Definition

Noun: 1. An image, text, or design added to a surface (especially a printed one) by printing over an existing image or text. A surprint is created by applying a second layer of ink over an area that has already been printed.

Usage

The term "surprint" is primarily used in specialized fields like graphic design, printing, and philately (stamp collecting). It describes the result of the overprinting process. - In commercial printing, a surprint might be used to add a correction, update information, or apply a special effect. - In stamp collecting, a surprint often refers to text or a symbol overprinted on a postage stamp to change its value, designation, or to commemorate an event.

Examples

• The printer created a surprint of the company's new logo on top of the old brochures.
• Collectors value stamps with rare surprints that indicate a change in postal rates.
• The design flaw was corrected by adding a small text surprint in the corner.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In prepress and digital design software, "surprint" can refer to a setting that instructs a color to print on top of underlying colors without knocking them out, potentially creating a blend.
• Philatelic Context: A "surcharge surprint" specifically alters the face value of a stamp.

Variants and Related Words

• Overprint (n/v): The most common synonym. It can be used as both a noun (meaning the same as surprint) and a verb (meaning to print over something).
• Surprinting (n): The act or process of creating a surprint.
• Surcharge (n): In philately, a type of surprint that changes a stamp's denomination.

Synonyms

• Overprint (noun)
• Superimposed print

Notes

• "Surprint" vs. "Overprint": These terms are largely interchangeable. However, in some technical printing contexts, "surprint" may be used more specifically for the visual result, while "overprint" describes the process or technique. In common usage, "overprint" is more frequent.

Noun

1. something added by overprinting