Print Talk

Ask questions & review technical information

May 9, 2023

Offset duotones and tritones

Here’s a recent press proof showing how we evaluate inks and densities with the goal balancing economy and quality. The sheet is divided into thirds, with two different K+PMS combinations and a third tritone combining black and both Pantones. The snake image uses the same inks but different curves.

Categories: File preparation , Miscellaneous , Print Talk

February 10, 2021

Translucent paper for digital printing

With recent changes in the paper market we’re switching over to Curious Translucent 29# Clear Text for our house translucent stock. This works great for chapter dividers in books as well as decorative items like belly bands.

Categories: Digital printing , Print Talk

February 4, 2021

Twig binding

We printed and drilled this digital booklet; then designer Rick Rawlins hand bound them using twigs and rubber bands. Awesome!

Categories: Miscellaneous , Print Talk

November 5, 2020

Finishing techniques

We’re posting these two photos just to highlight the quality work of our partner vendors. Foil stamping, embossing, die cutting by our partners Pearl and Superior.

Categories: Miscellaneous , Print Talk

April 13, 2020

Digital foil stamping

We’re excited to be one of the first printers in New England to offer “sleeking” – a method of applying foil that does not require expensive dies. The lowly mailing tube pictured below is one of our first jobs using this process.

How it works: First, we print the area to be foiled using a toner-based process. The foil is then applied to the sheet (using our laminator); it will adhere only adhere to areas with toner. At that point the piece could be complete; or, it may be run back through the Indigo for additional printing.

We are currently stocking several base base colors (silver, gold, copper). It’s possible to print over silver which can add an additional touch of color the foil itself.

Categories: Digital printing , Miscellaneous , Print Talk

April 13, 2020

Lamination choices

Following are our top choices for lamination. The choices listed below cover the basics and most likely we’ll have them on the floor most days.

• Gloss (OPP; or polypropylene)

• Matte scuff-free (best if covering large dark solids)

• Matte layflat (the most versatile matte option; nylon)

Categories: Miscellaneous , Print Talk