One of the best ways to learn is to see what you are learning about, in graphic design we learn about the entire process, from initial project proposal to delivering the final product to the client. One of the most important steps is the printing process. This includes several important decisions along the way and can make or break a project.
On one our first field trips last semester we travelled to Spicers in Vaughan to go to paper school. While some of the information didn’t directly pertain to our part of the printing process, we learned a lot and were able to see how a paper supply company operates. The most interesting thing I took away from this field trip was NewPage’s series of informational printing books. The series is all about Ed, Ed knows everything about printing and wants you to know too. Each of the twelve books cover a different topic pertaining to printing. Here are my highlights from each book.
#1 Metallics
Coating metallics can make them less effective, but protects them from scratching and smudging. Coated gloss paper enhances the metallic shine. The metallic particles can be no larger than approximately a thousandth of an inch, however the larger the particle the better the shine.
#2 Quadtones
Quadtones can create a different look than traditional four colour printing such as sepia tone. Black and white quadtones can warm up a portrait, or give images a sculptural look. Work closely with your printer to avoid moirés and unexpected colour changes.
#3 Stochastic and Conventional
Stochastic printing can produce deeper and more vibrant colours, shorter press times and sharper textures. In stochastic printing dots are smaller and randomly placed, they don’t align to a grid or follow a rigid pattern. Since the dots are smaller less ink is necessary, creating a more even film of ink.
#4 Protective coverings
Coverings are generally liquid coatings or film laminates. Liquid coatings can be applied as part of the printing process or after the project leaves the press. Laminates are usually applied by finishers that also offer services such as die cutting, foil stamping or embossing.
#5 Enhancing Colour
While projects are generally printed in four colours, you can also print with more colours. You can add a spot colour, replace a process colour with a different colour of ink, use florescent inks, or try replacing a colour with a metallic version to get a different effect. Touch places can be used to add more depth and make colours more intense.
#6 Embossing and Foil Stamping
While embossing can create dramatic results, don’t forget about the other side of the page, does the reverse look okay? Sculpted embossing involves using multiple levels to add personality. Blind embossing is when letters or images are raised but no foil or ink is added to the raised areas.
#7 Retouching
If you take bits and pieces of images to create your own image, remember the pieces must be either your own photos or you must have permission to use them. The National Press Photographers Associations says that, “Editing should maintain the integrity of the original photographic image’s content and context.” When editing is done honestly, creatively and skillfully it can enhance the photo.
#8 Digital Variables
Digital printing technology allows you to connect directly to a professional print shop. Film, plate making and press make-ready is no longer necessary and changes can be made easily without enormous cost. Printed material can be made on-demand, this eliminates the need to have an inventory. Advertisers can now target audiences more precisely with variable data printing, this allows them to personalize the name and address or make different versions of the piece.
#9 Understanding Ink
Pantone’s Hexacrome inks include specially made CMYK inks along with orange and green to offer a larger range of colours. UV inks can be applied in a thick coat and dried immediately to create an effect similar to thermography. Pearlescent inks create a shimmering effect that breaks up the light that is reflected to the viewer.
#10 Prepress
Prepress questions begin the moment the project does, with the initial client meeting. You need to ask about schedules, quantities, practical decisions and the general background of the project. Proofs are used for the final proofreading, to make sure everything is positioned correctly, that images cropped properly and that colours reproduced accurately.
#11 Print It
The challenge is to use all of the press’s capabilities efficiently, cost effectively and with maximum impact. The two main types of equipment are conventional offset lithographic presses and digital presses. Remember to compare the final proof to the printed sheet to ensure all changes were made.
#12 Standards
Standardizing measuring systems has allowed people to accurately describe and compare characteristics of different stocks. Brightness is one of the most important standards used to select the right type of paper for the project. Remember to follow postal service standards for weight, size, caliper and layout to ensure your project does not get lost in the mail.
I learned many other things from the books and was amazed by the detailed content they offered for each topic. The thing that amazed me the most was the capabilities printers can offer today.
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