tip of the month
Looking for a way of creating more contrast with varnish?……….

You can create a dramatic effect or contrast by using the following technique with varnish.

To create a noticeable contrast between gloss and dull elements, use gloss paper stock and dull varnish the background.

The difference is much more apparent if you dull varnish a gloss sheet than if you gloss varnish a dull sheet.

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July 2004

What do the red, white and blue colors of the flag represent?

Red for valor and hardiness,

White for purity and innocence, and

Blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

 

June 2004

TIPS FOR EMBOSSING & DEBOSSING”

 When planning a design that includes embossing or debossing, keep in mind that the emboss/deboss will distort or pucker the image.   Some adjustments can be made to compensate. Here are some tips….

  • Leave more space between letters because the emboss will create the effect  of pulling the letters together.

  • Avoid tiny elements or small type (less than 8 or 9 pt). Fine rules could cut the paper and tiny elements may not fully form.

  • Keeping elements away from the edge of the paper can help avoid paper pucker or wrinkles.

  • Use artwork that is slightly bigger than you would for printing. Embossing makes the image look smaller.

  • When embossing is used in addition to other processes, emboss last to  prevent flattening of the emboss during other equipment passes.

 

may 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When planning a design for printing on readymade envelopes you must take into consideration the different thicknesses of the envelope. Because of the folds, the

envelope could be as much as 3 layers thick in some places. Printing an image over

multiple thicknesses can cause uneven printing.

Here are some things to consider when planning your envelope design…..

 

*Position areas with dense ink so they fall on the same thickness of paper.

 

*Avoid heavy ink applications to prevent uneven coverage. A solid color will

show up more than a lighter screened color.

 

*If your quantity is large enough, another option would be to print on flat sheets

and have them converted.

 

april 2004

When Is a Postcard Not a Postcard?

What a print shop or paper distributor calls a postcard may not qualify for a postcard-mailing rate. The answer depends on the dimension of the piece, according to the U.S. Postal Service.

Sending a message via direct mail on a postcard is very effective. Many sales events, product information, and customer loyalty programs have been successful because of the power of the postcard. Postal customers like the simplicity of postcards. The message jumps out and requires no effort on the part of the recipient. No envelopes to open or letters to unfold.

 While you are in the process of designing your next postcard, keep these things in mind.
        • Postcards must be a minimum of 3.5 inches by 5 inches.
        • The maximum size is 4.25 inches by 6 inches.
        • Postcards must also meet thickness requirements, between 0.007 inches

          and 0.016 inches.

 

Designers should resist the urge to use all of the real estate on a postcard. Simplicity works and using all of the white space not only diminishes that goal, it could also infringe on the area that the automated character readers need for you to qualify for postal discounts. If your postcard dimensions are larger than 4.25 inches by 6 inches it will need to be a minimum of .009 inch thick. The U.S. Postal Service views this as letter mail. In staying in letter size your maximum size would be 6.125 by 11.5 inches.
If you need help determining if your mail piece meets postal requirements, give us a call, we will be glad to assist you.
 

march 2004

Paper Matters

If you are planning to use a metallic ink on an uncoated paper, consider a Linen finish.

 

With Linens tight embossed formation, inks set right up on the surface and shine.

 

 

february 2004

Unenveloped letter-size mail pieces prepared for automation rate mailings must be secured (tabbed) to prevent an open edge from jamming high-speed postal processing equipment. Construction of the mail piece plays an important role in determining automation compatibility.

 

Standards for tabbing/wafer sealing are based on weight of paper stock used and the location of the folded or bound edge. If you need help determining the requirements for your mailing job, please call us to discuss your options. We offer a variety wafer seals to make your mail piece look better than the traditional white and easier to open.

 

january 2004

When printing jobs with heavy ink coverage on an uncoated paper, we suggest using an overall aqueous coating to seal the sheet. This will help eliminated scuffing and does not affect the appearance.

 

december 2003

Have fun making a handmade gift for someone. They'll appreciate the time and thought you put into a special gift just for them. And with our easy-to-use decorations you can't go wrong. Below are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Happy Holidays!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

november 2003

When printing with colors which contain reflex blue, we recommend using imitation reflex so the color will dry thoroughly to avoid smearing and rub-off.

 

october 2003

Toning, also known as scumming is a film of ink printing in the non-image areas of a plate where it should not print. This can sometimes be corrected by adjusting the water/ink balance. This can also be caused by dirty plates due to film not processed correctly.

 

september 2003

Anytime is a good time for pie.

 

august 2003

You can not knock a four color process gradient out of a pms color. This can be corrected by converting the entire document to four color process or removing the gradient.

 

 

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