Tips For Better Printing

We are here to make sure you get the best possible printing results. However, there are a few things that you need to consider even before you come to us, to make sure you always receive the best results from whatever you need printed:

1. What is the purpose of this item?

2. What is the budget for development and production?

3. Who will receive this item?

4. What image does this item need to project?

5. Will it be read once and discarded, or will it be saved for reference?

6. How will it be distributed (handed out, mailed in an envelope, sent as a self-mailer, etc.)?

7. Are there any special requirements such as postage permit number, volume or reference number, etc.?

8. When is the item needed?

9. Who will design the item?

10. Will it be in final form, or will it need to be prepared (typed copy, computer disk, photos, artwork)?

Hints to help save you money and increase satisfaction

1. Whenever possible, provide your artwork press-ready.
This will save additional typesetting and light table charges and time required to review proofs. If you cannot provide press-ready artwork, the next best thing is to have all the text input onto a computer disc. If in doubt, just ask us!

2. Paper size
When determining the size of your finished product, keep in mind the standard sizes of paper. While other sizes can be obtained, they will have to be cut out of large "parent" sheets at an extra cost.

It is less expensive to use A4 or A3 size paper whenever possible. If you are creating a small item, think about how many will fit on a sheet of paper.

3. Whenever possible, order in quantity.
There is an initial set-up cost associated with printing an item, whether you print 1 or 100,000. This charge is not only for any layout work, but to shoot and develop the printing plate, to square the plate on the press and to get the ink balance correct. The cost for twice the quantity is much less than double the price.

4. Talk to us before you begin designing a project.
We will be able to give you ideas and suggestions, guidelines for the amount of time necessary to produce the item, and estimates on cost.

5. Allow sufficient time for the item to be printed.
We have the same goal as you - a high quality product.

6. Be flexible. Ask advice. Ask about options.

7. Our design department takes great care in pre-flighting all customer supplied files. We do our very best to inform all our clients of any printing problems that may occur. In saying that, we cannot be held responsible for artwork not correctly prepared for commercial printing. Should you choose to supply your own artwork, the ultimate responsibility lies with you, our valued client. As a general rule, we recommend that all artwork be prepared by qualified graphic designers experienced in the print industry. Please feel free to contact our print estimating team if you would like more information or a quotation on using the services of our own in-house design department.
Please note there can be a trimming variance of plus or minus one millimetre due to automated cutting systems allow for this when setting up artwork. Allow between 2 – 3mm bleed all round and keep important information 2 – 3mm in from trim lines.

Paper and board types

A decision will need to be made on the type of paper or board the item will be printed on. Paper is available in various weights (thickness), textures and colours, depending on the manufacturer. Some common types are:

1. Uncoated - "flat" or "porous" surface varying from 80gsm (grams per square metre) in text weights to 400gsm in cover (card stock) weights. These are used for most general printing, and are the least expensive. They are available in a variety of paper colours and textures. Textures of Linen and Laid along with a ripple finish are used for most letterheads.

2. Coated - Glossy (shiny) or matt (satin) finish from 90gsm to 400gsm in cover (card stock) weights. These are used for more crisp images, because the coating holds the ink up on the paper surface. These are somewhat more expensive. Other than cream or off-white, these are not available in colours.

3. Carbonless - NCR and other papers are available as sets (2-part, 3-part, 4-part, etc.) and are treated to leave a transfer image on the lower parts as one writes on the top surface.