Finishing is the process of giving your design that last little touch, giving your design that high quality, professional feel, if done correctly. Like most of the aspects of print, finishing doesn't necessarily mean it has to be thought of last, you should always think about what finish you'd like to give your design at the beginning of production, as this can help you with your choice of stock, colour and process.
Die cutting
Source:
http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-die-cutting.htm
Die cutting is the process of cutting out detailed shapes cleanly and professionally, usually for mass production purposes.
'Die cutting is a manufacturing process used to generate large numbers of the same shape from a material such as wood, plastic, metal, or fabric. The die cut shapes are sometimes called “blanks,” because they are usually finished and decorated before being sold. The process is widely used on an assortment of materials all over the world, and many manufactured products contain several die cut components, often assembled together in a series of steps to create a finished product.
Sharp specially shaped blades are used in die cutting. The blade is bent into the desired shape and mounted to a strong backing. The result is known as a die. The material being cut is placed on a flat surface with a supportive backing, and the die is pressed onto the material to cut it. Depending on what is being made, a single die might cut one piece of material, or it might be designed to slice through multiple layers, generating a stack of blanks.
Many consumers find it helpful to consider a cookie cutter when thinking about die cutting. The cookie cutter is a type of die which is capable of cutting out a potentially infinite amount of blanks. Each blank will be exactly the same shape and size, meaning that the blanks can be cooked uniformly together and decorated at will for individuality. The alternative is cutting out each cookie by hand, a painstaking process which would result in irregular final products.
Creating dies is meticulous work. The die must be designed so that it efficiently cuts the desired material with minimal waste. Most factories which use die cutting as part of their manufacturing process have techniques for recycling material left over from die cutting, but they want to avoid excess if possible. Often, multiple dies are fitted together on one mount, nestled with each other for maximum efficiency. Material left over from the die cutting process may be melted down and reused, or reworked into other components.
Common examples of die cut items include keys, paper products, and flat plastic pieces which can be snapped together. Die cutting is limited, because it can only really be used to produce flat objects. For more dimensional shapes, other manufacturing techniques such as molds need to employed. Dies can also range widely in size from cookie cutters to massive machines designed to cut out ship components. With large dies, it is important to observe safety precautions while die cutting, as an industrial die designed to slice through metal can also remove a limb without difficulty.'
Examples of die cutting:
Die cutting is used to cut out multiple shapes which are all the exact same, and is used a lot in making cards.
Below is an example of a die cutting machine which can be done by hand, very handy for cutting out individual shapes.
Embossing/ De-bossing
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_embossing
http://www.behance.net/gallery/Ann-Sacks/5006279
http://www.behance.net/gallery/Bleumind/5222661
http://www.behance.net/gallery/MAKR-Co/11352271
Embossing and de-bossing is the process of pushing the paper up or down leaving a specific shape/ logo/ text.
'Embossing and debossing are the processes of creating either raised or recessed relief images and designs in paper and other materials. An embossed pattern is raised against the background, while a debossed pattern is sunken into the surface of the material (but might protrude somewhat on the reverse, back side).
Often used in combination with foil stamping, embossing alters the surface of paper stock or other substrates by providing a three dimensional or raised effect on selected areas. The procedure requires the use of two dies: one that is raised and one that is recessed. The dies fit into each other so that when the paper is pressed between them, the raised die forces the stock into the recessed die and creates the embossed impression. A specific level of pressure is applied to the dies in order to squeeze the fibers of the paper, which results in a permanently raised area in the paper.When the dies are produced, a die maker engraves the desired image into several metal plates, which are the embossing dies for use on an embossing press. A thorough understanding the process will enable a more successful result. Generally, embossing is the process most often employed to attract attention or convey a high quality textural contrast in relation to the surrounding area of the paper stock.
Embossing is basically used to create a distinctive effect. The greatest concern and emphasis on the client's behalf should be placed on the outcome of the embossed effect. In order to achieve the best possible effect, it is important to understand the embossing process and the types of dies that are used for embossing.The three factors that need to be controlled during the embossing process are:
1. Pressure: the intensity of the impact on the weight of the stock being embossed.
2. Heat: the ability to maintain a consistent heat level for the best impression.
3. Die Depth: the client's artwork or the engraver's efforts will initially determine the die depth, however, if by looking at the artwork it appears that an adjustment of the die depth may be necessary, the die may need to be retooled to achieve a greater depth.Most types of paper can be embossed, and size is not normally a consideration. Embossing without ink, so that the image is raised but not colored, is called "blind embossing." Embossing used in conjunction with ink, so that the raised area is colored, is called "color register embossing." Embossing used in conjunction with foil stamping is called "combination stamping" or "combo stamping."'
Embossing Types
Blind Emboss
Blind embossing does not include the use of ink or foil to highlight the embossed area. The change in the dimensional appearance of the material is the only noticeable difference resulting from the embossing. The blind embossing process provides a clean and distinctive or subtle image on paper stock. It is best used to create a subtle impression or low level of attention to the piece, yet provide some slight form of differentiation for the finished work.
Registered Emboss
Registered embossing is a process that places the embossed image in alignment with another element created with ink, foil, punching, or with a second embossed image.
Combination Emboss
Combination embossing is the process of embossing and foil stamping the same image. It involves imprinting and aligning foil over an embossed image to create a foil emboss. A sculptured die, generally made of brass is used for this procedure. The process requires close registration that must be controlled to keep the image and foil matched precisely. The process of embossing and foil stamping is accomplished in one operation with the use of a combination die. The combination die has a cutting edge around the perimeter to cleanly break the excess foil away from the embossed area.
Pastelling
Pastelling is also referred to as tint leaf embossing. It involves the process of using a combination die to provide a subtle antique appearance to a substrate that is embossed and foil stamped. Pearl finishes, clear gloss, or similar pastel foil finishes can be selected that provide a soft two-color antique look (without scorching) to the embossed image. Lighter colored stocks work best to provide this soft contrasting effect.
Glazing
Glazing refers to an embossed area that has a shiny or polished appearance. Most often this process is accomplished with heat that is applied with pressure in order to create a shiny impression on the stock. Dark colored heavy weight stocks generally work best with glazing because the polished effect is much more noticeable and the dark color of the stock helps to eliminate or soften any burned appearance that may result from the application of the heat. When used in conjunction with foil, the process can provide the foil with a slightly brighter appearance.
Scorching
Scorching is similar to glazing except that it is not used to polish the stock. Instead, scorching does what it implies: as the temperature of the die heating plate is increased beyond a normal temperature range, a scorched effect is created in the embossed image, which results in an antique or shaded appearance. It is best to use a lighter colored stock for this procedure in order to provide a unique two-toned appearance. Caution should be used in requesting this effect, since it is easy to burn the stock if too much heat is used. If scorching occurs too close to the printed copy, it can interfere with the clarity of the printed copy; however, this may be the effect that is desired for a particular application.
Examples of embossing and debossing:
UV coating
Source:
http://www.printingforless.com/UV-Coating-For-Printing.html
http://printwiki.org/Spot_Varnish
What is UV or Ultra Violet Coating?
UV coating, or ultraviolet coating, is a very glossy, shiny coating applied to the printed paper surface and cured on a special machine using ultraviolet light. These special UV coatings harden, or cure when they receive ultra violet radiation.
UV coating makes your printed piece eye catching, and is perfect for products such as postcards, hand-out sheets, presentation folders, business cards and catalogs, or any product that can benefit from a rich, glossy and dramatic look.
Ultraviolet coating has several advantages over other coating methods such as aqueous coating or varnish. They include:
Source:
http://www.printingforless.com/UV-Coating-For-Printing.html
http://printwiki.org/Spot_Varnish
What is UV or Ultra Violet Coating?
UV coating, or ultraviolet coating, is a very glossy, shiny coating applied to the printed paper surface and cured on a special machine using ultraviolet light. These special UV coatings harden, or cure when they receive ultra violet radiation.
What are the Benefits of UV Coatings?
Ultraviolet coating has several advantages over other coating methods such as aqueous coating or varnish. They include:
Very high shine finish
- When UV is used on deep, rich colors, like blues and rich blacks, the result is an almost wet appearance. This can be highly effective with image-rich projects, like catalogs. The stunning shine it creates is why it is so popular for certain designs and products.
Good abrasion resistance
- If your printed piece is going to be handed out or travel through the mail, the combination of a visually appealing piece and durability makes for a great combo for postcards, brochures or business cards. The UV coating allows the mailed piece to resist smudging and marking and allows it to maintain a professional, high quality appearance due to an extremely hard finish, one known for being both chemical and abrasion resistant
High clarity
- UV coatings make details pop and stand out, and are perfect for photographic images and company logos.
Environmentally friendly
- UV coatings are free of solvents and do not emit volatile organic compounds, or VOCs when cured.
Instantaneous drying time with UV light exposure
- By drying so quickly, the use of UV coating helps reduce production time, enabling earlier shipping and delivery times.
Ultra-violet coating of paper
'Ultra-violet cured coatings can be applied over ink printed on paper and dried by exposure to UV radiation. UV coatings can be formulated up to 100% solids so that they have no volatile component that contributes to pollution. This high solids level also allows for the coating to be applied in very thin films. UV coatings can be formulated to a wide variety of gloss ranges. UV coating can be applied via most conventional industrial coating applications as well as by silkscreen.
Due to the normally high solids content of UV coating/varnish the surface of the cured film can be extremely reflective and glossy. 80 lb text and heavier weights of paper can be UV coated, however, cover weights are preferred.
UV can be applied on spot locations of the paper or by flooding the page. This coating application can deepen the color of the printed area. Drying is virtually instantaneous when exposed to the correct level of UV light so projects can move quickly into the bindery.
A printed page with UV coating applied can be very shiny or flattened to a matte finish. A good example of UV coated paper is photo paper sold for home printing projects. UV coatings that are not fully cured can have a slightly sticky feeling.'
Spot varnishing
A varnish applied only to portions of a printed piece after printing, rather than to the entire sheet, typically for aesthetic purposes. Spot varnishing is commonly found on book covers, in which only portions of the cover are high in gloss, in contrast to the surrounding matte texture.
Examples of UV coating/ spot varnish:
Examples of UV coating/ spot varnish:
Coated and uncoated
Source:
Coated and uncoated refers to the stock you have chosen to print onto.
Coated paper:
Coating is a process by which paper or board is coated with an agent to improve brightness or printing properties. By applying PCC, china clay, pigment or adhesive the coating fills the miniscule pits between the fibres in the base paper, giving it a smooth, flat surface which can improve the opacity, lustre and colour-absorption ability. Various blades and rollers ensure the uniform application of the coating.
Different levels of coating are used according to the paper properties that are required. They are divided into light coated, medium coated, high coated, and art papers - art paper is used for the high quality reproduction of artwork in brochures and art books.
Coated paper has a glossy or matte finish. Coated paper is generally very smooth and can be either very shiny (high gloss) or have a subtle shine (matte). Either way, coated paper will have a great effect on the appearance and usefulness of the printed item. Coated paper is more resistant to dirt, moisture and wear. It also makes the printed material more shiny. That is why it is generally used in the printing of magazines, book covers, glossy photos and art books. Coating restricts the amount of ink that is absorbed by the paper and how the ink bleeds into the paper. This is desirable for sharp and complex images as the ink stays on top of the paper and will not wick or bleed reducing the sharpness of the printed material. This same property can be unattractive for the back of business cards as the coated paper does not take well to pen ink or pencil and many people like to write on the back of business cards.
Uncoated paper:
Not all paper is coated. Uncoated paper is typically used for letterheads, copy paper, or printing paper. Most types of uncoated paper are surface sized to improve their strength. Such paper is used in stationary and lower quality leaflets and brochures.
Generally more absorbent of ink than a coated paper, like its namesake, uncoated paper does not have a coating. It is generally not as smooth as coated paper and tends to be more porous. Uncoated paper is generally used for letterhead, envelopes and printed material that is aiming for a more prestigious or elegant look. College and University booklets, real estate brochures and menus for elegant restaurants are generally printed on uncoated paper to give them a prestigious feel.
Laminate
Source:
Lamination is the process of using an ultra thin plastic film which can be applied to almost any paper or board and is more commonly used in gloss, silk and matt finishes. A lamination will cover the whole side or sides of a document and cannot be used to cover a specific area alone.
Lamination Pros:
- can be used to enhance the appearance of standard paper boards at relatively low cost and is generally cheaper than a spot uv varnish in most cases
- will make a paper more durable and long lasting and can actually offer some water/grease resistance
- eliminates cracking of ink on creases
- no set up costs
Lamination Cons:
- can only be used to cover a whole side of a document
- matt lamination over a dark colour will show scratches and finger prints, more so than gloss
Duplex
Duplex printing is simply printing double sided. This comes in very handy when printing out books, magazines, leaflets, anything which is usually printed on the front and the back.
Examples of how to print:
Foiling and flocking
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foil_stamping
Foil stamping, typically a commercial print process, is the application of pigment or metallic foil, often gold or silver , but can also be various patterns or what is known as pastel foil which is a flat opaque color or white special film-backed material, to paper where a heated die is stamped onto the foil, making it adhere to the surface leaving the design of the die on the paper. Foil stamping can be combined with embossing to create a more striking 3D image.
Foil stamping machines, also known as hot foil stampers, use heat to transfer metallic foil to a solid surface. Examples of items that are foil stamped include pencils, napkins, matchbooks, photographs and books. The foil stamp is a permanent process. These machines are popular with wedding businesses, photography studios and other businesses that need to brand or mark products.
A similar machine, called a foil fuser, creates a similar look in a process called foil fusing in which foil is fused to printer toner by means of heat.
Foiling is achieved by pressing foils onto stock material. The foils are dressed with an adhesive which becomes active when heated, and pressure is then applied to attach the foil to the paper or card. The process is performed using blocking and platen presses and silver or many other colour selections, metallic or otherwise.
Foiling can really make an impact, especially when combined with embossing.
Examples of foiling and the impact it can make:
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