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When putting valuable resources into a commercial printing project, it’s important that the job gets done right – and at the quality you expect for materials carrying your brand. By making sure these quality issues are addressed early in the process, it can go a long way in securing the best quality for all of your large format printing in Denver.
Lower quality prints can cause a multitude of issues. From improper colors to the wrong paper and ink selection, there are a number of things that can go wrong. By working with a trusted Denver printing company, you can mitigate some of these potential issues. The most important thing is to work with a professional printer that will communicate with you throughout the process, and here are some things to do to ensure you’re getting the quality from your commercial prints that you deserve.
Be Clear From the Start
One of the most crucial steps to getting the best quality from your commercial printing projects is to outline clear objectives and requirements for the project up front. Give clear specifications about the size and colors needed in the project, as well as any direction toward the paper type and finish. The more detailed the instructions, the better. This will help give a clear and concise directive for printer as far as tools, paper, and inks that can be used in the project. It will also give you an indication as to how receptive the printer is to open lines of communication.
It’s also important to know what the purpose of the large-format print project will be, and what type of audience you’re trying to reach. Knowing your audience and purpose can help guide your design choices and give the printer better insight into material selection. Having a defined purpose for your project will also help streamline the process. It will give the printer a clear understanding from the start, and establish meaningful lines of communication that will remain open through the rest of the project. Nobody knows your vision better than you do, but the professional printer may be able to offer insight into how to achieve that vision.
Get the Right Printing Method
There are a number of different printing methods that can be used, and all of them are beneficial for specific situations. For example, screen printing is a great option when printing large surfaces (like posters) or textiles (like large banners). This can be a great option for creating stunning large-format prints that keep their clarity and help your colors to remain vibrant. Screen printing is also cost-effective for high-volume runs. It’s important to note that this is best suited for designs with limited colors, and is not ideal for photographic or highly-detailed images.
Wide-Format Inkjet printing is also great for high resolution and color accuracy, and the printing can be done on a number of different materials. It’s well suited for short to medium runs because of the quick turnaround times. These are just a couple of the more common types of printing, but there is a wide array of options – depending on your specifications. Your professional printer will know the best option for your project, and will likely give you a couple of options, depending on your budget. Be sure to talk to them about all of the advantages and disadvantages of any printing method to set your project up for the best results.
Prep with High-Quality Design Files
Preparing high-quality design files can help make sure the final project meets your expectations. The higher the quality, the easier it will be for your professional printing partner to replicate your ideas in the final printing. Make sure images and other graphics are high resolution (at least 300 dpi) at the final print size. This will help make them clearer and easier to see, sharpening the overall image of the print. It’s also crucial to avoid scaling up images beyond their resolution capabilities. If they get stretched too far, those images can appear pixelated.
Convert your design to CMYK color mod, as this is the color space used by commercial printers. RGB is typically for digital screens, and can result in some discrepancies in your color when printed. For fonts, make sure to embed all fonts into the PDF file, or convert the text to outlies to prevent font substitution issues. Make sure the text is easy to read and keep it away from the edges or folds, if possible. Your professional printer might have other specifications or instructions, so make sure to check with them to ensure they’re getting the right design files to properly create your print project.
Proofing & Review
Always request a proof (either digital or physical) before the final, full print run is started. This will help you check for accuracy with colors, alignment, and overall quality of the project. If there is any text on the printing project, be sure to carefully review for any errors with grammar, spelling, or otherwise. It’s imperative not to rush this step. Nothing damages credibility like a misspelled word in a large poster or banner, and 100 percent of those mistakes can be fixed by simply taking your time when reviewing before the final run is printed.
You may also want to consider some finishing options, depending on the project. Your commercial printing partner should recommend some that are appropriate. These can range from laminating or embossing the final project to protect it – or applying a UV coating for projects that will be outdoors for a long period of time. If it’s a banner that could be impacted by windy conditions, wind holes or slits may be added to reduce the impact. Talk to your professional printer about any post-printing options they may offer, as it can extend the life of your commercial print, or make it more effective.
Communication is Key
Throughout the project, be sure to maintain clear and open communication with the printing company. From the initial meeting, you should have an understanding as to communication lines. Be sure to give the printer detailed instructions on your vision for your commercial printing project, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarifications with any part of the process. Customer service is a cornerstone of any good commercial printer, as they want your project to come out exactly the way you want it – just like you.
One of the most important parts of proper communication is establishing clear timelines. Every project has a certain deadline, and your printing partner should be proactive in reaching out and telling you where things are at. By keeping in close contact during every part of the process, you’ll also be able to instruct the printer if there are any potential changes. They’ll also be able to tell you if anything comes up, or if there are better options for your project as those issues arise. Most importantly, this will keep you from any surprises from the printer, and ensure that both of you are on the same page.
Choose a Reputable Printing Partner
Experience and reputation go a long way when creating professional prints, as all that experience will give them the best insight into every aspect of the project. Finding customer reviews is easy now, and most reputable printers will readily have samples of their work to show you. Those samples should show the range of their capabilities, and help you assess the quality of their work. While it’s important to look at samples of projects that are similar to yours, don’t hesitate to ask to view some other projects, as well. This will give you a good overall idea of the versatility of the printer, as well as the clarity of their work over multiple projects. Look for a printer with a solid track record to take some of the stress out of the process.
Technology is also important. Make sure they have modern equipment and the technology that can handle your specific requirements. Every project is different, and has different timelines and expectations. By working with a professional printer that is up-to-date with all of their equipment shows you they are keeping up with trends and making sure they have every advantage available to their clients. Staying on top of the changing technology in the industry will also lead to a higher quality finished product.
There’s a lot that goes into your printing project, and working with the right commercial printer can go a long way in creating that ideal project. Having a professional printer that is invested and communicates from the start of the project to the final printing will help take some of the stress out of the process, and reinforce that you’re going to be happy with the final product. For more information, reach out to the printing experts at Cottrell Printing today.