Cedar Graphics

Cedar Graphics A full service commercial printer specializing in UV offset printing, digital variable printing, pac We are certain you will too.

Since 1986, Cedar Graphics has provided Iowa and the world with smarter ideas for their commercial printing and marketing needs. Conveniently located just north of Cedar Rapids in Hiawatha, our 96,000 ft2 facility is ideal for both regional clients and national distribution. Whether you are a graphic design firm needing unique finishing techniques or a large organization needing a new strategy to

control costs or protect and manage your brand, Cedar Graphics can help. Family-owned and operated, our award-winning facility has positioned Cedar Graphics as a national leader in UV offset printing, digital printing and finishing services. Our single-source approach means we can handle virtually any project from concept to completion. From annual reports, brochures, catalogs and business cards to corporate identity, postcards, posters, presentation folders, sales sheets, custom packaging and more, we do it all. In addition, Cedar Graphics can make your printing smarter and more efficient. Utilizing QR codes and pURL's we can track and measure the effectiveness of your campaigns or make your print marketing interactive. We can also create custom online store fronts that allow organizations to control their print costs and deliver customized marketing materials on demand to agents around the country. With green initiatives, online integration, printing solutions, and marketing strategies there is a reason our clients say Cedar Graphics is simply smarter.

Today’s Print 101 focus is on fluid mechanics: Viscosity. 💧Viscosity refers to the thinness or thickness of a fluid as m...
08/31/2026

Today’s Print 101 focus is on fluid mechanics: Viscosity. 💧

Viscosity refers to the thinness or thickness of a fluid as measured by its resistance to flow. In press operations, ink viscosity is carefully modified so it retains proper flow through the ink tray and transfers cleanly onto paper. Different printing methods demand wildly different viscosities, from thin, water-like inkjet inks up to thick, paste-like offset inks.

Next week we finish up ink-related terms before diving into the Color section!

Print 101: Let's talk about Solids! ⬛Today we’re breaking down total ink coverage versus screen tints. In press terminol...
08/24/2026

Print 101: Let's talk about Solids! ⬛

Today we’re breaking down total ink coverage versus screen tints. In press terminology, a "solid" is an area of the sheet acquiring 100% ink coverage, unlike a screen tint.

Where screen tints use halftone patterns to achieve lighter tones, a solid coat lays down pure, unbroken ink to give you maximum color saturation and impact. Keep following along as we break down more core print concepts!

Huge thanks to Steve at Studiothink for the incredible feedback on a recent custom journal run! 📖"The final set of print...
08/20/2026

Huge thanks to Steve at Studiothink for the incredible feedback on a recent custom journal run! 📖

"The final set of printed journals was beyond expectations... The client was beyond excited and blown away!"

Print 101: Let's talk about Ink Coverage!Today we’re breaking down how much ink actually hits the sheet during productio...
08/18/2026

Print 101: Let's talk about Ink Coverage!

Today we’re breaking down how much ink actually hits the sheet during production. Coverage describes the extent to which ink covers the surface of a substrate, usually referred to as light, medium, or heavy.

From simple letterheads with 5% coverage to image-dense pieces reaching 80% or more, calculating ink density plays a big role in drying times, press settings, and finishing! Keep following along as we break down more core print concepts.

Huge congratulations to our very own Hassan Igram! 🏆At last night’s Hiawatha State of the City Address, Hassan was named...
08/14/2026

Huge congratulations to our very own Hassan Igram! 🏆

At last night’s Hiawatha State of the City Address, Hassan was named the recipient of the 2026 Fay M. Clark Hall of Fame Award!

This prestigious honor recognizes community leaders whose hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication help make Hiawatha a fantastic place to live, work, and play. Whether guiding our team or giving back to the community, Hassan exemplifies the spirit of leadership and being a good neighbor.

Please join the entire Cedar Graphics team in congratulating Hassan on this well-deserved recognition! 🎉

Class is back in session for our Print 101 series! Today we're continuing our look at pressroom terminology with a funda...
08/10/2026

Class is back in session for our Print 101 series! Today we're continuing our look at pressroom terminology with a fundamental coating technique: Flood (Flooding).

Flooding means printing or coating a sheet with ink, varnish, or protective coating that covers the entire page. Unlike spot coatings that target specific logos or elements, a flood application provides complete, edge-to-edge coverage. This technique is often used to apply overall protection (like a flood matte varnish) or eye-catching specialty effects, such as the flood gold glitter coating featured in today's image.

Keep following our feed as we break down more pressroom concepts!

Class is back in session for our Print 101 series! Today, we're shifting gears slightly from types of ink to dive into r...
08/03/2026

Class is back in session for our Print 101 series! Today, we're shifting gears slightly from types of ink to dive into related terminology: Curing. ⏳

After printing or applying a specialty coating/varnish, time is required to allow the inks and coatings to cure, or dry. Whether using UV light, heat, or natural air-drying, proper curing is what locks in vibrant colors, prevents smudging, and ensures protective coatings achieve their full durability before post-press finishing.

Class is back in session for our Print 101 series! Today we're exploring a fundamental colorant in desktop and commercia...
07/27/2026

Class is back in session for our Print 101 series! Today we're exploring a fundamental colorant in desktop and commercial inkjet imaging: Dye Ink.

Dye inks are the standard for many inkjet printers. These inks are water-soluble and require a longer drying time, making them more susceptible to smearing if handled too soon or exposed to moisture. Additionally, dye inks have lower light resistance, meaning UV rays will cause them to fade quickly over time.

While they offer color vibrancy for short-term indoor documents and photo prints, they aren't suitable for outdoor signage or high-exposure products. Have a vision for your next project but not sure how to bring it to life? Tell us what you're looking to create, and our team will help you explore the best production options.

Class is back in session for our Print 101 series! Today, we're covering a versatile powerhouse of the wide-format world...
07/20/2026

Class is back in session for our Print 101 series! Today, we're covering a versatile powerhouse of the wide-format world: Latex Ink.

Latex inks are pigmented, water-based inks that use a water-dispersed polymer (latex) to apply vibrant color while simultaneously protecting the substrate. Heat is applied during the printing process to evaporate the liquid water base, curing the latex resin into a durable, flexible film directly on the sheet or roll.

Because of its fast curing times and strong durability, latex ink is typically used for wide-format applications on a wide variety of substrates.

Planning a wide-format display, banner, or custom signage run? Contact the Cedar Graphics team today to get your specs lined up!

Address

311 Parsons Drive
Hiawatha, IA
52233

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+13193956900

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