The Beginner’s Guide to Prepping and Sending to Print

Preparation for printing can make all the difference in the end result of your commercial printing project. Are you ready for a successful run?

One of the most terrifying parts of any printing process is the moment when you send it off to the printers. Will your product be exactly as you planned? Are your plans going to hold up well when they become reality? Here are a few issues to consider before you finalize to help you get the best possible product.

1. Know the difference between different types of printing.

There are several different ways to transfer ink onto paper. Many printers use offset printing, in which the image is transferred onto a rubber sheet and then to the paper. This is commonly used for magazines and other printing jobs with photography or art as it gives a crisp and colorful image. Offset lithography is a type of offset printing that uses slightly different materials. Digital printing, on the other hand, uses the same technology as your office printer except on a commercial scale.

2. Choose paper carefully.

The type of paper that you choose will determine not just the cost of your order, but the quality of your end result. Paper comes in a variety of weights and finishes that will have a subtle impact on how your project is perceived. Pay attention to the different weights of paper used on the media all around you and whether they are appropriate for your own project.

Finish is one of the most important choices you will make in a printing run. Uncoated paper is appropriate for text documents or low quality flyers but its utility stops there. Matte-coated paper gives a smooth professional quality to your printing without adding gloss. If you want a high proportion of photos and other high resolution images, gloss-coated paper is the best choice as the ink sits on the coat in a crisp layer rather than being absorbed.

3. Plan for a bleed.

If you have never worked in printing before, the concept of a bleed is likely a new one to you. Most commercial printing machines do not print all the way to the edge of the paper. Instead, people include a bleed, or unprinted margin, which then will be trimmed from the paper after printing.

Bleeds are not just for jobs that will be going all the way to the margin of the paper. Some jobs require them because the final project needs trimming for other reasons. Talk to your printer if you have any questions.

4. Don’t forget about folds.

Many people who are not familiar with the printing industry are not aware that folding a document can change the way it flows. For example, the space between photos will need to be change to maintain balance, and each folded panel will need to have margins built in to the design. In addition, folds can affect your paper options. Talk to your printer if you aren’t sure how to accommodate folds or other special features.

5. Check and double check.

It can be hard to explain exactly what you want in a print job. For this reason, it is crucial to give your printer a sample of your desired finished product. This does not have to be high quality, merely a tangible example of what you want. Making a physical mock up will help to ensure that everyone is on the same page. On the same note, don’t be afraid to ask your printer for a proof. This will allow you peace of mind that you are getting exactly what you ordered.

If you have any questions about digital or offset printing Pennsylvania, please contact Rite Envelope & Graphics Inc at https://ritegraphics.com/. We are the regional experts on printing and can help you to create and finalize the beautiful and professional product that you need.