Frequently Asked Question

What type of job do you need the quote for? (Business cards, Brochure, Catalog, Presentation Folders, Door Hangers, etc.)

Quantity: How many of the above jobs do you need?

Number of pages: How many pages does your Booklet or Brochure have? A sheet equals 2 pages, same as a book.

Trim Size: What is the size of your final piece? (Also called “Finish Size”)

Flat/Spread size: This is the flat side of the job before printing.

Text Stock: The paper you require for the inside of your booklet. If you do not have a separate cover, then the same stock serves for the entire piece (i.e. a “self cover”)

Cover Stock: This is the paper you require for the outside 4 pages of your booklet, providing that it is different from the text. If it is not, then your piece is a “self cover”

Ink: Our standard Colors: Black, Reflux Blue, Red (PMS 185), Green (PMS 356), Bordeaux Red (PMS 201).

PMS Colors: Specify Color Match and indicate a PANTONE number from the most recent version of a PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM® guide, or enclose a color swatch. Color matches are guaranteed within a shade lighter or darker.

Process Color: CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black)

Text Ink: The ink you require for the inside of your piece. This is described by the number of inks you require and the two numbers used separated by a slash sign (/). If the front of your piece had 4 colors and the back has 1, then your piece would be described as 4/1 or “four over one”. There are two main kinds of ink, CMYK for process printing, such as color photos; and pantone inks, also known as spot color (such as PMS #187). PMS (PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM®) is a universal system used to pick the same color every time. (Note: always count on a slight variation of the color from paper to paper and press to press.)

Printing-Four Color Process: The four color process print base shown in the table is based on customer supplying Digital Camera ready Artwork, and a color proof. If no color is submitted or requested we will run in standard color densities from the values in your files or film. Do not rely on color monitors for accurate color representation. A 150 or 175 line screen on white stock produces the best results.

UV Coating: UV Coating is an add-on price. It must be added to one of the base prices. This price is for coating the front cover, back cover, and inside pockets. Coating can be applied only on enamel or clay coated papers such as a SBS and Color Cover. This thin plastic coating adds a little to the durability; however, it does protect the color and adds considerably to the appearance. With maximum ink coverage we recommend coating to seal the ink to the sheet and prevent scuffing and scratches. UV Coating will show fingerprints on large areas of dark ink. However, a light wiping can easily remove prints.

Varnish: Varnish is available in gloss or matte finish. This is described as a clear finish that seals the ink offering protection against smears and scuffing. Varnish adds no durability to the product. Matte finish or Spot varnish is available for an additional charge.

Bleeds: A bleed occurs when your design allows the ink to print to the very edge of the paper. If your bleed on one side goes completely across the side from top to bottom, that would be three bleeds and not one. The reason for this is due to the fact that you would then also be “bleeding to the top and bottom”.

Digital Camera Ready Artwork: This is artwork that can be output to produce printing templates. This artwork is complete, and does not require any further production other than to “rip” (the conversion from digital to analog) to plate. This disk should also contain a folder for all your images and another for fonts used.

Set Type: Choosing the appropriate font (typeface) typing your copy and laying it out on the page.

Design: Combining your type, images, colors, logo and other items into a finished eye pleasing piece for output of plate.

Output of Plate: This is to rip your digital files, and recreate your final art as a final plate.

Proofs: We offer black and white, color copy, or high resolution proofs when required at a minimum cost. Actual press proofs are available for an additional charge. All proofs must be returned prior to production. Approval or changes need to be indicated in writing. Production begins after proof approval.

Die Score or Cut: To die score a piece is to make a “steel rule” die, which is composed of thin pieces of steel that will be used to stamp a line or rule where your piece needs to fold. This action compresses the paper and allows for ease of folding and prevents cracking. 100# gloss book and heavier, especially where there is “cross over art” (ink going from one panel to the next), especially on the spine (outer edge). To die cut is to a steel rule and to cut your piece like a cookie. The most common example of this is a “presentation folder with pocket”. The glue flap that is used on the pocket, as well as the pocket slit cut to hold business cards are examples of die cutting.

Fold Type: The type of fold you require in order to finish your piece. (Half Fold, Z Fold, Gate Fold, Letter Fold, Double Fold, etc.)

Saddle Stitch: Two staples added to the center of the piece on the fold line, with the head of the staple on the outside of the folded piece.

Perforate: To perforate, or die score in holes, that that allow one to cleanly remove a coupon or page from the piece with ease and without destroying the piece. If the perforation goes from top to bottom, that is a vertical perforation. If the perforation is from side to side, it is a horizontal perforation.

Holes: Punching or die scoring holes, in the piece to allow for binder or other use.