Exploring Print Options

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When you are ready to go to press for your next print project, you’ll find that after you’ve finalized your design it’s time to start thinking about the numerous print options you have.

Since these will have a major impact on your final design, we wanted to present a list of a few of the most common print options you’ll have and how they will affect your final product.

Paper Type

An extremely important factor for your project is the paper type you choose. At the most basic level, you will choose coated or uncoated. If you choose coated you will then move to the next choice of gloss or satin.

For more on this choice, see our in-depth blog on different paper type choices. The article is over on the Colorwise book printing site, and though it is specifically written for book printing the same principles apply to all print projects.

Paper Weight

You’ll also need to choose the paper weight for your project. This is essentially where you will determine how thick of a paper stock you want to use.

However, you’ll need to be aware that the paper weight for one paper type is not necessarily equal to the weight of another paper type. Because this can be confusing, we’ve put together a paper weight conversion chart.

Paper Brightness, Whiteness and Shade

The color of your paper will also affect how it displays ink. You’ll need to take into account how the brightness (or whiteness) will affect the look of your final product.

We’ve put together a full guide on whiteness, brightness and shade that should clear up a lot of the questions you have.

Digital versus Offset

Finally, whether you print on a digital press or an offset press will have something of an impact on the look of your print product. Because of advances in digital technology, most of the differences between the two today are barely noticeable.

Today, the choice between digital and offset often comes down to which is the most economical option. Usually this is determined by the quantity of your run, as short runs are usually more suitable for the digital press while long runs tend to be more economical when run on an offset press. Here’s an in-depth look at digital vs. offset. Though this article is again focused on book printing, the same principles will apply to all print runs.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the print options you’ll have, but will give you a good head start on the basics you need to consider. Of course, we’re here to help you every step of the way at Colorwise. If you have any questions during your print process, we’ll be glad to help. Just reach out at info@colorwise.com, or give us a call at 770-664-8199.