9 Steps for Planning a Printing Project

Source - PaperLeafPrinting

Every printed project requires you to balance cost, schedule, and quality. You can save money printing a publication by planning early, and by accurately estimating which tasks you can accomplish, and which tasks you would prefer to have us handle. Here is a list of some specific items that you may want to keep in mind when developing your project:

1. Your project budget may be a determining factor in the selection of certain options such as paper, ink, and bindery. Imagine your project at both extremes—the minimum requirement and the maximum impact—and we’ll help you tailor your project to fit within the budget you’ve allowed.
   
   
2. Your schedule will play an important part in completing your project. We realize that schedules don’t always follow an ideal plan. Our production team is prepared to accommodate even the most demanding schedule.

Choosing the Right Paper

Source - Paper Leaf

 

Paper grade defines paper in terms of its use. Each grade serves a purpose, usually suggested by its grade name. Below are some of the most common classifications of printing papers.

• Bond papers are commonly used for letters and business forms. They have surfaces which accept ink readily from a pen or typewriter and can be easily erased.
  
  
• Coated papers are used when high printing quality is desired because of its greater surface smoothness and uniform ink receptivity. There are many kinds: cast coated, gloss coated, dull coated, machine coated, coated one- and two-sides, etc.
  
  
• Text papers are noted for their interesting textures and attractive colors. They enjoy frequent use for announcements, booklets and brochures.
  
  
• Offset papers are considered the most economical printing papers. Offset papers may be used for directories, newsletters, books, direct mail pieces with only a few photographs, and other printing products requiring average quality.
  
  
• Cover papers complement coated and text papers in heavier weights and matching colors for use as covers on booklets, etc. Papers are also made for cover purposes only. Many special surface textures are available. Special characteristics of cover pages include dimensional stability, durability, uniform printing surface, good scoring, folding, embossing and die-cutting qualities. It is a useful rule of thumb that cover stock of the same basis weight as text paper has about twice the thickness.
  
  
• Index papers have two outstanding characteristics—stiffness and receptivity to writing ink. Index is commonly used whenever an inexpensive stiff paper is required.
  
  
• Tag is a heavy utility sheet. Tag board is sometimes tinted and colored on one or both sides. Tag stock has good bending or folding qualities, and a surface adaptable to printing, stamping, or writing.
  
  
• Bristol is one of the board grades, with a softer surface than index or tag, making it ideal for high-speed folding, embossing, or stamping. It is very receptive to ink and has good snap and resilience.