Print 101

Whether you are looking at options for your next project, looking up design specifications or are just curious we have a range of information available to help with your decisions!

Working with our Graphic Designers

After receiving a request for graphics the following steps occur:

  1. A quote for graphics is provided
  2. If the quote is accepted a brief is supplied from the customer
  3. A draft will be completed by a designer *
  4. Any revisions or amendments are made *
  5. A final proof will be signed off by the customer
  6. The job goes to print

* Sometimes there may be multiple rounds of revisions and drafts needed to get the project right.

For a more in depth version we have a page dedicated to working with our designers.

File Setup and Preparation

The condensed version of our file setup is:

  • 3mm Bleed and Crop Marks
  • PDF File

For a more in depth version we have a page dedicated to file setup.

Binding

 Saddle Stitch

Saddle stitched booklets are one of the most common bindings. It involves folding pages and then stapling together. This type of binding is used for magazines and catalogs with smaller page counts.

When supplying a file for a saddle stitch book it must be a multiple of 4.
A diagram of a Perfect Bound book with a wrap around cover and a strip of glue down the spine. 

Perfect Binding

Perfect binding is when pages are cut stacked then glued into a cover, forming a squared spine and wrap around cover. It is the most common method of binding novels and larger books.

A diagram of a side stapled book. The pages are stacked and there are two staples put in the side. 

Side Staple

Side staple binding is the most common method for manuals and short run documents. We can also offer a single staple in the corner of documents.

A spiral bound book with the pages stacked a coil holding them together on the left edge.


Spiral Binding

Spiral binding includes pages that are trimmed and then holes are punched along one side. They are then bound together with a plastic spiral. Spiral binding lays completely flat and is commonly used for cook books and manuals that need to be kept open

 
A stack of papers with two holes drilled on the left side to fit in a folder. 

Hole Punching

If you are using a folder to keep all of your information together, we can punch holes for you.

Paper Stock

Uncoated

Uncoated stock has no coating applied and is the most textured available. It is most often used as the text pages of a book or in thicker weights as a premium stock for testamurs, folders or business cards.

The most common weights are: 80gsm, 90gsm, 110gsm, 140gsm, 200gsm, 250gsm, 300gsm and 350gsm.

Gloss

Gloss paper has a coating applied during production that gives a reflective shine. Gloss papers help to show rich colours and sharp images. The most popular use is in catalogues and magazines.

The most common weights are: 130gsm, 150gsm, 170gsm, 200gsm, 250gsm, 300gsm and 350gsm.

Matte/Silk

Matte or silk paper also has a coating applied during production. It is however different to gloss and gives off a diffused shine, this boosts the contrast of photos and gives a smoother finish than uncoated paper. Matte/silk paper is most popular with art books and anything requiring less of a shine.

The most common weights are: 130gsm, 150gsm, 170gsm, 200gsm, 250gsm, 300gsm and 350gsm.

Paper Weights

80-110gsmStandard printer paper - at 80gsm it is commonly called 'Bond'. The thicker end of the spectrum is for a more premium feeling stock. It is most commonly used for: letterheads and documents.
130gsmA thicker and more premium stock. It is most commonly used for: flyers, brochures, posters & books.
170gsmA thicker stock again which is most popular with flyers, brochures, posters and magazines.
200gsmAlmost at a board thickness - gives a very strong paper. Mostly used for posters.
250gsmOur first of the thin boards. It is most commonly used for flyers, posters, cards, booklets and brochures.
350gsmOur thick board which is standard for business cards, greeting cards and postcards.
400gsmOne of our heaviest stocks which is used for packaging and presentation folders

Finishes

Paper finishes are applied after printing and come in Gloss to Matte. They are usually only applied to the cover of a project.

Varnish

Varnish is applied via the printing press (if your project is being printed offset) to seal in and protect the ink on the paper. Usually matched to the coating of the underlying paper and adds some protection from scuffing and fingerprints. It is most often used on the covers of magazines.

Celloglazing

Cello glaze is a thin film applied to the surface of the paper after printing. It provides the best protection for your project and helps ensure if will last through repeated handling. The cello glaze is much more noticeable and produces the shiniest gloss while matte is very smooth.

File Checklist


Check that the file specifications in your
quote or online form match your artwork.

 Add 3mm of bleed and crop marks to your artwork. Ensure that all of your images are high resolution and will not be blurry.
Ensure that your artwork is being supplied
in the correct colour space. CMYK is required unless Spot Colours have been quoted.		 If you are getting any embellishing options ensure your artwork is setup correctly.