FAQ

Q: From approval of artwork how long does it take on average to complete a print job?
A: Depending on quantity and complexity, our average turnaround time is between 5 and 7 working days.

Q: Is it possible to print full colour onto matt paper?
A: Yes, it is possible to print full colour onto matt paper but the end result never looks as good as on gloss paper, in particular photos can look rather dull.

Q: What is the difference between lamination and encapsulation?
A: Lamination comes in two forms, matt or gloss. This is a surface lamination only, which is ideal for business cards or brochure covers to really create a sensuous look and feel. Encapsulation is where the entire job is sealed in clear plastic and airtight – ideal for menus and posters to give them more durability and longevity.

Q: I once had some cards printed but even one month later you could still rub the ink. Is this normal and is there a cure?
A: Unfortunately on certain card the ink never completely dries and the ink can still be smudged at a later date. A solution to the problem can be to gloss or matt varnish the work, which will act as a protective sealant.

Q: Some printing I have noticed, where there is a large area of solid colour, banding has appeared across the job. Is there a way to avoid this?
A: If it is at all possible we always try to avoid large areas of solid colour for just that reason. If you can use textures or images to fill the space the end result will look a lot better.

Q: I once designed my own flier where I had a faded picture in the background but when it was printed half of the faded background didn’t appear. Should I blame myself or the printers?
A: The problem could have been that the transparency was too light. Always try to avoid tints of less than 10% as they usually print much lighter than they appear on the screen and you may be disappointed with the outcome.

Q: Do you accept Mac or PC artwork?
A: We accept artwork on Mac and PC platforms, however it is good to discuss the artwork formats with us first then we can advise you on the best file format to send.

Q: I´ve recently designed some new promotional work I need printing in Microsoft Word. Can you print direct from my disk or do I have to have it redesigned?
A: This has always been a bit of a grey area in the print field - unfortunately it is impossible to plan to film work created in Word. If the design is not too complicated we can copy and paste into a design programme, but usually we would need to recreate the work which would be charged accordingly.

Q: I am using my own designer to create artwork, is this ok?
A: This is perfectly ok, and we have put together a list of tips for designers on our site, so artwork can be produced in the best format for printing purposes. Please see design tips in our Design Services section.