
The world of print today offers you, the print buyer, more options than ever before. Whether this is your first or 50th project, make sure you get all of your questions answered so the printer knows exactly what you want.
The options for printing today are endless: should you utilize digital printing or offset printing? Uncoated or coated paper? Smooth or textured paper? Do you want spot colors or process colors? Die cutting or embossing? What about custom ink options? With all of this to consider, you will likely have some questions in mind before ordering from a commercial printing company, and there may be aspects of the printing process that you are unaware of. This simple guide will provide you with the most essential questions to ask your printing company before moving forward with a project.
Can I See Samples?
Asking for a sample of the type of print you want allows you to gauge the quality and professionalism of your chosen company. While it is not always possible to see samples in person, you can usually review their print portfolio online. Pay attention to the lettering, composition, and color contrasts to see if their services are right for you. Ideally, you will see a wide array of styles that they are capable of producing.
What Are My Paper Options?
Different materials produce a different visual effect, and asking your printing company about your options ensures that you’re satisfied with the final result. If you want flyers, posters, banners, or other large format prints, those types of projects have their own separate requirements. You can then ask about the style of paper to finalize the right amount of finishing and durability.
Are There Sizing Requirements?
Make sure to ask about the company’s sizing policy as they apply to print costs, as sometimes even a slight reduction in size can save you money. This may affect your design and your marketing plans if the company can recommend different paper sizes and formats to better serve your project. If your project has certain size limitations or constraints, make sure you find a printing company that can meet your needs and create a custom solution for you.
What Is Bleed?
A page’s bleed is the area where your image extends beyond the page border, making sure the image is clear and has no white lines when it is trimmed. While the general standard is 3mm or 1/8 of an inch, you want to ensure that the company follows a specific guideline for your unique design.
Can I See a Proof of My Project?
Before you run thousands of prints, ask to see a proof of your project. A proof will show you a finished example of how your design will translate onto paper. If you choose digital printing (which is quicker and often more economical), there should be no problem in viewing a few samples of the work ahead of time. This ensures that your project goes according to plan, and it allows you to make any necessary changes before it’s too late.
How Can I Learn More About the Printing Process?
While these are some of the most common questions to ask your printing company, make sure to ask any questions that you have no matter how obscure or basic they may seem. The commercial printing process is a detailed one, but easy to understand when you communicate with your printer. From the start, it’s important to have a conversation with your representative so that the goals of the project are clearly established.
If you have questions about the printing process, contact Arkansas Graphics, Inc. Our expert team of representatives can answer any concerns you have about your projects and help you make the best decision to meet your goals.
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