Risography is like screen printing in that each ink color is layered on separately and the overlap of colors can be irregular. Large flat areas of solid ink coverage are likely to show some slight variations, including pinholes and flooding, which makes every single print unique and one of a kind. When the paper is fed through the machine multiple times and heavily inked, the paper feeder rollers may leave tire marks on the page’s surface or end sheets, which only adds more character to the artwork.

Risography printing itself is a highly energy-efficient and sustainable printing method, creating an ethical product that surpasses other printing methods. The cold process consumes minimal energy, and risography prints utilize soy-based (non-toxic) inks and stencils made from plant fibers. Unlike litho printing, only a single print is needed for the stencil to be fully inked and ready to print. It requires minimal electricity and eliminates the need for up to 100,000 liters of water and 10,000 liters of alcohol (per year) typically consumed by a mid-size printer.