Spot Colour — Do you know the difference?

Not all colours in print are created the same way. While most everyday prints rely on CMYK, high-end packaging often uses something else entirely: Spot Colours .

Here’s the breakdown:
SPOT COLOURS
Pre-mixed, specific inks (think Pantone).
Ultra-consistent colour reproduction
Perfect control for critical brand colours
Unlocks vibrant hues outside the CMYK range

CMYK (Process Colours)
Built on the fly by layering Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black.
Colour can shift slightly depending on press conditions

So, how do you choose?
It all comes down to:
▫️ Colour accuracy needs
▫️ The printing method being used
▫️ Budget and setup costs

Mastering this distinction in prepress saves time, money, and ensures the final print meets your expectations perfectly.

Which do you use most for your projects—Spot or CMYK? Tell us in the comments!

Dormax Press a name you can trust
28/04/2026

Dormax Press a name you can trust

22/04/2026

Call for Applications: Accounts Officer (Up to Trial Balance Level)

Dormax Press Co Ltd, a subsidiary of MaltaPost p.l.c. is a well-established and dynamic printing company based in Malta seeking to recruit a diligent and motivated Accounts Officer to join our team on a full-time basis.
Role Overview
The selected candidate will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records and preparing of accounts up to trial balance level, in line with Maltese regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include:
a. Posting and processing accounting entries accurately and in a timely manner including Processing of suppliers invoices and customers invoicing.
b. Handling accounts payable and receivable functions including effective debtor chasing.
c. Performing bank and cash reconciliations.
d. Maintaining the general ledger and performing regular reconciliations.
e. Monitoring of stocks, liaising stock takes and overviewing the costings processes
f. Assisting with VAT returns and ensuring compliance with Maltese tax regulations.
g. Supporting month-end and year-end closing procedures.
h. Liaising with auditors and other external stakeholders as required.
Requirements
Previous experience in a similar role will be considered an asset, however candidates with limited experience and willingness to learn will also be considered.
Good understanding of accounting principles up to trial balance level.
Familiarity with Maltese VAT and basic tax procedures.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general IT literacy (experience with accounting software is an advantage).
Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
Fluency in English and knowledge of Maltese will be considered an asset.

What We Offer
• A stable and supportive working environment.
• On-the-job training and continuous development opportunities.
• Opportunities for career progression within the Group.
• Competitive salary package, commensurate with experience.

How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV together with a covering letter by 8th May 2026, for the attention of Mr Ronald Mifsud on e-mail address [email protected]
All applications will be treated in strict confidence.

Address

Marsa Industrial Estate
Marsa
MRS3000

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30
Thursday 08:00 - 16:45
Friday 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone

+35621228882

Website

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