Print and Stationery

Recycled Paper

2009-05-26T11:40:00.012+01:00

As a country we are becoming more aware of the environment, and the impact we are having on it. So how can we help reduce our pollution and preserve our environment?

Using Recycled and FSC Certified Papers are a very good place to start.

First we need to define these terms:

Recycled Paper is paper that has been produced from mill-broke, pre-consumer and post-consumer waste. ‘Genuine Recycled Paper’ is defined by containing the highest content of post-consumer waste.
Any recycled paper that carries the NAPM (National Association of Paper Merchants) Recycled Logo , will contain a minimum of 75% waste (This however excludes mill-broke waste).

FSC Certified Paper is paper which contains fibre from forest-friendly sources, which have been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). FSC Certified papers may contain a combination of FSC fibres, post-consumer waste/recycled/reclaimed fibres or other fibres from controlled sources.

FAQ

What about Quality and Performance?

The development and improvement of the production of recycled paper, now means quality and performance is tied with that of Standard ‘Virgin’ Papers. There are some recycled brands which are classed as ‘top of the range’ e.g. 9Lives and Revive

Is Recycled Paper more expensive?

Recycled paper is now on a par with conventional paper prices. This is due to the increase in demand and the progression of the manufacturing of recycled papers.

How is Ink removed from Paper for Recycling?

Ink is not always removed from the paper, but allowed to break up into the pulp. This inevitably gives the recycled paper a greyish tinge.

Should you choose Recycled Papers?
(When deciding whether you would say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, please take the following points in to account) :

1. We can reduce the amount of waste we are dumping into landfills. Landfills produce methane emissions which is in turn a contributor to global warming. Recycling paper means, reducing the waste we put in, increasing the time it takes to fill a landfill and therefore reducing the number of new ones created.

2. For the recycled market to continue we need to keep the demand for this type of material up. Without the recycled market and the promotion of it, we would find the production grinding to a halt.

3. We need to reduce the pressure put on forest resources by optimising the use of waste material available. Sustainable forestry’s are present but to deplete the use of virgin pulp completely we need to concentrate solely on using our own waste.

Promotional Products in the Recession

2009-04-03T12:13:00.006+01:00

Promotional products are still a large part of business even in the midst of a recession.

The recession may have taken its toll on companies globally and on our marketing budgets, but promotional items are still very useful in good times and bad.

Some promotional items are used as everyday products such as mouse mats, pens and calendars. All of the previously mentioned items can be very cost effective and will not take a big slice out of your marketing budgets.

Nearly every person who owns a computer (apart from you laptop users) have a mouse mat. At Royale Graphics we produce calendar mouse mats each year for our customers and potential customers. They have proved to be very beneficial to our business over the years as they are an all year round advertising tool. Everybody uses a pen throughout the day (maybe not as much as we used to before people discovered email) Again these are a good advertising tool and are extremely cost effective as they can cost very little. Calendars and CD Calendars are a useful advertising tool. Our favourites at Royale Graphics are CD Calendars as they are displayed on your desk all year round. (Also it may be due to the fact that CD Calendars are another part of Royale Graphics www.cdcalendars.co.uk). CD Calendars can display a different message to your customers on each month insert. This could be promoting your products, a discount on a certain product for that particular month, or just as an advertising tool for displaying your company details.

Promotional items are not only used to attract potential customers, but also to retain your existing customers. They show your clients that you business is still going strong and retain your market share.

Creating 'print ready' artwork

2009-03-18T15:21:00.003Z

To ensure that your artwork is ‘print ready’ and avoid any extra charges for your artwork, please ensure your artwork meets the following requirements before sending or uploading your files.

File Format – we can only accept artwork as ‘print ready’ if it is in PDF format. The majority of graphic programs will allow you to save your artwork in this format.

Resolution – Files including any images must be supplied at a minimum of 300 dpi (dots per inch) to print clearly. Remember you can downscale images, but never ever upscale images to the resolution you require as the images may appear fuzzy or pixellated. Most of the images found on the web are 72 dpi and are generally unsuitable for professional printing.

Colours – Files must be created in CMYK for colours to print accurately.

Production printing presses use different technologies than home/office printers and computer monitors. These should not be used to proof colours as they will not accurately represent what will be printed.

A screen displays at 72dpi in RGB, most VDU screens are not calibrated and the representation will vary according to the manufacturer of the screen and it’s settings.

Print colours may also vary according to the material used in printing - ie: there will be a difference between the colours on gloss material, silk material and uncoated materials.

BLEED - Bleed is used to extend an image, colour or line right to the edge of the finished printed piece. For example, if you want your background to be entirely blue, you must bleed the blue colour past the edge of the final size of print. This prevents a white line down one or more edges of your print, caused by very slight variations in printing and guillotining.

You must include at least 3mm bleed on each side of your artwork, and also include crop marks wherever possible.

Products that can require bleed include Brochures & Folders, Leaflets & Flyers and Large format Printing.

Do not use Microsoft for print ready artwork

2009-03-11T16:10:00.003Z

When designing artwork to be commercially printed, do not use software such as Microsoft - Publisher, PowerPoint or Word

While Microsoft software is capable of creating layouts for leaflets, newsletters and similar items that will print on your desktop printer, it is not a professional design program. It is also not designed for creating documents to be used in commercial printing.

It is possible to design your own artwork, but you need to be using professional design software like Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw or similar.

You also need to take into account the format that the printer will require and also other design requirements like document bleed. Most printers will require at least a 3mm bleed to all sides.

Glossary of printing terms

2009-02-18T10:59:00.005Z

I have created a glossary of printing terms which I will be adding to as the weeks go on enjoy.

A

A Sizes – Most common paper size used for general printing of stationery eg. letterheads. Business Stationery Printing

Artwork – Usually supplied in electronic format, this is the type, photos, images etc. which make up what will be printed.

A/W – Abbreviation for artwork.

Authors Corrections – Changes made by the customer at the proofing stage.

B

B Sizes – Larger than A sizes, most machines are based on taking this oversized sheet size.

Bleed – Printed area which extend off the trimmed area, it is not possible to print all the way to the edge of the paper sheets. To achieve this effect it is necessary to print a larger area than is required and then trim the paper down to the correct size. An allowance is made (usually 3mm) to make trimming easier.

Board – While there is no agreed rule, paper exceeding 170gsm is usually classed as board.

Bond Paper – A basic uncoated paper, often used for copying or laser printers. The better quality bond paper can be used for letterheads etc.

C

C Sizes - These sizes relate to envelope sizes and are suitable for enclosing stationery in the A sizes.
Envelopes

Case Bound – A hardback made with stiff outer covers. Case bound books are usually covered with cloth, vinyl or leather.

CMYK – Letters which stand for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black (K). K is used for black to eliminate confusion with blue. Full colour printing is usually made up of these component colours.
Full Colour Printing

Coating – A special water based coating which is applied to printed matter to protect literature from ink smudging or finger marking or to enhance appearance. The main types are sealer, gloss, matt and silk. Coatings are commonly used on matt or silk coated paper as these types are more prone to smudging than gloss coated paper. The main difference between a varnish and a coating is that coatings are faster drying and therefore jobs can be turned around quicker.

Coated Stock – Paper which has a coating. It can be gloss, silk or matt and is suitable for jobs requiring a fine finish such as colour brochures.

Collating – Arranging of printed sheets into the desired sequence.

Colour Separation – Process by which an image is separated into the four colours for full colour print production.

Computer to Plate (CTP) – The process of producing printer’s plates directly from the computer with no films involved.

Crop Marks – Printed lines on the edge of the paper for indicating where the paper should be cut to produce the correct page size.

D

Die-cut – A shaped cut from the card or paper using a cutting forme.

Digital Printing – Printing direct from the computer usually in full colour without the need for plates. Digital printing is faster and more cost effective for small/medium print runs and allows for special techniques such as print-on-demand and personalisation.

Digital Proofing – Proofing direct from digital files instead of using film, usually via inkjet technology

Drilling – is another term for hole punching.

Dots per Inch (DPI) – Indicate the resolution of images. The more dots per inch, the higher the resolution and the better quality the image

E

Encapsulation – Where the printed matter is sealed in a plastic coating providing a rigid, watertight covering. (Sometimes referred to as laminating which is actually incorrect).

Embossing – The process of raising letters or designs on card or paper already printed.

EPS File – Encapsulated Postscript File. This is a file format which can be read across different programs on MAC or PC computers.

F

Finishing – Any process which follows the actual printing. Can include folding, creasing, stitching, binding etc.

Font – A set of letters, numbers and symbols that share a unified design. Also referred to as a typeface.

Four Colour Process – Full colour printing using four constituent colours: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black.

G

GSM – Grams per square metre. This is the standard measure of paper weight.

Gutter – The inside margins or blank space between 2 facing pages is the gutter. The gutter space is that extra space allowance used to accommodate the binding in books and magazines.

J

JPEG – Joint Photographic Experts Group. A common type of file format for image files.

K

Kiss cut – A shaped cut out from two layered stock – mainly used for peel off labels.
Labels

L

Laminating – A thin plastic film used on the covers of printed literature to give protection. This can be gloss or matt, not to be confused with encapsulating which leaves a clear border and is much thicker.

Lithographic (Litho) printing – A printing process by which the inked image to be printed is transferred (offset) first to a rubber blanket before coming into contact with the paper, which takes up the inked areas.

Laid Paper – Uncoated paper often used for business stationery which has a textured pattern of parallel lines.

M

Machine Fold – The process of mechanically folding printed paper

Machine Varnish – A general varnish applied to printed literature to protect or seal against smudging or finger marking.

Micron – Although paper is usually measured in GSM (weight), it is sometimes measured in microns (thickness).

O

Origination – All the items needed to put together and print the job eg. Artwork, photography, typesetting etc.

Overs – The extra printed products delivered to a customer over and above the net amount ordered. Printers try to allow extra sheets for set-up purposes and deliver more rather than just ending up short on a job.

P

PDF – Portable Document Format. The industry standard for saving files in an acceptable format. Quick, cheap and increasingly stable. A PDF is often used for viewing proofs and for supply of final artwork.

Perfecting Binding – Pages of a book which are glued together to give a square spine.

Perforation – Running a dotted score into paper to allow the paper to be pulled apart.

Personalisation – Where data elements are unique to an individual print piece. Concept facilitated by digital printing.

Printing Plate – A metal plate which has inked images involved in the offset plate lithography printing process. Each colour in a printing job requires a separate plate.

Process Colours – The colours which make up full colour printing. Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black.

Proof – A version of a document produced for the purpose of review before it is printed.

Pantone (PMS) – Spot colours, also known as PMS colours, and officially as Pantone Matching System colours are specific colour formulas that will reproduce accurately in print. Instead of simulating colours by combining primary colours (CMYK), spot (PMS) colours are pre-mixed with existing and published colour formulas.

Pre Press – All procedures (and costs) associated with bringing a job to press, such as design, artwork, proofs, set-up etc.

R

Ream – 500 Sheets of Paper.

Resolution – refers to the degree of detail of an image. It is usually measured in dots per inch (dpi). A high resolution gives a high quality image and vice versa.

RGB – 3 colour split (Red, Green, Blue) used by monitors, not ideal for printing, images should be changed to CMYK.
S

Saddle-stitch – When the pages of a printed document are bound together using metal staples.

Sealer – This is an alternative name for a coater.

Sealer Varnish – A varnish applied to printed matter to protect against finger marking giving a neutral finish.

Sheet Fed Press – Printing presses which are fed by separate sheets of paper, as opposed to paper on a roll. They are suitable for all types of commercial printing.

Shrink Wrapping – Method of packing printed products etc by surrounding them with plastic then shrinking by heat.

Score – To impress or indent a mark in the paper, to make folding easier.

Spiral Binding – A binding, as used in notebooks in which the pages are fastened together by a spiral of wire or plastic that coils through a series of holes punched along the edge of the document.

Spot Varnish – a way of highlighting an area of a page by selectively applying a gloss varnish to it.

Stock – Paper or other material to be printed.

T

Tint – Percentage shade of a colour.

TIFF – Tagged Image file Format. A type of file which stores an image.

Typesetting – The assembly of text and pictures on a MAC or PC by keyboard or other digital means

Trim Marks – See ‘Crop Marks’

U

UV Varnish – A special varnish which has undergone an accelerated varnish drying process using ultra violet can be applied to printed matter to enhance its appearance. A gloss UV varnish is commonly used and this gives a very shiny effect.

W

Web Fed Press – Presses which are fed by paper from a reel as distinct from separate sheets. They are normally used for high volume printing.

Wove Paper – Uncoated paper often used for business stationery which has no obvious surface texture or pattern.

International Paper Sizes

2009-01-15T15:33:00.006Z

A Sizes - These paper sizes are used for printing most stationery including letterheads.

B Sizes - Larger than A sizes, most printing machines are based on taking these sizes.

C Sizes - These sizes relate to envelope sizes and are suitable for enclosing stationery in the A sizes.

http://www.royalegraphics.co.uk/

What is the difference between CMYK, PMS and RGB

2008-11-19T15:46:00.009Z

CMYK - CMYK or four colour process is created using the primary colours of pigment: Cyan (blue), Magenta (red), Yellow and Black. Black is designated the letter K to avoid confusion with B for blue. Because the inks used are translucent they can be overprinted and combined in a variety of different proportions to produce a wide range of colours.

PMS - Spot colours, also known as PMS colours, and officially as Pantone Matching System colours are specific colour formulas that will reproduce accurately in print. Instead of simulating colours by combining primary colours (CMYK), spot (PMS) colours are pre-mixed with existing and published colour formulas.

RGB - If you are reading this, you are reading an RGB display via your computer. RGB stands for Red, Green and Blue. These are the three colours that create every other tone of colour that is visible on your screen. Whilst each monitor is capable of displaying a wide range of colours, there are still inconsistencies between computers. This is usually due to the fact that screens are not always accurately calibrated.

Christmas Promotional Gift Ideas

2008-10-07T14:05:00.005+01:00

Christmas is the time of year that most businesses will get involved with sending out Promotional Items whether it is as an incentive for their staff or to thank clients for their loyalty.

Its never too early to start thinking about Christmas gifts in fact if you haven’t thought about what your company is doing this year, now is the time! The benefit of deciding early is that everything is delivered in time for Christmas.

Probably the most popular choice is Christmas cards but as we all know these get thrown away as soon as you come back from your Christmas break. Why not try something different this year like calendars (wall or desktop) or Mouse mats. Both of these products are also very popular and the benefit is that they will be on display all year round so are a constant reminder and advertisement for your business.

Visit our website http://www.royalegraphics.co.uk/ and go to the Promotional Items page there is a small list of promotional items that are available. There are also pages dedicated to mouse mats and CD Calendars. You can also visit or other website www.cdcalendars.co.uk for more details of this product.

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CD Calendars update

2008-09-29T15:06:00.004+01:00

As you can imagine, we are getting very busy at the moment with enquiries and orders for CD Calendars. This is the ideal time to order your calendars before we enter our really busy period.

We have a dedicated website for CD Calendars which can be found at www.cdcalendars.co.uk where you can find all the information you need including prices and artwork specifications. Please feel free to email us at cdcalendars@royalegraphics.co.uk with any enquiries you might have.

Business stationery printing

2008-09-16T11:50:00.005+01:00

www.royalegraphics.co.uk

Royale Graphics are a business stationery printer. Their work ranges from labels to continuous forms, mailers to promotional items. They are based in Nottingham and have customers all over the UK. They specialise in print management and print solutions and have been in business for nearly 20 years. They work with company's of all sizes

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CD Calendars - promotional ideas for 2009

2008-08-18T11:50:00.002+01:00

CD CALENDARS 2009

CD Calendars are the ideal promotional gift as they are very economical and are on display all year round. They can be used to promote a company's products or services, or by individuals to promote something. ideal for exhibition giveaways, universities for term details or companys wanting to promote their products to their clients and potential clients. www.cdcalendars.co.uk
The website shows a selection of different examples ranging from standard layouts to bespoke designs.

Promotion

2008-04-17T10:44:00.001+01:00

With most forms of advertising and marketing, the direct benefits that can be derived are difficult to quantify. Most companies will consider PROMOTIONAL ITEMS as a marketing aid whether it be at product launches, exhibitions, and Christmas gifts or simply as incentives to potential and existing customers. Promotional products and gifts are a huge business. Quality promotional gifts generate gratitude from customers. Business promotional items will increase company visibility.

Listed below are examples of Promotional Items available:

CD Calendars and Diaries
Promotional Mousemats
Promotional Coasters
Pens, Pencils, Rulers etc
Promotional Mugs
Promotional Keyrings
Greetings Cards
Promotional Badges
Promotional Bags
Window Stickers
Conference Items
Sticky Notes and Note Pads
Promotional Balloons
Desk Pads
Promotional Clothing

Perhaps the most successful promotional items are CD Calendars and Mousemats. This is because they are usually in view of your customer for a longer time. Royale Graphics can provide the advice for product selection, design and artwork to promote your company effectively and professionally.

Call 0115 9491880 or email us now sales@royalegraphics.co.uk for a quotation.

Royale Graphics - Introduction

2008-04-17T10:10:00.002+01:00

ROYALE GRAPHICS started in 1989 and are a Print Management Company and Supplier of business forms, security print, corporate stationery including brochures and leaflets and general stationery including letterheads, compliment slips and business cards. We provide a wide range of other services specialising in labels both plain and printed. We can supply original and compatible thermal transfer ribbons as well as stock stationery such as multipart laser NCR and listing paper.

Payroll solutions are also a speciality either continuous or the latest pressure seal mailers. These can be used in a wide number of applications such as payslips, invoices and statements as well as direct mail marketing.

We believe in working with you to remove the hassle of design, forms management and purchasing for your company’s needs. We are not just suppliers; we pride ourselves in developing and maintaining close working relationships with our customers.