FAQ
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Scott Litho - The Premier Wholesale Printing Company
Understandably in wholesale custom printing there are questions – bleed size, print options, and many other items. We’ve assembled this Frequently Asked Questions page to better assist you. Of course, if your questions aren’t fully answered here, feel free to contact us with your questions.
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We specialize in custom work. Just let us know what you need!
How much bleed do you require?
We require a minimum of 1/8″ (0.125″) bleed on all projects.
This will add 1/4″ (0.25″) to your overall image area, on both dimensions. Below are some example layout files incorporating our templates available in our Product Templates section.
In this example, if you wanted to print a 3.5″ x 2″ standard business card with image all the way to the edge, you would need to submit a file 3.75″ x 2.25″.
What is bleed?
Bleed is the extended image area of your print job, that prevents unprinted paper from showing on the edges of your finished job. We require an 1/8″ (0.125″) bleed, on all projects.
It is not practical to print the image exactly to the edge of your finished product. Instead, additional image area is printed past where the item will be trimmed.
Why is bleed important?
In commercial 4 color printing, all final jobs are cut in stacks. The accuracy of cutting in stacks is never perfect. Sometimes, the pressure on the stack from the cutting blade will cause a slight shift on the paper, losing the precision of the intended cut. This is why bleed is necessary to compensate for the shifting.
If bleed is not provided on a document, the final result of a trimmed job may possibly result in a slight white border around the edge. The example below will illustrate why bleed is important.
Controlling Colorshift when converting from Pantone Spot colors to CMYK
Often times, there is a dramatic color shift when converting from Pantone spot colors to CMYK. This is because spot colors are made of only one custom color and are very expensive. Using the process printing method, we are able to make thousands of colors from just four inks, but some colors fall outside the range of what can be simulated.
Becuase of CMYK’s limited color gamut, the simulation of any particular pantone ink will sometimes not be an accurate conversion. A close up look will show that CMYK’s color gamut has only four inks to simulate a special pantone color using cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks only. At magnified view, these four inks overlap each other in what is called “half tone dots” gives the human eye a visual of a particular color.
Can I upload more than 2 files at a time?
No. Our system is designed to only accept (2) files per job. If you choose, you may use this for the front and backside of a 2-sided job. The appropriate way to send more than 2 files, is to place all files in one folder, create a “zipped” (.zip) archive, and upload as a single zip file
Am I required to use one of your file templates to submit a file?
No. We recommend you use our templates to assist you with bleed and safe areas, however, if you are comfortable meeting our requirements, you are not required to use our templates.
What is AQ (Aqueous) coating?
AQ coating is a thin subtle coating applied to print, strictly for protection and to allow the printing of the backside immediately. In most cases, unless you know what to look for, there is only a subtle difference in sheen to the AQ coated side of a job. Aqueous is similar to watered-down version of the white glue like you may have used in grade school. Aqueous is offered standard on all of our coated stocks, except for 14pt jobs (like business cards) which we also offer UV coating.
Can your AQ (Aqueous) coating be written on or inkjetted?
Only with specific products. For inkjetting, ONLY certain inkjetting machines with specialized inks, are able to imprint without smearing. For writing, ball-point pens, some pencils, and permanent markers work. Remember that we offer coated 1 SIDE ONL Y products that will allow you writing and inkjetting on the backside. Also be sure to check your proofs carefully to ensure the COATING SIDE is the one you intend.
How well will my finished print job match what I see on my monitor?
This depends on two factors. This first is the type of monitor you have, the second is whether it is color calibrated . In our experience, the only out-of-the box fairly accurate monitors tend (not guaranteed) to be Apple Cinema Displays, or the newest line of iMacs. Please remember that all color is relative to the computer screen you are using, the lighting conditions, the display settings on your computer, the paper you are printing on, etc. If color is critical, we recommend you order tangible EPSON inkjet color calibrated proofs.
My online .pdf proof has weird strokes all over it, what’s going on?
If you see odd, outlines, or traced “strokes” on parts of your proof (especially type), you are probably not viewing your proof correctly. Reopen your proof in Adobe Acrobat Professional (NOT Adobe Reader ), go to the “Advanced” menu and turn ON “Overprint Preview” and “Output Preview” to get an accurate representation of your print job.
How long does it take to receive my Online PDF Proof?
Usually if you send your files before 10:30 a.m. (EST), you will receive an online proof within a few hours. Beyond that, we will have a proof for you within 24 hours at the latest.
When does my turnaround time begin?
If you chose the proofing method “Online PDF Proof” or “Hard Copy Proof” then your turnaround does not start until after you approve your proof.
For example on 5 Day Turnaround, if you send your files before 10:30 a.m. (EST) on Monday, you will receive an online proof within a few hours. If you approve your proof before 4:00 p.m. (EST) on Monday, then your job will be ready for pick-up or shipping at 4:00 p.m. (EST) on Monday.
Note: Files uploaded after 10:30 a.m (EST) and orders approved after 4:00 p.m. (EST) will be processed the following business day.
If you chose the proofing method “No Proof, Run As-Is” your turnaround time begins when we have completed processing your files.
For example on 5 Day Turnaround, if you send your files before 4:00 p.m. (EST) on Monday, then your job will be ready for pick-up or shipping at 4:00 p.m. (EST) on Monday.
Running jobs without a proof is slightly faster, but not recommended as it removes ANY LIABILITY WHATSOEVER on our part. Even if an error occurred while processing or you have incorrect information on your artwork, we are not responsible for this, as you have waived your opportunity for a proof.
Files with issues will be put on hold and the turnaround time will be reset, to begin from the point the issues are resolved.
How long does it take to receive my order?
Usually, this equals:
Turnaround time + Shipping method selected
Please keep in mind that turnaround times are NOT guaranteed. We do our best to hit the projected timelines, but printing is a multi-step, multi-variable, process. This is not a Xerox machine, and many, many, things must go seamlessly for us to deliver as quickly as we do. We appreciate your understanding. Turnaround time does NOT include shipping, or mailing services.
How should I prepare a file for printing with you?
The basic and easiest answer to this question is that you supply a PRINT READY .PDF file. We recommended a minimum of 300dpi, converted to CMYK colorspace, all fonts outlined AND embedded. Specify your trim area with crop marks (Don’t place crop marks inside the work area). Make sure you have a minimum of 1/8″ (0.125″) BLEED on all edges of your job, and a 1/8″ (0.125″) SAFE area that has all critical design element such as text, pulled away from trim.
Following these guidelines, and CAREFULLY CHECKING THE RESULTING PDF before uploading will greatly reduce the possibility of error and accelerate your job through production.
PDF print ready files:
- Minimum resolution of 300 dpi
- CMYK colorspace
- All fonts outlined and embedded
- Specify trim area with crop marks (Don’t place crop marks inside the work area)
- Artwork should have 1/8″ (0.125″) bleed from trim line
- Information content (“Safe Area”) should be 1/8″ (0.125″) away from trim line.
What file formats do you accept?
We accept the following file formats below, keep in mind anything other than (.pdf ) files will incur additional charges. A properly prepared PDF file will greatly reduce processing time and error on your proofs, as opposed to working with external elements such as fonts, images, and layout files.