The stocks available to designers are so broad that there are various factors that need to be taken into account during the selection process, factors such as; Size, Colour, Texture, Composition, Printability, Suitability.
The suitability of a stock can be characterised by its GSM and Grain.
GSM (Grams per square metre) a measurement that is part of a paper specification based on the weight of the stock. The higher the GSM, the heavier the paper.
Paper Grain refers to the lining of fibres that are made during the manufacturing process, this is determined on the way the paper passes through the paper-making machine. You can use this information to your advantage, understanding the way fibres lay means that your able to identify what stocks are; easier to fold, bend or tear (along its grain direction)
Paper types & Print Quality
You need to remember that adding different colours and textures to a print job will alter the printability, characteristics and cost of your print.
Affecting Printability;
Smoothness.
Opacity / High opacity papers have no show-through
Absorbency / Each stock has its own absorbency levels, meaning that ink penetrates each and every type to a different degree, Absorbent stocks might dry quicker...but they might also cause problems such as 'Dot Gain'
Ink holdout / The degree to which a stock resists ink penetration, coated stocks may be particularly prone to ink holdout as the ink sits on the surface, which in turn increases drying time.
Types of Paper
Antique - a high quality paper with a clay coating on both sides to give a good printing surface, especially for half-tones, where definition and detail are important.
Artboard - Uncoated board, primary uses include Cover stock.
Cast coated - Wet coated paper is pressed against a hot polished metal drum to obtain a high gloss, often used for promotional material, provides a smooth, glossy surface.
Flock - Paper coated with flock; very fine woollen surface, used for decorative covers. Other coatings might be refuse or vegetable fibre dust to give a velvety or cloth-like appearance.
Greyboard - Lined or unlined board made from waste paper. Packaging material often used for front covers. Provides a rough texture/ good bulk and grey colour.
http://www.biltpaper.com/atoz3.asp
Paper Weight / Paper Density
“The paper density of a type of paper or cardboard is the mass of the product per unit of area. The term density here is used somewhat incorrectly as density is mass by volume. “Paper density” is more precisely a measure of the area density. Paper products that let little or no light pass through (e.g. poster board) are considered dense or heavy. Paper products that allow some light to pass through (e.g. tissue paper) are considered lightweight.” – from Wikipedia
When it comes to printing one of the first thing you need to decide is which paper you choose. The thickness of the paper is quite important. Thicker paper is more durable, conveys different message and of course in most cases more expensive. To find an optimum solution look at the list of the general usage of different paper density:
90 – 100 gsm – used for stationery, text for magazines and booklets, flyers and brochures.
120 -170 gsm – used for text for booklets, flyers and brochures. The heavier the weight, the more “upmarket” the feel.
200 – 250 gsm – ideal for magazine and booklet covers
280 – 420 gsm – used for cards of all sorts and book and booklet covers.
Lamination / Celloglazing
Lamination offers a substantial protection to your printed materials. It’s waterproof and makes the paper more durable. As a finishing option you can choose from matt or gloss celloglazing to give your designed cards or brochures something extra.
Raised Printing / Embossed Printing / Foil Stamping
The raised print is a specialised process which involves applying a fine powder to the wet ink and passing it through a heat tunnel which instantly creates the raised effect. Yyou can feel the text on the card, rather than just see it. Raised print can only be applied to one side of the card or paper.
Embossed printing will add elegance to fine patterns you want to integrate into your corporate image. By adding an extra dimensions to your imagery it will change the nature of the material you present to your viewers. By giving it a quaint look your image is enhanced by a blank impression onto paper.
Foil stamping uses heat and metallic foils to create a shiny metallic eye catching finish on goods such as packaging, wedding stationery, invitations, personalised stationery, corporate stationery, gift cards, brochures and presentation folders. You can choose from different foils including black, gold, hologram and silver foils.
Sustainability
Companies are now actively engaging in efforts to reduce their environmental impacts which means the concept of sustainable printing is becoming a growing service in the printing industry. The growing niche of consumers that want to make a difference will only be getting larger so keep this in mind when you next specify your print job.
Send PDF's instead of print outs!
Obtain print estimates at the start of a job where there may be cost-saving flexibility related to format size.
If your seeking to make an informed and responsible choice when it comes to selecting your stocks, look out for the 'Forest Stewardship Council Logo', A non-profit organisation looking for solutions to the problems created by bad forestry practices.
http://www.thenewjournalist.co.uk/2012/02/11/the-importance-of-sustainability/
A report in 2005 suggested that two-thirds of the worlds resources have already been ‘used up’ and that ‘human activity is putting such a strain on the natural functions of Earth that the ability of the planet’s ecosystems to sustain future generations can no longer be taken for granted’. The report concluded that ‘in many cases it is literally a matter of living on borrowed time… we are depleting assets at the expense of our children’ (The Guardian, 2005)
WHAT CAN THE PRINT DESIGNER DO TO BE GREENER?
When presented with a design problem, first the designer should ask if the solution must be a printed piece. Could the message be equally or more effective as a microsite, an email blast, or a PDF, etc.? By eliminating paper entirely the environmental footprint of the result becomes substantially smaller.
If the alternative design solution is web-based, consider hosting with a green web host. Website files are stored on servers in data centers that hold large servers and other equipment. Servers generate a considerable amount of heat so it is necessary that the equipment is maintained at a consistently cool temperature. Climate-control and backup power sources to protect the equipment and data require enormous amounts energy.
Some web hosting facilities generate their own renewable energy or purchase carbon offset credits. This can greatly reduce the environmental footprint of hosting a website.
If the design solution must be a printed piece, there are steps designers can take to reduce the environmental footprint. The following guidelines are helpful when making these decisions.
Forest Stewardship council
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