Printing Jargon Buster

For new and growing businesses in Huddersfield, Leeds, or Wakefield, printed services such as business cards, flyers and brochures can be extremely beneficial.

At AB Print, we offer all of these services and more for businesses in West Yorkshire, but we understand that sometimes the jargon that comes with printing services can be a little complex. We can help explain some of the jargon you may come across when you look into which printing services are right for your business.

1.       What is bleed?

One of the most common questions we get asked before we begin any printing processes is “what is bleed?”. For products such as brochures, booklets and business cards, it is important to know what a bleed is, and how to do a correct one. Bleed is the ink that prints beyond the edge of the page, to ensure it extends to the edge of the page after trimming. A 3mm bleed is the most common length of a bleed to ensure the ink reaches the edge of the page, without leaving a blank paper mark on the edge of your printed products.

2.       What is DPI?

DPI stands for Dots per Inch. All coloured printing uses this method, and determines the resolution of your printed products images. The higher the DPI count, the higher the quality of the image, and the less chance of the physical image will be blurry.

3.       What is embossing?

By definition, embossing is to mark or decorate a surface with a raised design or symbol. Embossing works well for printed products such as business cards, to add to the design or image your company may want to portray with their printed pieces.

4.       What is Paper GSM

Grams per Square Metre (GSM) is the measurement used when weighing paper sheet sizes. While any weight of paper can be used for printing, for professional prints and higher quality products, there is generally an unwritten rule printing company’s follow to ensure the finished product is fit for purpose. Ideally for your printed pieces you want the GSM to be between 170 GSM and 400 GSM, depending on the product.

5.       What is UV Varnish?

UV varnish is used as a finishing technique in printing. As a similar concept to laminating paper, UV Varnish covers the paper to give it a glossy and high quality feel. It can be used on a whole page, or to highlight a certain area, such as a logo or text.

These are just a few of the questions our team get asked when working with new customers. We hope these answers can help you understand more about the process of printing, however if you have any other questions feel free to contact us on 01924 473481.

We can provide a wide range of services from printing business cards for your Batley business, banners and posters for your Dewsbury office, or brochures for your Huddersfield Company. If you would like more information on our services or printing processes, you can contact our Yorkshire team through our website, or by phoning us.