Useful Information

The following information may prove useful to you as To Be Announced helps you find products that suit your needs. Contact us with any specific questions, and we'll be happy to help you out!

Color Chart - Click here to view a chart of Pantone^® color swatches to aid in your selection of custom colors.

Printing Primer - Below are important terms and concepts behind printing, and will be useful to you when discussing different options.

 

Bleed

When the printed image extends to the edge of the sheet or page.

Embossing

This is also called "blind embossing." The image or type is etched onto a metal plate. The paper is then pressed into the plate to create a raised impression that does not use ink.

Engraving

Type or images are etched onto a copper plate. Then ink is rolled into the etched grooves of the plate. As the paper goes through the press, it is forced against the plate, resulting in a raised ink impression. The faint indentation on the back of the paper is a sign of fine engraving.

Flat Printing

Flat printing is required when reproducing photographic half tones and highly detailed artwork. It may also be used on business letterheads as a matter of preference

Font

A complete assortment of type of one size and one face that make up a typeface. "Serif" fonts have finishing details at the ends of the strokes. "Sans serif" fonts are literally "without serif," and have no details. The lines are cleaner and more contemporary looking. Cursive or script fonts have a more elegant look.

Letterpress

Letterpress printing is an older method. It requires good craftsmanship and produces a product with a tactile quality. A raised image on a metal plate is inked and pressed into the paper. The result is a slightly indented image.

Offset

The most commonly used printing method. The image is not transferred directly to the paper, but is instead transferred to a blanket cylinder which then transfers the ink to the paper.

Thermography

This was created to replicate the look of engraved printing at a more economical price. Thermography is sometimes called raised printing. A powdered resin is applied to wet ink, which is then heated. This raises the ink and creates a tactile effect.