It's how we started here at Westminster, and still one of our true loves.
Toolkit
Sometimes we may include terminology you're not familiar with or ask you what size you want your postcard to be. Instead of getting frustrated, we're providing you this handy, dandy tool kit filled with good stuff!
Print Terms
Paper Specs
Point (pt) vs. Pound (lb)
- Caliper/Point (pt) refers to the thickness of an individual sheet of folder paper (in thousandths of an inch).
- Basis Weight/Pound (lb) is the designated fixed weight of 500 sheets (one ream), measured in pounds.
Paper Weights
Bond
Bond stocks (often referred to as "Writing") traditionally are uncoated stocks and are normally used around the office such as letterheads, photo copier and laser printer paper. The standard weight utilized is 20lb., with 24lb. being the heavier alternative, and 16lb. being the lighter alternative.
Writing is a grade similar to bond, but made with a shorter fiber, yielding a softer sheet which can be made with a variety of finishes and which accepts ink more readily. Writing is generally more expensive than bond and is used for higher end applications like company stationery. Some bond and writing papers have distinctive watermarks in the sheet.
Book
Both Coated and Uncoated stocks are available under the category of Book Papers. Weights vary from 30lb. bible stock (very thin – mostly utilized for bibles) to a maximum around 115lbs. This classification is the most common for posters, catalogues, booklets and publication magazines.
Text
Gaining on quality above the book grades, Text stocks are utilized in projects requiring a better grade of paper and usually range from a low of around 60lb to a high of 100lb.
Cover
Cover papers, as the name denotes, is heavier and is utilized for post cards, business cards, rack cards, door hangers etc. The ranges of weights for Cover are from a low of 60lb. to a high of just over 100lb. Some double thick covers are also offered that are from 130lb. to a high of 200lb.
Standard Finishes
- Uncoated
- Matte
- Coated (coated one side=C1S/coated two sides=C2S)
Terms
Digital vs. Offset
Digital and offset printing are the two most common methods of printing. Digital printing is simply the method of taking data and images from a computer and printing them on a surface. Most digital printers use toner or ink to do this. In offset printing, the desired print image is burned onto a plate and is then transferred from the plate to a rubber blanket, and then to the printing surface. Here are a few advantages and disadvantages to each:
Digital Advantages
- Shorter turnaround
- More accurate counts, and less waste
- Cheaper low volume runs
- Set-up costs are lower (if any)
- Allows variable data printing
- Easier proof processes
Offset Advantages
- High image quality
- Works on a wide range of surfaces
- Unit costs are lower with high quantities
- Offers exact PMS matching
- Offers lower costs for 1-2 color print jobs
- Easier proof processes
Vector vs. Bitmap
Computer graphic files are generated in one of two ways. Vector files are made from line segments connecting defined points. These vectors (lines) between the points can be straight or curved. Vector files are fully scalable from small to large with little or no loss of image quality. Bit mapped or raster files are created with a series of dots to form the image. When the image is enlarged the image quality quickly deteriorates—the larger the image gets the poorer the image quality.
Resolution
The degree of sharpness of a computer-generated image as measured by the number of dots per linear inch in a hard-copy printout or the number of pixels across and down on a display screen. Suggested resolution for printed material is 300dpi (dots per inch).
Bleed
A printing term that refers to printing that goes beyond the edge of the sheet after trimming. The bleed is the part on the side of your document that gives the printer that small amount of space to move around paper and design inconsistencies. Often the paper is trimmed after printing to ensure the ink runs fully to the edge and does not stop short of it. Bleeds generally are 1/8 of an inch from where the cut is to be made.
CMYK, RGB, and PMS
CMYK is the breakdown of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black to create a specific color. All digital press' use CMYK inks to print. PMS color is used mostly for offset presses where the specific ink color can be mixed and added to the press for an exact match. RGB is the breakdown for Red, Green, and Blue, and is typically reserved for web purposes.
Black
There are three types of black that a document can have; PMS Black, 100% Black, and CMYK Black. Each vendor may suggest a black that will give them the best results for their printing method. My experience shows that 100% Black (K) will give you the best results. However XL Prints requests that we convert all blacks to C10 / M10 / Y10 / K100. This just describes the way the ink will be laid down when printing.
Metallic Inks
When someone is printing metallic inks they are trying to get a metallic look or a shine or luster that is not possible through printing of normal inks. This is accomplished by actually putting metallic particles in the ink so they reflect light. Metallic inks will look best if printed on a coated paper stock.
Varnish
Varnish is essentially ink without pigment. It requires its own printing unit on press. It can be wet-trapped (printed in-line at the same time other inks are laid down), or dry-trapped (run as an additional pass through the press after the initial ink coating has dried). The latter often provides a glossier finish. Varnish comes in gloss, dull, and satin (in-between dull and gloss), and can be tinted by adding pigment to the varnish.
UV Coating
UV Coating is a clear liquid spread over the paper like ink and then cured instantly with ultraviolet light. It can be a gloss or dull coating, and can be used as a spot covering to accent a particular image on the sheet or as an overall (flood) coating. UV coating gives more protection and sheen than either varnish or aqueous coating. Since it is cured with light and not heat, no solvents enter the atmosphere. However, it is more difficult to recycle than the other coatings.
Aqueous Coating
Aqueous coating is more environmentally friendly than UV coating because it is water based. It has better hold-out than varnish (it does not seep into the press sheet) and does not crack or scuff easily. Aqueous does, however, cost twice as much as varnish. Since it is applied by an aqueous coating tower at the delivery end of the press, one can only lay down a flood aqueous coating, not a localized "spot" aqueous coating. Aqueous comes in gloss, dull, and satin.
Foil Stamp
Foil stamping is a special kind of printing procedure where heat, pressure, and a metallic paper (foil) is used to create different shiny designs and graphics on various materials. A clear foil can also be used to get similar results that a varnish or coating would create.
Embossing
It is typically accomplished with a combination of heat and pressure on the paper. This is achieved by using a metal die (female) usually made of brass and a counter die (male) that fit together and squeeze the fibers of the substrate. This can create a raised or lowered feeling on the paper. Must be completed using a letterpress.
Chip Board
A type of paperboard generally made from reclaimed paper stock. This is typically used when trimming to protect the printed pieces. It is also used for the backing for some smaller bound books and notepads.
Perfect Binding
A binding option often used, and gives a result similar to paperback books. They usually consist of various sections with a cover made from heavier paper, glued together at the spine with strong flexible glue. The sections are rough-cut in the back to make them absorb the hot glue. The other three sides are then trimmed, allowing them to be opened.
Thermal Binding
This type of binding is simply a cover with glue down the spine that quickly binds documents. Individuals usually purchase "thermal covers" or "therm-a-bind covers" which are usually made to fit a standard letter size sheet of paper and come with a glue channel down the spine. The paper is placed in the cover, heated in a machine (basically a griddle), and when the glue cools, it adheres the paper to the spine.
Tape Binding
This type of binding refers to a system that wraps and glues a piece of tape around the base of the document. A tape binding machine will usually be used to complete the binding process and to activate the thermal adhesive on the glue strip.
Tip-In
This is an added piece of paper to an already formatted and printed book or magazine.
ULCS
Acronym for Upper Left Corner Staple
1 Up / 2 Up…
This explains the amount of times a document can be placed on a press sheet. For example, on an 8.5 × 11 sized paper you can fit two 5 × 7 documents, making it 2-Up.
Sheet-Wise vs. Work-and-Turn
This is a term the printer uses to describe how your printed piece is laid out on the larger press sheet. Work and turn allows the vendor to print the front and back of a document on the same side, which increases productivity and lowers costs. When producing things sheetwise, the vendor will have the front all together on one side, and the backs on the other side. The advantage to this is that you can have different colors on each side without requiring additional ink fountains on press or requiring additional passes through the press. Typically the vendor will make this decision.
Further explanation
Resources
Conversion Chart
| Inches | Decimal | Millimeters |
| 1/16" | 0.0625 | 1.5875 |
| 1/8" | 0.125 | 3.175 |
| 3/16" | 0.1875 | 4.7625 |
| 1/4" | 0.25 | 6.35 |
| 5/16" | 0.3125 | 7.9375 |
| 3/8" | 0.375 | 9.525 |
| 7/16" | 0.4375 | 11.1125 |
| 1/2" | 0.5 | 12.7 |
| Inches | Decimal | Millimeters |
| 9/16" | 0.5625 | 14.2875 |
| 5/8" | 0.625 | 15.875 |
| 11/16" | 0.6875 | 17.4625 |
| 3/4" | 0.75 | 19.05 |
| 13/16" | 0.8125 | 20.6375 |
| 7/8" | 0.875 | 22.225 |
| 15/16" | 0.9375 | 23.8125 |
| 1" | 1 | 25.4 |
Common Envelope Sizes
| Business | ||
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| Type | Envelope Size | Enclosure Size |
| 10 | W: 9.5 H: 4.125 | W: 9.25 H: 3.875 |
| Catalog | ||
 |
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| Type | Envelope Size | Enclosure Size |
| 10-1/2 | W: 9 H: 12 | W: 8.75 H: 11.5 |
| Square | ||
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| Type | Envelope Size | Enclosure Size |
| 6-1/2 | W: 6.5 H: 6.5 | W: 6.25 H: 6.25 |
| Announcement | ||
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| Type | Envelope Size | Enclosure Size |
| A-2 | W: 5.75 H: 4.375 | W: 5.5 H: 4.125 |
| A-6 | W: 6.5 H: 4.75 | W: 6.25 H: 4.5 |
| A-7 | W: 7.25 H: 5.25 | W: 7 H: 5 |
Common Postcard Sizes
 |
Size |
| 6 x 4-1/4 | |
| 7 x 5 | |
| 8-1/2 x 6 | |
| 9 x 6 |
To see a complete list of envelopes and sizes, click here.
Decoration Techniques
Digital Printing
This method of printing uses 4-color process inks, Cyan (C), Magenta (M), Yellow (Y), and Black (K), to achieve a multi-colored design. The transparent inks are applied in a dot format that uses half-tones and the blending of colors to achieve a look with many colors, shading and fine details.
Screenprinting
From textured inks to glitter and shimmer looks, screen printing can take on a whole new look with the use of specialty inks. Use them for an entire design or in combination with traditional inks to give your logo a younger, hipper attitude. Create tonal looks with clear inks and designs with pop by using metallic and liquid foil.
Laser Etching
Laser etching is a process that uses laser technology to engrave or burn a mark into the fabric of a garment. Laser etching on fleece, polyester and microsuede items burns the top layer of the fabric resulting in a darker, tonal mark on the garment. The tone of the mark will vary based on the color of the fabric. Medium colored fabrics achieve a more distinguishable design than on darker or lighter fabrics. On denim garments, the process removes the pigment as it burns the fabric.
Laser Appliqué
Laser appliqué is a technique that creates a unique look with multiple fabric layers. This technique is achieved using appliqué materials that are stitched directly onto the garment and a laser is used to cut out the letters revealing a fine, detailed appliqué design. Twill, felt or cotton rib appliqué materials are great for this application.
Embroidery
Embroidery is the technique of decorating apparel, fabric, or other materials with needle and thread. It can be produced by a machine or in some cases by hand. Embroidery works well on hats, polo shirts and outerwear to name a few.
Color Imprinting
Color printing is the reproduction of an image or text in color, as opposed to black and white monochrome printing. This process is available for single or multi-color logos. You can highlight your logo in vivid color on bags, pens, drinkware, technology items and accessories with this decorating method. It's an economical way to gain high visibility.
Deboss
Also referred to as blind deboss, this classic method allows you to leave an impression--or rather, a depression-- of your logo onto a material's surface. We create a die and then heat-press it into the material. What's left behind is a clean, crisp logo you can see and feel. It's ideal on leather, Durahyde, UltraHyde, Scuba, recycled rubber and paperboard products.
Domes
To add dimension and shine to your logo, place it under a clear, high-gloss polyurethane dome. These domes offer a high-impact look.
Laser Engrave
Laser engraving gives your logo a clean, polished appearance by precisely etching the logo into the material’s surface. It’s perfect on metal items including pens, drinkware, flashlights and accessories.
Sand Etching
Sand etching is a high-quality method using sandblasting to show a rich, detailed impression of a logo. The process starts by applying a stencil to a product and filling in the stencil's image with an abrasive applied at high pressure. The abrasive erodes the surface in the open areas of the stencil, leaving apermanent impression. The balance of the stencil covers and protects the object, leaving those areas untouched. The exposed glass appears with a deep etched logo.
Die Struck/Die Cast
Die struck items begin as a simple sheet of metal plating. A custom die is created for your design then stamped onto the metal. This leaves an impression on the sheet. To bring out the details of your die struck item, the recessed areas are sandblasted to give contrast. Then the item can be polished to a high luster or filled with color.