Types of Printing: A Complete Guide for Filipino Entrepreneurs

Types of Printing: A Complete Guide for Filipino Entrepreneurs

November 24, 20256 min read

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.

Types of Printing: A Complete Guide for Filipino Entrepreneurs

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.

Types of Printing: A Complete Guide for Filipino Entrepreneurs

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.

Types of Printing: A Complete Guide for Filipino Entrepreneurs

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.

Types of Printing: A Complete Guide for Filipino Entrepreneurs

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.

Types of Printing: A Complete Guide for Filipino Entrepreneurs

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.

Types of Printing: A Complete Guide for Filipino Entrepreneurs

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.

Types of Printing: A Complete Guide for Filipino Entrepreneurs

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.

Types of Printing: A Complete Guide for Filipino Entrepreneurs

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.

Types of Printing: A Complete Guide for Filipino Entrepreneurs

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.

Types of Printing: A Complete Guide for Filipino Entrepreneurs

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.

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