The Learning Center

We're more than happy to answer any questions you may have. In fact, we find that people often get confused about some terms commonly used in the printing industry. We're hoping the clickable list below will help clear up some of that confusion.

So, if you're someone who just doesn't know what we mean when we say "bleed" or if you just want to learn a little more about how it all works, you're in the right spot.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via email at info@newvintageprint.com.

What is a bleed?

A bleed refers to printing that goes all the way to the edge of the sheet after trimming. It gives the appearance that the image prints off the edge of the page. We achieve this effect by printing your artwork on paper that is larger than you actually want it, then we trim it to your desired size. In order to do this, we'll tell you that we need to allow room for bleeds. We require at least an additional 1/16" margin (.0625") around the cut size of your artwork. For best results, we recommend that you keep important elements in a safe zone of at least 1/8" (.125") within the cut edge of the final product so that it's not mistakenly trimmed off.

Is there a problem with my fonts?

When designing your artwork, please keep in mind that not all computers carry every font ever created. Whatever program you’re using to create artwork, we will need the fonts embedded, and/or text converted to "outlines" or "curves" which ensures accurate printing even if we don't have your exact fonts.

Rasterized Photoshop files are naturally font independent but be careful with newer types of vector-based Photoshop files. We prefer work done in Illustrator; Microsoft Publisher isn't our favorite, but if it's the only option, we can work with it. Use of Publisher, however, may result in additional artwork charges if alterations have to be made in order to make it a usable file.

Why do you prefer PDF's?

We love PDF files and strongly encourage their use. When creating a PDF you should place only one original per page and verify the page size matches what is to be produced at 100%, and always include bleeds if applicable. In other words, if your finished product is a business card measuring 3.5" x 2", your PDF should measure 3.625 x 2.125 so that it encompasses the size of the card itself as well as 1/8” bleed.

We convert virtually all the files we receive to PDF before production although you can achieve greater quality control if you go the extra step and create the PDF yourself before submitting your order. We suggest the following:

1. create the PDF -- make sure your fonts are embedded, that the document is saved in high resolution and that it's in CMYK color format (see note below about CMYK versus RGB and their proper applications).
2. print out your PDF
3. have the "powers that be" sign off on the printed PDF

This way you will be sending us a file that we all know matches your expectations and we won't run into technical problems in converting your artwork to PDF. Using a PDF for printing also eliminates all font concerns.

What is the difference between RGB & CMYK Color?

CMYK is made up of four colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. In full-color process printing, CMYK is the standard method for offset printing. In the printing process, CMYK colors are measured by their subtractive / reflective values. When the colored ink is applied to paper, the surface of the paper reflects some color and the non-reflective (that is, absorbent) color is seen. CMYK colors are obtained by mixing the strengths of each color to produce a new color. The colors are mixed in percentages: 0% represents no color, whereas 100% represents a maximum use of color.

The RGB color process and the CMYK color process work in opposite ways. An RGB color scheme forms color through an additive process; to obtain white, all 3 colors are added together, and to obtain black, all 3 colors are removed. In contrast, the CMYK printing process obtains white by omitting all color, and obtains black by using all four colors. One of the major benefits of RGB color is its capacity to produce many more colors than CMYK can. Unfortunately, RGB colors cannot be correctly converted into CMYK. People often find that a color, especially a neon color, created in RGB can't be converted correctly into CMYK but instead appears as an "out of gamut" color, which is usually dark and "muddy." To spot these color errors, and to prevent printing nightmares, it's imperative that all files are uploaded in CMYK format before any printing occurs.

What is digital printing?

Digital printing means the finished product is printed from the computer rather than using an offset printing press and commercial printers. Digital printing eliminates numerous mechanical steps in the conventional printing process, including making films, color proofs, manually stripping the pieces together and making plates. Instead of cutting and folding printed "signatures" to put the pages in order, software sorts them in memory and prints them in the correct sequence. After printing, the output goes directly to next-stage equipment that can staple, 3-hole punch or bind the paper and even turn it into postmarked packages for the mailroom.

What is offset printing?

An offset printer uses an intermediate rubber-coated cylinder known as a "blanket" to transfer the image onto the paper. Instead of transferring the image from a metallic drum onto paper as is done with most digital printers, the image is "offset" onto an intermediate rubber-coated cylinder known as a "blanket." The blanket creates a smoother image on most types of paper and can print on rough or heavy stock as well as other media.

The term offset refers to the fact that the image isn't printed directly to paper from the plates, but is offset or transferred to another surface that then makes contact with the paper.

What is screen printing?

In screen printing, screen fabric is stretched over a frame. The grade of the screen fabric and the weight of the fibers are determined by the print resolution and the viscosity of the ink. In this process, a rubber squeegee draws ink across the screen, transferring it through the mesh of the fabric onto the desired material - wherever the screen is not coated. The screen is then lifted away and the print is finished. The benefits of screen print:

1. Ink is UV-light cured, pigmented colors
2. Inks are glossy and very resistant to chemicals and abrasion
3. Screen Printed materials are weather proof and waterproof - they may be used indoors and outdoors.

What is Flexo printing?

Frequently used for printing on plastic, foil, acetate film, brown paper, and other materials used in packaging, flexography (flexo) uses flexible printing plates made of rubber or plastic. The inked plates with a slightly raised image are rotated on a cylinder which transfers the image to the substrate. Flexography uses fast-drying inks, is a high-speed print process, can print on many types of absorbent and non-absorbent materials, and can print continuous patterns (such as for gift wrap and wallpaper). Some typical applications for flexography are plastic & paper bags, milk cartons, disposable cups, and candy bar wrappers. Flexographic printing may also be used for envelopes, labels, and newspapers.

The benefits of flexo print:

1. Economical
2. Well-suited for a wide variety of materials including paper, plastic, acetate film, polyethylene, and newsprint
3. Full-color options in addition to laminating and die cutting processes

Two drawbacks to flexo print include:

1. Flexo-printed materials are not weather proof; therefore only indoor use is recommended
2. Flexo-printed inks will vary slightly in color from our standard screen printed inks

What type of paper will my project be printed on?

Some things to consider when discussing paper options are as follows:

1. Weight - this is measured differently depending on the type of paper used
2. Coated vs. Uncoated
3. Glossy vs. Matte - these are commonly mistaken for the same as coated/uncoated. Not so!

In an effort to help eliminate the "Paper Weight" confusion this link to a bona fide paper supplier will help you understand what we mean when we refer to points (PT), gsm, pound (#), etc.

Do I receive a proof prior to print?

We go to great lengths to ensure your finished product is perfect. Hard-copy proofs (actual printed copies; good for checking accuracy of color and content) & soft-copy proofs (PDF generated before printing; good for checking accuracy of layout and content) are available from the printer for a small fee.