Let’s face it, every industry invents a language all of its own and printing is no different. Yet most people struggle through understanding just about everything they need to know, until it comes to the print finishing area, at which point all bets are off!
So I’ve taken a little time to explain what some of the print finishing terms actually mean and invite you to use my print finishing glossary below for your easy reference.
Print Finishing
This term means what it says, but confusingly in the USA print finishing department is often referred to as print bindery. Here in the UK when we say Print Finishing we mean anything that happens to your printing, after the work has rolled off the printing presses.
Saddle stitched
Standard brochure/newsletter format; simply folded in half with 2 centre staples. Remember, page count must be divisible by 4.
Perfect Bound
Text block glued into wrap around cover; paperback book style.
PUR Bound
As above but using an extra strength glue; the recommended option
Case Bound
Quite simply what you’d think of as “hard backed” as in a hard backed book.
Wire bound
Holes punched down the side with the pages retained via a coloured wire.
Half-Canadian Wire Bound
Enabling you to create a printed spine, the wire is partially hidden by the cover. The wire is exposed through the rear cover only, leaving the front cover clear to display the printed image.
Full-Canadian Wire Bound
The wire is fully concealed by using a 6pp or 8pp cover. The cover leaf is folded back on itself to be bound into the wire, resulting in a book with a square spine and uninterrupted covers.
Laminated
Matt or gloss, a layer of plastic applied to one or both sides of a printed sheet. Enhances look and protects so ideal for covers.
Spot UV Varnished
Where an area/areas are picked out in high gloss. Stunning effect, works best with matt lamination for max contrast.
Foil Blocked
A logo or area of type can be printed in a solid (opaque) foil. Usually gold or silver (as provides a truly “metallic” look), don’t overlook the stunning other colours to make your piece stand out.
Embossed
A logo or area of type is punched through the back of the card so it sits proud.
Debossed
As above but in reverse.
Die Cut
When a piece needs to be cut to a specific shape that is not square/rectangular a die needs to be made from which the piece is stamped out.
Kiss cut
As above but the cut only goes partially through – used for labels on a sheet for example.
Platen creased
To ensure your card does not “crack” when folded, a channel is stamped on the fold line to give a perfect finish.
Perforated
For easy tear off. Often used on leaflets where you want someone to easily respond by tearing off part of the page without the need to reach for a pair of scissors.
Pattern Perf
As above but allows for 2 or more on a sheet (eg group of coupons).
And the print finishing list goes on..
Needless to say there are more print finishing terms that crop up, but PrintHouse Corporation can help. Go ahead and call the Sales Team on 020 8963 0123 for any other information you may require or visit our print finishing department online now.
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Tom Clark is Production Director of PrintHouse Corporation
