We want to ensure that your print projects come out exactly as you expect. We’ve included the most commonly asked questions and answers about custom printing, including information on paper stocks, varnishing, and types of finishing options.

1. JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING YOU NEED
TO KNOW ABOUT CUSTOM PRINTING

2. We want to ensure that your print projects come out exactly as you
expect. We’ve included the most commonly asked questions and
answers about custom printing, including information on paper
stocks, varnishing, and types of finishing options.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need more details or have
additional questions.
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Allen Fogel
602-380-7230
promos@solutionsmc.net
www.solutionsmc.net

3. Custom Printing FAQ

4. How can you offer such affordable prices for custom printing?
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We use top-notch, reputable trade printers around the country that
produce offset and digital custom printing for resellers only. As print
brokers, our low overhead coupled with their wholesale pricing,
enables us to pass on the savings to our clients.
In addition, our trade printer uses gang-run printing
for offset products. It’s a printing method in which
multiple printing projects are placed on a common
paper sheet to reduce printing costs and paper waste.

5. What types of products do you print?
• Announcement Cards
• Brochures
• Business Cards
• Business Cards – Mini
• Booklets
• Bookmarks
• Calendars
• Catalogs
• CD/DVD Covers
• Counter Cards
• Direct Mail
• Door Hangers
• Envelopes
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• Event Tickets
• Flyers
• Greeting Cards
• Hang Tags
• Letterhead
• Menus
• Mini Pocket Maps
• NCR Forms
• Notepads
• Plastic Cards
• Postcards
• Posters
4-Color Offset and Digital
• Presentation Folders
• Rack Cards
• Roll Labels
• Sell Sheets
• Stickers
• Table Tent Cards
• Tear-Off Cards
• Trading Cards
• Variable Data
• Window Clings

6. What types of large format products do you print?
• Aluminum Sandwich Boards
• Backlit Posters
• Banners – Indoor and Outdoor
• Banner Stands
• Bumper Stickers
• Car Magnets
• Displays
• Event Tents
• Fabric Banners
• Flags
• Floor Graphics
• Hardware for products
• Large Posters
• Mounted Canvas
• Signs (including sidewalk)
• Table Covers
• Window Graphics
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7. What types of paper stocks are available?
Depending on which of our trade printers we use for your project, here are
some examples of available stocks:
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• 10-pt. EndurAce (waterproof, tear and
crumple resistant)
• 20-lb. uncoated text
• 24-lb. uncoated text
• 24-lb. gloss text
• 60-lb. gloss book
• 60-lb. uncoated text
• 70-lb. premium uncoated text
• 70-lb. linen
• 70-lb. gloss book
• 80-lb. gloss book
• 100-lb. dull book
• 100-lb. gloss book
• 100-lb. uncoated linen cover
• 100-lb. gloss cover
• 125-lb. uncoated cover
• 12-pt. gloss cover
• 14-pt. pearl metallic cover
• 14-pt. uncoated cover
• 14-pt. natural uncoated cover
• 14-pt. gloss cover
• 16-pt. gloss cover
• 16-pt. gloss laminated cover
• 16-pt. matte dull cover
• 16-pt. silk laminated cover
• 16-pt. suede cover
• 18-pt. cover
• 18-pt. uncoated brown Kraft
cover
• 32-pt. uncoated black edge

8. What types of coatings, treatments, and finishes are available?
• Akuafoil
• Aqueous coating (AQ)
• foil and raised foil
• perfect binding
• raised spot UV
• round corners
• satin AQ
• Saddlestitch binding
• soft velvet lamination
• spot UV coating
• uncoated painted edge
• UV coating
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9. What types of envelopes are available?
Depending on which of our trade printers we use
for your job, here are some of the available
envelope stocks:
60-lb. uncoated with self-adhesive security tint
70-lb. premium opaque
70-lb. linen uncoated
70-lb. premium natural uncoated
70-lb. pearl metallic
We print on many standard and invitation
envelope sizes.
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10. Which folding options are available?
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Depending on your product, the following folding options may be
available. Just ask us.

11. What’s the difference between coated and uncoated paper?
Coated paper has a smooth finish with a matte or glossy finish. It is
available in book (text) and cover stock weights. If your products require a
glossier look, then printing on coated paper is ideal. If not, uncoated paper
is best. Uncoated paper has no clay coating applied during its
manufacturing process.
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12. What is varnishing and do my products require this treatment?
A varnish is a liquid coating applied to a printed surface to add a clear
glossy, matte, satin, or neutral finish. Also referred to as coating or sealing,
varnishes can be applied within seconds after the ink is applied to the
paper or by a separate machine, after the ink has dried.
There are various kinds of varnish that can be applied to printing, but all
share some common characteristics:
• A varnish increases color absorption and speeds up the drying process.
• By 'locking in' the ink under a protective coat, the varnish helps to
prevent the ink from rubbing off when the paper is subjected to
handling or mailing.
• Varnishes are used most frequently, and successfully, on coated papers.
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13. Matte/Satin Varnish
A matte varnish gives a non-glossy, smooth look to the printed surface. This
type of seal can soften the appearance of a printed image. Small text in a
leaflet or booklet is easier to read on a surface coated with matte vanish as
the coating scatters the light, reducing glare.
Ultraviolet (UV) Varnishing
A UV coating is a process for achieving an even more striking type of coating
on your printed material. Requiring the use of special Ultraviolet drying
machinery, a UV coating is like a deluxe version of the non-UV varnishes,
with the varnish appearing noticeably richer and more luxurious. A UV
varnish can be applied as either an all-over coating, or as a spot varnish.
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14. Spot UV Varnish
Spot UV is applied to selected spots of a printed
piece. This has the effect of highlighting and
drawing attention to that part of the design, but it
also provides additional visual stimulus of having
varied textures on a single printed surface. This
adds interest and can identify the printing as a
premium marketing piece.
Aqueous Coating
Aqueous coatings are fast-drying, water-based, protective sealants
particularly resistant to smudges and fingerprints. Aqueous formulations
afford greater protection than varnish and have gloss characteristics that
fall between varnish and UV coatings.
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15. Which varnish is better for writing with
a pen or pencil?
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Although some pens will write on a gloss stock with coating, we do not
recommend it. Most pens won’t work on a surface that has been UV
coated.
We recommend a satin or matte AQ coating which is pen and pencil
receptive.

16. What type of finishing services do you offer?
Depending on which of our trade printers we use for your job, here are the
typical finishing services available:
Saddle Stitching - is a binding method used mainly
for self-cover magazines, catalogs, and multi-page
brochures. This method of binding is “stapled” in the
centerfold, binding all pages together.
Shrink Wrapping – is available in 25, 50, or
100-piece bundles for easily measured distribution,
moisture protection, and protection from dog-eared corners
while in storage, briefcases, car trunks or when mailed.
(Available quantities depend on the printed piece.)
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17. Tabbing – is available in one, two, or three clear plastic wafer tabs to retain
integrity for mailing purposes. The clear 1"-round wafer tabs are perforated
for quick and easy separation upon receipt by the end user.
Folding Options – A variety of standard folds are available. (see pg. 11)
Perforation – is a line of small dotted holes for the purpose of tearing-off a
part of a printed matter. Choose either a
horizontal or vertical perforation option on a
minimum 100-lb. gloss book weight paper stock
on up to most cover and card stock weights.
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18. Perfect Binding - is available for large-page count
booklets.
Drilling – is available from a (¼") 1-hole drill,
3-hole drill (standard 3-ring binder) or 5-hole
automotive catalog rack style drill option. You can
also use drilling to turn a postcard into a product
tag, shelf hanger, or catalog insert.
Scoring - Horizontal or vertical score options are available on some sizes.
Round Cornering – is an option when you want all four corners rounded.
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19. Do you offer mailing services?
YES!
Postcard Mailings - include postal sorting,
C.A.S.S. certifying, ink jetting, sort, tie, tray
and delivery to the post office.
Self Mailers - are mailing pieces that require a wafer seal or tab.
Our self-mailing prices include postal sorting, C.A.S.S. certifying,
ink jetting, sort, tie, tray and delivery to the post office.
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Catalogs and Mini-Catalogs – include postal sorting, C.A.S.S. certifying,
ink jetting, sort, tie, tray and delivery to the post office. USPS requires that
all Mini-Catalogs have three (3) wafer seals on
all mailed pieces to ensure smooth routing through the post office sorting
equipment and assure maximum integrity of the mailing piece from printer
to post office to the
end address.

21. Removing Invalid Records - includes analyzing your mailing lists to screen out
invalid addresses. For a small, per-record fee, we can assure that all addresses on
your mailing list(s) are valid. Why pay print costs and postage for invalid
addresses?
Postage - costs are additional and calculated after your mailing list has been
processed. We also handle nonprofit mailing rates.
N.B. Mailing Services require an additional 1 - 2
business days after printing.
Available services:
• tabbing
• poly-bagging
• fulfillment
• lasering (simplex/duplex)
• variable data printing
• handwork
• inserting
• matching multiple pieces
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22. How do I prepare my files for print?
We require that files have ⅛" (0.125”) bleed on all sides
for most custom printing products. A bleed refers to
the overlapping of artwork past the edge of the
trimmed piece.
Please ensure that all items, except for background
images, are at least ⅛" from the trim line. Any text or
graphics placed closer than ⅛" to the trim line run the
risk of being cut off.
The exception is for small quantity, digital print jobs
where a bleed is not required.
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The green line is the trim line. This
where the printed product will be
trimmed. For best results, ensure that
all text and artwork that doesn’t bleed
has a margin of 1/8”.
The red line is the bleed line. Any
background art that touches the green
trim line needs to extend to the red
bleed line.
The blue line is the margin. Any
information that doesn’t bleed needs to
be inside this line.

24. What types of images can I use for print?
Use high-resolution photos (minimum 300 dpi) and vector art whenever
possible (Illustrator, InDesign). Do not import images from the web, as they
are typically at low resolution and will appear fuzzy when printed.
You should also ensure that any images you supply for custom printing is
unencumbered by copyright and other usage rights connected to the
image(s). If you have purchased or licensed stock photography or
illustrations, please review the rights for usage.
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Don’t use shadows, glows, or any
other transparency (image or
otherwise) on top of a spot color.
Always convert your spot colors to
CMYK and flatten before sending.

25. What is the difference between vector and raster artwork?
Vector artwork is made up of mathematical lines and shapes (as opposed to
pixels) and will not become blurry when enlarged. This type of artwork is
preferred over raster (pixelated) art. The most common vector file types are
AI, EPS or PDF.
Raster artwork is made up of many “dots.” The
resolution of the artwork is measured by the
number of dots per inch (DPI). The higher the DPI,
the clearer the image becomes. This type of
artwork has the potential to become blurry when
enlarged past the ideal resolution size. The most
common raster file types are JPG, PNG, TIFF or GIF.
When combining both types of artwork, place the raster image in the vector
document and save the whole thing in a vector format.
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Which font sizes are acceptable?
We recommend using fonts that are at least 8 points and larger. For
reversed-out text, larger type size is preferable. If your target audience is
older, you may want to consider larger fonts for readability. Please
remember to convert all type to curves/outlines and embed fonts before
converting your files to PDF.
How should I send you files that have several pages?
Unless advised otherwise, please submit each page as a separate file.
How should I set up the page size?
Please submit all files for printing at the size you wish them to be printed.
Your document setup or page size must match the final trim size of the
piece.
We have preconfigured templates for your use; please ask us.

27. Which PDF settings do I use?
If we haven’t designed your artwork, here are the PDF conversion
specs to use:
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28. What happens if there’s something wrong with our print order?
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We encourage you to inspect your printed goods upon arrival and contact us
immediately with details of any color or finishing issues. Take closeup photos of
the issue/s and email them to us at: promos@solutionsmc.net. We stand behind
our custom-printed goods and will rectify any color and/or finishing problems
caused by the printing process.
If we have designed your artwork, we take full responsibility for the final output.
When you design your own artwork, please use our supplied templates and
conversion settings. Once you submit your files, we always check the printer’s
proof for proper layout. If we notice that something’s not right at that point, we’ll
place the order on hold and wait for you to correct your files.
If, however, there are inherent design or file conversion errors that affect the
final product, we’re sorry, but we cannot be responsible. This can sometimes
occur with office or other non-design software.

29. Contact us for additional information and guidance.
That’s why we’re in business!
Allen Fogel
602-380-7230
promos@solutionsmc.net
https://solutionsmc.net
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