About offset printing
Before going to print
Finishing options
Consider your finishing and special print element options before creating your artwork.
Resolution
The number of pixels that make up an image. For a good quality print result, colour and gray scale images (pixel-based/scans) should be a minimum of 300dpi. Mono raster images (bitmaps) should be a minimum of 1200 dpi. Please note that images from the web are in almost every case unsuitable and produce disappointing results.
Process colour (CMYK)
Cyan, magenta, yellow and black. These are the ink colours used to print full colour process work. All designs intended to be printed in full colour should be created or converted to CMYK. Please note RGB colour mode is for display on a computer screen only. If this mode is used unexpected results may occur.
Spot colour
A colour that’s chosen and mixed from the Pantone Matching System (PMS), not produced with standard process colours. Highly recommended if you require a very specific ink colour.
Internal bleed
It is recommended that important information sits at least 3mm in from the page edge (trim area) to allow for minor movement during the printing and finishing process.
External bleed
A minimum of 3mm bleed is required on all jobs that have images intended to sit flush to the edge of the page. To create this extend the artwork off the page by a minimum of 3mm. This is required to allow for minor movement during the printing and finishing process.
Digital proofing
The final hard copy view of your artwork before it hits the press and your final chance to make changes. Digital proofing incurs an extra charge and is not mandatory, though is advisable to ensure absolute quality and colour accuracy when going to press
Embedded fonts
A process when making PDF’s that allows fonts to be viewed by all computers – even if they don’t have the same font installed. Essential if you are going to be supplying finished art PDF’s.
About the process
CTP (Computer-to-plate)
First your design is separated into each ink colour. These separations are then imaged directly onto a metal printing plate coated in a light sensitive emulsion. The produced plates are then developed using a similar process to photography. This is followed by a gumming process to protect them from corrosion, making them ready for use on the press.
Offset printing
Offset printing is a widely used printing technique where the inked image is transferred (or “offset”) from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface. This is then used in combination with the lithographic process, which is based on the principle of oil and water repelling each other.
Four-colour process
Printing using four colour separation plates – yellow, magenta, cyan and black. The inks are translucent and can be combined to produce a wide range of colours. This is used in the reproduction of photographs.
Finishing options
Crash fold
Crossing folds previously made to reduce the surface area of a job. (Usually for the convenience of mailing).
Concertina fold
Alternating directions of folds......
Z fold
A fold created by back and forth folds into three panels.
Roll fold
Where opposing edges are folded inwards, with one fold overlapping the other.
Varnish
A layer of clear varnish that seals and protects, stopping scuffing and rub-off after printing.
Spot varnish
Varnish applied to a special designated spot on your printed material. It creates a shiny effect on just this spot and nowhere else.
Gloss cello
A thin laminate that produces a clear, shiny finish that enhances the printing.
Matt cello
A thin laminate that produces a clear, matt finish that enhances the printing.
Embossing
A process which produces images or decorations that are raised above the surface of the paper.
Debossing
A process which produces images or decorations that are sunk into the surface of the paper.
Numbering
Printing sequential numbers on your printed material, from event tickets and docket books to limited edition series.
Perforation/Perf
A series of small linear holes that allow a portion of a sheet to be torn away. Particularly used for coupons and receipt books.
