Quick answer: Runs of 500 and 1,000 are printed digitally at Custom Coasters, and offset takes over for larger runs, so a 1,000 run can go either way. Both give sharp results on beer mat board. Digital suits short runs, events and trial designs, while offset lowers the cost per coaster as quantities climb.
Digital vs Offset Printing for Beer Coasters – Which Printing Method is Right for You?
What is Digital Printing?
Digital printing transfers artwork directly from a computer to the coaster board without the need to create printing plates.
Digital printing allows businesses to order smaller quantities without the higher setup costs associated with traditional printing.
Because there is very little setup required, digital printing is ideal for:
- Short production runs
- Fast turnaround
- Event promotions
- Trial marketing campaigns
- Seasonal specials
- Multiple artwork versions
What is Offset Printing?
Offset printing uses professionally manufactured printing plates that transfer ink onto the coaster board.
Although there is more setup involved, offset printing becomes extremely economical on larger quantities.
Offset printing is commonly used for:
- National promotions
- Brewery campaigns
- Hotel groups
- Chain restaurants
- Large hospitality venues
- High-volume marketing campaigns
Offset Printing Advantages
Offset printing is the standard for large production runs. Once the printing plates are produced, thousands of identical coasters can be printed very efficiently.
- Exceptional colour consistency
- Premium image quality
- Lower cost per coaster on high volumes
- Excellent reproduction of solid colours
- Superior efficiency on large quantities
Digital Printing Advantages
Digital printing offers several benefits. If speed is important, digital printing is usually the preferred option.
- Fast production
- Lower setup costs
- Ideal from 500 coasters
- Great for limited-time promotions
- Easy to update artwork
- Perfect for multiple designs
Which Printing Method Produces Better Quality?
Both methods produce excellent-quality coasters. Most customers would struggle to notice a difference during everyday use. For most hospitality businesses, both methods produce outstanding results – However:- Slightly different surface sheen
- Excellent colour reproduction
- Perfect for promotional work
- Extremely consistent colour
- Traditional commercial finish
- Preferred for premium, high-volume branding
Which is More Cost Effective?
The answer depends on quantity. As quantities increase, the cost per coaster decreases significantly with offset printing.
Digital Printing Best for:
- 500
- 1,000
- 2,000
- Small promotional runs
Offset Printing Best for:
- 5,000+
- 10,000+
- 20,000+
- Large national campaigns
Turnaround Times
One of digital printing’s biggest advantages is speed. If you have an event approaching quickly, digital printing is often the ideal choice.
- Minimal setup
- Dispatch within 48 hours on qualifying short runs
- Perfect for urgent campaigns
- Additional plate production
- Runs up to 2,000 dispatched within 48 hours
- Larger runs dispatched within 5 to 7 working days
- Best suited to planned campaigns
Which Printing Method Should You Choose?
Choose Digital if you need:
- Fast turnaround
- Smaller quantities
- Event promotions
- Seasonal campaigns
- Testing new artwork
- Lower upfront costs
Choose Offset Printing if you need:
- Large quantities
- Lowest unit cost
- National marketing campaigns
- Long-term coaster supply
- Premium consistency
Does Custom Coasters Offer Both Digital and Offset Printing?
At Custom Coasters Australia, we offer both digital and offset printing. Our goal is to ensure you receive the best value—not simply the cheapest printing method.We’ll recommend the most suitable method based on:
- Quantity required
- Delivery timeframe
- Artwork
- Budget
- Intended use
How Do Digital and Offset Printing Compare?
Feature
Digital Printing
Offset Printing
Best Quantity
500 and 1,000
1,000 to 100,000+
Setup Costs
Low
Higher
Turnaround
Very Fast
Standard
Cost Per Unit
Better for short runs
Better for large runs
Image Quality
Excellent
Excellent
Colour Consistency
Very Good
Outstanding
Ideal For
Promotions & Events
Large Commercial Orders
| Feature | Digital Printing | Offset Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Best Quantity | 500 and 1,000 | 1,000 to 100,000+ |
| Setup Costs | Low | Higher |
| Turnaround | Very Fast | Standard |
| Cost Per Unit | Better for short runs | Better for large runs |
| Image Quality | Excellent | Excellent |
| Colour Consistency | Very Good | Outstanding |
| Ideal For | Promotions & Events | Large Commercial Orders |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Both methods print the same 95 x 95mm round or square coaster on the same beer mat board, so one file works for either. Build it on our template in CMYK, and if a later run moves from digital to offset as quantities grow, the artwork carries straight across.
None. Custom Coasters charges no setup fees on any order, digital or offset, so the plate work behind an offset run never appears on your invoice. Bigger offset runs also work out far cheaper per coaster: 5,000 single sided coasters cost about $395 + GST, with delivery quoted separately.
It depends on the size of the run. Offset jobs of 1,000 to 2,000 coasters leave within 48 hours, the same as a digital short run, while anything bigger needs 5 to 7 working days. Add 1 to 2 days for StarTrack, Direct Freight Express or Express Post to reach most major cities.
Either. A 1,000 run sits where the two methods overlap, so we choose based on your artwork, deadline and budget, and it is dispatched within 48 hours either way. Printed on one side, 1,000 square coasters are $150 + GST and round ones are $195 + GST.
They can. Short runs of 500 and 1,000 are available printed on both sides: $160 + GST for 500, while 1,000 on 390gsm board is $375 + GST square or $390 + GST round. The back is a handy spot for a QR code, an offer or your weekly specials.
Keep reading
- More Materials and Specs guides
- Beer Mat Board Explained: What Is Beer Mat Board?
- Short Run Digitally Printed Coasters
- Large Order Beer Coaster Printing Australia
For 500 or 1,000 coasters needed in a hurry, our digitally printed short runs are dispatched within 48 hours.
