Printing

What is the Best Metal for Embossing Dies?

by Brock October 15, 2008

Did you know that paper dates back to 105 BC China? Or that Baghdad claims the first paper mill, from which the trade spread to Syria, Egypt and Morocco? Or that the first European mention of rag paper occurred in the 12th century? Unfortunately, it is very difficult to confirm the first applications of embossing. [...]

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What is Die Cutting?

by Brock October 14, 2008

Die cutting is the use of specially shaped blades (dies) to cut or score almost any substrate. In addition to defining shape, serrated blades produce perforations and blades create channels where folds will occur. Standard dies for pocket folders often combine scoring thus making them inexpensive and easy to find. However, custom dies require more [...]

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Printing: Digital or Offset?

by Brock October 12, 2008

In the past decade, digital printing has benefited from an explosion in popularity. This is mostly due to a combination of increased affordability, technical advancements, and options previously not available in digital print. Literally hundreds of new digital print companies have opened their virtual doors online. While this has made commercial print solutions more readily [...]

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Printing: Pantone or Process?

by Brock October 11, 2008

So, you want to buy some pocket folders to help with marketing your small business. Should be simple enough. You want some paper and you want some stuff printed on that paper. That’s all there is to it. How complicated can it be? If you have done any shopping for printed products, you have no [...]

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Print Coatings: Varnish, Aqueous, Lamination, & UV

by Brock September 30, 2008

Why should I consider coating my presentation folders? The two most common reasons for adding a coating over your folders are for protection and aesthetic reasons. Coatings are applied to protect printed folders from exposure to moisture, extreme temperatures, scuffs, scratches and frequent handling. They are also applied to draw the eyes to particular elements; [...]

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Embossed vs. Debossed?

by Brock September 23, 2008

Have you ever needed the services of a Notary Public? Do you remember how the two sides of their little metal contraption crushed a seal (raised image) into the paper stock? This is a terrific way to visualize the embossing/debossing process. Embossing and debossing are processes of pressing paper into relief using heat and force. [...]

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What is Foil Stamping?

by Brock September 22, 2008

When your presentation folders need an elegant, non-tarnishing metallic finish to be applied, it’s easily accomplished using a process referred to as foil stamping. The reproduction of graphics requiring a high quality reflective image can be effectively achieved by using foil films rather than metallic inks. Metallic inks, similar to standard printing inks, provide a [...]

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Promotional Folders: WYSIWYG?

by Brock September 14, 2008

After much hand-wringing, you finally pulled the plug and ordered some commercially printed business folders online. You received your free pdf proof via email and carefully reviewed everything with a fine-tooth comb. After a few minor revisions, everything looked perfect so you gave approval to the printing company. You received your tracking number a few [...]

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Printed Folders: Spot-Colors or Full-Color?

by Brock September 13, 2008

During your custom printed folder shopping expedition you have probably run across terms such as one-color (1c), two-color (2c), four-color (4c), and full-color (4c). You may have even noticed that some folder companies only use spot-color printing, some only use four-color process printing, and some use both. Why is this? What is the difference between [...]

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Paper Stock: What’s the difference between PT & LB?

by Brock September 10, 2008

For a complete newbie looking for marketing materials, print industry jargon can be complicated and confusing to say the least. We have compiled a somewhat brief folder printing terms section to cover jargon specifically related to topics that customers actually want to know when purchasing presentation folders. If you do a quick search of Google [...]

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