Who says Web developers are always behind a desk? I once worked with a company in Clovis, California called 5th Realm Haunted House, and had a great time getting spooked “for research.” This company operated out of a former movie theater, so it had a box office and each attraction had its own movie posters adorning the outside of the building like a movie premiere. As people lined up to enter, it was crucial to have professional-looking flyers, posters, and admission tickets. Like many businesses, 5th Realm Haunted House quickly realized that understanding the nuances of professional printing can make or break a critical event such as an opening night.

Because Anchored Web Solutions built the website for 5th Realm Haunted House, it didn’t mean we couldn’t handle the printing as well. We ensured that all printed materials were cohesive and visually appealing. This tied together the online and offline elements for a unified brand experience. Understanding professional print specifications was crucial to achieve this seamless integration.

It’s been 10 years since that project, so it’s time to share the knowledge. This guide will walk you through the essential considerations to ensure your next print project is a success, highlighting the benefits of using business printing services.

Choosing the Right Paper and Coatings

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is selecting the appropriate paper type and coating. The paper’s thickness, often referred to as paperweight, is crucial. For instance, thicker paper or cardstock is ideal for materials that need to be durable. This is particularly true for flyers or business cards.

Coatings can also play a significant role. They are especially important in protecting against sunlight and wear. It’s also wise to choose a coating that allows for writing with a pen. This enhances the practicality of your printed materials. Some print shops offer sample packs to get a feel for the paperweights they offer.

Understanding Bleeds and Print Specifications

Bleeds are an essential aspect of professional printing. A bleed extends your design beyond the trim edge, which looks more professional. Usually, print companies ask for an eighth of an inch extra content on all sides of a print project. This ensures there are no white borders on the final product. This technique helps in achieving a seamless, polished look. Additionally, understanding and planning for print specifications, such as the correct DPI (dots per inch), is vital. For most print projects, 300 DPI is recommended to ensure high quality. Though, 150 DPI can suffice for larger formats like billboards.

Planning and Accuracy

Another critical factor in printing is the accuracy of your content. Ensure all details are finalized and correct before sending your project to print. This includes verifying event details, contact information, and any other pertinent data. Professional printers will often provide mock-ups for review. This allows you to see precisely where the bleeds are and make any necessary adjustments. Taking the time to thoroughly review these mock-ups can save you from costly mistakes and delays.

Printing is more than just a simple task. It is a detailed process that requires careful planning and consideration. By paying attention to these key factors, you can ensure your print projects look professional and meet your business’s needs. For those who find the process daunting, working with a business printing service like Anchored Web Solutions can make all the difference.

We bring the expertise and experience necessary to deliver high-quality print results. This is done on time and within budget. Visit our website to learn more about how we can help with your next print project. And if you missed it, maybe haunt our blog graveyard and read about Migrating Between WordPress and Joomla: Easier Said Than Done for more insights on managing your website effectively.