Tuesday 23 October 2012

Print Process Workshop Three - Stock.

Seven things to know about print:

Based on a model for lithographic printing
  1. Colour Models
    • CMYK - print/physical
    • RGB - screen
    • hexachrome - business, dots
    • spot colour
    • PMS (pantone matching system)
  2. Formats
    • ISO paper sizes
    • A and SRA sizes
    • imperial vs. metric
    • tabloid (compact), broadsheet, berliner
    • envelope 'C' sizes
  3. Stock
    • weight (gsm)
    • finish - gloss, silk, matt, coated, uncoated
    • laid or wove
    • boards/carton - more 3D
    • lots more variations
    • plastics and acetates - non paper based
  4. Artwork
    • document set up
    • file, formats and fonts - printer may not have font, notify for own designed font
    • spell check
    • colour specification
    • printer marks
    • pre-flight check - looking through, getting others to check
    • mock ups
    • proof
    • sign off (really important)
  5. Print Processes
    • lithographic
    • gravure
    • screen print
    • flexography
    • pad printing
    • six colour
    • laminate
    • foil blocking
    • embossing/debossing
    • spot UV varnish
  6. Finishing
    • binding - different types
    • folding and creasing
    • die stamping/cutting - stamp = remove inside, cut = cut around outside
    • drilling
  7. Costs
    • get a quote early on, before you start the job if possible
    • identical specification for three print estimators to work to
    • learn roughly what things cost (unit costs)
    • understand viable minimum quantities
    • extras/author corrections
    • delivery
Stock definitions:
  • Coated paperCoating is a process by which paper or board is coated with an agent to improve brightness or printing properties. By applying PCC, china clay, pigment or adhesive the coating fills the miniscule pits between the fibres in the base paper, giving it a smooth, flat surface which can improve the opacity, lustre and colour-absorption ability. Various blades and rollers ensure the uniform application of the coating. Different levels of coating are used according to the paper properties that are required. They are divided into light coated, medium coated, high coated, and art papers - art paper is used for the high quality reproduction of artwork in brochures and art books. Available in gloss, satin and matte.
  • Uncoated paperNot all paper is coated. Uncoated paper is typically used for letterheads, copy paper, or printing paper. Most types of uncoated paper are surface sized to improve their strength. Such paper is used in stationary and lower quality leaflets and brochures. It is generally more absorbent than coated paper. 
  • Wove - Paper made on a closely woven wire roller or mold and having a faint mesh pattern. Popular for stationary and book publishing. It has a uniform surface not textured like laid paper.
  • Laid - Premium quality paper with a textured pattern of parallel lines, similar to hand made paper. Commonly used for business stationary.
  • Bond - It is a high quality durable paper, often used for copying or laser printers. A higher bond stock that can be used for letterheads.

Stock examples:

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