Print Terms Cheat Sheet (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

PAPER WEIGHT

Paper weight:

Below is a guide to give you a general starting point. Don’t take these as strict rules! Communication with your printer is

always key. Don’t be afraid to ask for their opinion, or have a discussion about your goals with a project.

Weight

Description

20# bond/50# text

Most often found in your everyday copy machine.

24# bond/60# text

Generally multipurpose paper used in the office printer. Also the most popular business

letterhead or stationary weight.

28# bond/70# text

Perfect weight for brochures and presentations. Excellent for 2-sided printing with

minimal show through*.

32# bond/80# text

Perfect weight for brochures and presentations. Excellent for 2-sided printing with minimal

show through, while being slightly heavier than the 28#.

67# Bristol

Often considered the lightest of the cardstocks, great for self mailers with a flexible

"soft feel" quick drying surface.

90# index

A durable cardstock with a smooth, hard surface for medium applications.

65# cover

A sturdy stock with a superb "soft feel" fast drying surface. Great for postcards, menus

and posters.

110# index

Both 90 and 110# index are the common weights for tabs, dividers and manila folders.

The average weight of an index card for heavier applications.

80# cover

A heavy cardstock, your most conventional business card weight. Available in a wide variety

of textures and finishes. This sheet is printed on 80# cover.

140# index

For super heavy weight applications.

100# cover

A noticeably heavier cardstock often used for flat cards or invitations.

*Show through refers to printing on one side of a sheet being visible on the other side of the sheet. Thinner papers will have more show through.

BINDING

There are a ton of different methods of binding, and variations on those methods, but here are three common options:

Perfect Bind:

Saddle Stitch:

Spiral Bind:

Think paperback book. Sheets that

Your sheets are folded in half and

Exactly what you think it is! A

have been ground at the spine are

stapled down the middle. Also

million little holes are cut in the

bound to the cover by glue.

called pamphlet stitch, saddle wire

edge of your pages, and a spiral

and stitch bind.

runs through it.

FINISHING

Finishing is another realm of seemingly endless possibilites. I like to think of these techiques as the special effects of

printing. Here are just a few common terms to get you started on the right track:

Emboss:

Folding:

To press an image into paper so it lies above the surface.

It may seem obvious to you, but you need to specify if

and how your piece should be folded!

Deboss:

Varnish:

To press an image into paper so it lies below the surface.

A varnish is a liquid coating applied to a printed surface to

add a clear glossy, matte, satin, or neutral finish.

Die Cut:

Foil:

To cut irregular shapes in paper or paperboard using a die.

Most dies are custom, but some printers have standard

A foil layer is affixed to your piece by a heating process.

dies available (i.e. rounded corners), which reduces costs.

It’s a great way to add metallic gold or silver to your piece.

Print Terms Cheat Sheet Page 2

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