The number of colors used in the job plays a major part in determining how the job looks. It also has a significant effect on the cost of printing the job. Consider your needs and balance them with the cost in making a decision as to how many colors you want in your job. If you want to print full color photographs, you will need four colors (CMYK) at the least. You also have the option of using high-fidelity color, Hexachrome (CMYKOG) which uses six inks to reproduce a wider range of colors. Many jobs use spot colors for reasons such as accurate reproduction of a company logo color or for special metallic or fluorescent colors.
Digital printing, large format printing or screen printing are isolated printing options where you can print even one copy. However, this is not the case with offset. Offset is meant for bulk printing orders where per unit cost comes down considerably with increasing quantity. The fixed costs of prepress, plate-making and press make-ready remain the same regardless of the number of copies printed. But the variable cost of the paper, machine-time and labour increase with the number of copies printed. Due to this, the cost per copy decreases with the increase in quantity, but the total cost will increase with the increase in quantity. So think about the quantity you need, and realize that printing more just for the sake of decreasing per unit cost will actually cost more for no additional benefit.
Paper is a major part of the printing process – both in terms of cost as well as quality. Paper plays a major part in the quality of printing that is achievable. Decisions about paper include whether to use coated or uncoated paper, glossy finish or matte finish coated paper, grammage (thickness/weight) of the paper, etc.
Coated papers hold ink better, and therefore give a much better result than uncoated paper. Glossy paper is smoother and has a shiny surface, while matte paper has lesser shine and a more dignified look. Grammage of paper determines how thick or heavy the paper feels. Thinner papers (less than 100 gsm) can cause the image to show through on the opposite side. On the other hand, if your job is to be posted or couriered, heavier weight might cost to higher postage charges. All these factors have to be kept in mind when deciding upon the paper for a particular job.
There are many finishing options to choose from to give your job the extra bit, such as Spot UV Varnish, or Full Gloss/Matte UV Coat or Gloss/Matte Lamination. All these options can impart extra qualities to your job. For example, Spot UV can bring out a certain area of the job you want to draw attention to, or, lamination can impart water-resistant properties to your printed product. Other finishing options include punching, scoring, embossing, perforating, etc. There are many options in binding your book, or brochure or calendar. Consider the options and come to a decision.
