FAQ

The two main factors to consider are 1: Quantity and 2: Deadlines

Digital

• More cost-effective for shorter runs
• Quicker turnaround time
• Ability to use Variable Data

Offset

• More cost-effective for larger runs
• Can exceed sheet size dimensions of 13” x 19” (Digital cannot)
• Wider colour gamut which can be used to match exact colours

Depending on what your project needs, our Digital Press sizes range from 7.5'' x 7.5'' to 13'' x 19'' & up to 13'' x 40''.

With die cutting, we order the die after you approve a proof with the die line showing and we can usually have the die in our plant by the time printing is done. It does add a step in bindery, or two steps if there is gluing also. So on average it adds a couple days but it all depends on the overall size of the job.

We mainly work directly with companies, we don't work with individuals for things such and invites and announcements etc.

Great question. Since almost everything we produce is unique/custom - and because our workload fluctuates, it can be challenging to predict. We're typically juggling literally multiples of projects each day. Normally, we will give a timeline based on PROOF APPROVAL. This is because we cannot control the amount of time it may take to get approval after proofs are generated. Sometimes the approval comes immediately, while other times there are days/weeks worth of revisions requested. We are often put in the position of rushing certain steps, which can be risky. However, fear not...we usually can provide a good general timeline. Barring things like equipment failure or inclement weather, we're normally good at staying within the timeline. It's also very important to let us know if your project is for an event or something that cannot be moved.

Our quoting system is used not only to produce a price, but also to engineer a plan for the plant to produce the printed piece. We have formulas for determining how much paper is needed at the press for each job and that is exactly what the pressman are given for each print project. In our formulas, things like using special inks and coatings and each post-press step in the bindery adds a percentage or two to the amount of sheets that will be furnished to the pressman. For example; let's say we are printing 500 24'' x 36'' 1-sided posters. Based on what we have programmed in our estimating system, it will add 100 sheets for Make Ready sheets on press, add 50 for Fade Resistant Ink, and allow for 50 extra sheets for bindery spoilage. It takes 700 press sheets to net 500 good sheets in this case. The more complex the project, the more makeready time and materials we need. In the past it took many more sheets and more time. Technology has really trimmed down the time and the amount of sheets needed. If everything goes better than the medium-case-scenario we plan for, we end up with extras. And offer them at a discount.

Yes, we can, on our Konica Minolta and Canon Press because it uses toner, the research and tests we have done show that it does not create a problem. The ability to print items on a digital press is attractive for small quantities because of the savings over offset printing.

Our preferred method is Hi-Resolution PDF with fonts and images embedded and saved in CMYK - please no RGB. We can also accept files in most graphic programs.

We prefer 300 dpi but will accept a minimum of 220 dpi.

Please note that pictures and graphics pulled from the internet are often low resolution (typically 72 dpi or 96 dpi). Try to avoid these, as they will appear very pixelated when printed.

Much of the cost of any project is the set-up/makeready time involved at each step - on press, trimming, folding, other bindery/finishing. Therefore, there is a fairly dramatic economy of scale. The more pieces we produce, the less they will cost on a per-piece basis.

RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue. This scale is most commonly used in monitors, televisions, scanners, and digital cameras. CMYK is Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black - 'full-colour printing'.

When you combine all RGB light it creates white, whereas CMYK creates black. Subsequently, it is impossible for a printer to exactly reproduce a colour that we see on our monitors. If possible, we recommend converting images or graphics in RGB to CMYK yourself, so you can adjust any changes before files are given to the printing company.

Because the ink and toner mediums are different, the printed piece may have a slightly different result. Even though both types of printing use CMYK, the rasterization processes are different, which cause variations in colour. In addition, if the file contains RGB elements, the different methods will produce varying results.

A digital press uses CMYK toners, so when a Pantone colour is chosen, the press finds the closest possible match using the Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. Often times, the closest match is fine but if it's a metallic ink or fluorescent colour, the end result is noticeably different.

Bleed is when the print area goes beyond the final trim line of the page thus allowing final print to “bleed” off the edge of the page.

Recommended bleed is ¹/₈ inch (.125'') on all sides of the page or sheet.

The live area is like a 'Safe Zone' four your printer. Basically, it is an area far away enough from the trim line that there is no risk of having text get cut off when trimming.

Live area may vary depending on type of stock, page count, and type of binding. We recommend a minimum of ¼ inch (.25''), but for more specific questions about your project, give us a call and we'll be sure to give you expert advice!

Desktop printers have different RIPs (Raster Image Processing) than high-end proofing devices. Do not trust your desktop printer for proofing. If hardcopy proof is required, we can furnish one.

Good question! When we receive new files that have been altered (once a project has been processed and proofed), we need to re-process and re-proof to ensure everything is OK. We charge for the amount of time this takes. We don't simply print from the file we are given, we have to bring the file into propriety print software and impose it into the press layout and get it ready for the press it's going to be printed on. We're sometimes asked, 'Don't you build in any extra to cover this?'... The answer is 'no'. We don't want to quote or charge for something which may not be needed. We are happy to give some general costs for additional time and proofing up front if necessary.

Both varnish and aqueous coating can add style and offer additional protection to your printed piece. Each coating is available in different finishes ranging from matte to gloss.

Varnish is best described as an oil based, clear ink. It can be applied as a flood, but more commonly used in detailed spot applications by using a printing plate to define where the clear varnish prints. Similar to ink, varnish requires additional drying time and is generally more expensive than aqueous.

Aqueous is a more durable water-based coating, generally used in overall flood applications. It can be used for less intricate spot applications by cutting a blanket. It dries nearly as soon as it delivers, sealing in wet ink and allowing us to work with the sheet right off the press. Aqueous is recommended for all projects that require extra durability and ones that require die cutting, converting or additional bindery work as it helps protect the sheet from scuffing.