
Types of Printing: A Complete Guide for Filipino Entrepreneurs
In the Philippines, print plays a huge role in business. Whether you’re setting up a sari-sari store, joining your first bazaar, launching a food brand, opening a clinic, or building a new branch, printing is part of every milestone.
From menus, signages, stickers, tarpaulins, to product labels — every print you use helps your customers see you as professional, reliable, and ready for business.
But not all printing is the same.
There are different printing methods, and each one has its own strength.
At BesCost Printing, we want to help you understand these options so you can choose the best one for your project. Here’s an easy, Filipino-friendly guide to the most common types of printing — what they’re for, how they work, and when you should use them.

1. Digital Printing
Best for fast, flexible, and small-to-medium print runs
Digital printing is one of the most common printing methods used in the Philippines today — especially for small businesses. It uses digital files (like PNG, JPEG, or PDF) and prints directly onto the material without needing plates or complex setup.
Why Filipino Businesses Love Digital Printing
Fast turnaround — perfect for rush orders
Budget-friendly for small quantities
Great for reprints or small, frequent batches
High-quality colors
Flexible material options
Best for:
Business cards
Flyers and brochures
Menus
Product labels
Invitations
Stickers
Small posters
Thank-you cards
Packaging sleeves
If you need something today or tomorrow, digital printing is usually the way to go.

2. Large Format Printing
Best for big, eye-catching materials
Large format printing is designed for materials that are bigger than normal printers can handle. These are the signs and visuals you see everywhere in malls, roadsides, offices, clinics, and pop-up stores.
This is extremely popular in the Philippine market — especially for food stalls, kiosks, real estate offices, gyms, clinics, and any growing business that needs to stand out.
Why Large Format Printing Matters in the PH
Businesses here compete for visibility
High foot traffic areas demand bold, readable signage
Perfect for outdoor promotions
Great for events, bazaars, and branch openings
Best for:
Tarpaulins
Store signage
Panaflex lightboxes
Posters and banners
Wall murals
Menu boards
Roll-up banners
Backdrops
Vehicle stickers
For brands that want to look “legit,” large format is where the magic happens.

3. UV Printing
Best for premium, long-lasting prints on almost any material
UV printing uses ultraviolet light to instantly dry the ink. The result? Sharp, durable, and vibrant prints that stick beautifully to different surfaces — even tricky ones like acrylic, metal, and wood.
In the Philippines, UV printing is now the go-to method for brands that want premium-looking output.
Why Filipino SMEs Choose UV Printing
Waterproof
Fade-resistant
Scratch-resistant
Better color accuracy
Works on many materials
Best for:
Acrylic signages
Menu boards
Photoluminescent evacuation maps
Stickers (premium quality)
Glass, metal, wood, PVC
Box labels
Packaging prototypes
Storefront displays
If you want your brand to look polished, high-end, and durable — UV printing delivers that clean, professional finish.

4. Offset Printing
Best for high-volume, consistent, and cost-efficient bulk printing
Offset printing is perfect for businesses that need large quantities and consistent quality — especially when every piece must look identical.
In the Philippine business scene, offset printing is often used by corporate clients, restaurants, schools, LGUs, and businesses preparing for a big launch.
Why Offset Is a Favorite for Corporate PH
Amazing color consistency
Most cost-efficient for bulk orders
Sharp text and clean lines
Best for brand-color precision
Best for:
Flyers and brochures
Corporate marketing kits
Bulk stickers
Paper bags
Magazines or booklets
Gift certificates
Product catalogs
If you’re ordering 1,000 pieces or more, offset printing usually gives you the best price per piece.

5. Laser Engraving & Cutting
Best for signs, plates, IDs, nameplates, and premium details
Laser engraving is not technically “printing,” but it’s closely connected — and extremely popular in the Philippines for businesses that want custom branding.
Popular in PH for:
Stainless or brass nameplates
Door signs
Awards and plaques
Keychains
Wooden displays
Acrylic cutouts
Signage letters
It adds a polished, premium feel — especially for restaurants, clinics, corporate offices, and boutique businesses.

6. Panaflex and Lighted Signage Printing
A Filipino business essential
If there is any signage most Filipino entrepreneurs recognize, it’s the classic panaflex lightbox. This is the bright, glowing signage you see outside restaurants, water refilling stations, salons, computer shops, and convenience stores across the country.
Why This Works in the Philippine Market
Highly visible at night
Great for high-traffic areas
Weather-resistant
Perfect for food businesses and retail shops
Best for:
Storefront signs
Restaurant menus
Clinics
Retail stores
Spa and salon signs
Laundry shops
Convenience stores
If you want foot traffic from passersby, you need a lighted panaflex sign. It’s that simple.

7. Sublimation Printing
Best for personalized items and merch
Many Filipino entrepreneurs use sublimation for small businesses, gifts, or corporate giveaways.
Common sublimation items:
Mugs
Tumblers
Tote bags
Shirts
Lanyards
Mousepads
Great for online shops, Shopee sellers, TikTok Live sellers, and small merch businesses.

8. Fabric & Textile Printing
Used for uniforms, sportswear, and promotional items
Fabric printing is big in the PH because so many businesses need uniforms or merch.
Best for:
Jerseys
Company uniforms
Event shirts
Tote bags
Banners
Table covers
Perfect for trade fairs, family reunions, company team buildings, and school events.

9. Photoluminescent & Safety Printing
Important for compliance and safety in offices, buildings, and industrial sites
Many Filipino companies often ask about:
Evacuation plans
Glow-in-the-dark emergency signs
Directional signage
Fire safety signages
UV photoluminescent printing is the standard for these — clean, sharp, and compliant.
How to Choose the Right Printing Method for Your Project
Here’s a simple guide based on your needs:
Choose Digital Printing if…
You need something fast, small quantity, and high-quality.
Choose Large Format if…
You want something big, bold, and seen from afar.
Choose UV Printing if…
You want premium, durable, and waterproof output.
Choose Offset Printing if…
You need bulk orders with consistent colors.
Choose Laser Engraving if…
You want something premium, long-lasting, or customized on hard material.
Choose Panaflex / Lighted Signage if…
You want your store to stand out — day and night.
Why Filipino Entrepreneurs Trust BesCost Printing
In a market as fast-moving and competitive as the Philippines, you don’t just need a printer — you need a partner who delivers fast, prints clean, and helps your business stand out.
BesCost is trusted because we offer:
All-in-one printing & signage
Fast replies and quick quotes
End-to-end service (print → deliver → install)
Wide range of printing technologies
Modern machines for crisp quality
Affordable options for SMEs
Premium solutions for established brands
From your first business card to your first storefront signage — we’re here to support every milestone of your journey.

Need Help Choosing the Best Printing Method?
Send us your file or message us!
BesCost’s team will guide you based on:
Your design
Your budget
Your timeline
Your material
Your business goals
We make printing simple, fast, and stress-free — so you can focus on growing your brand.




