Understanding the Publication Printing Process

Because of its complexity, publication printing can seem overwhelming at a first glance. But it doesn’t have to be. After more than 90 years of doing it, we’ve got the process down to a science. So here’s a summary of what to expect when you reach out about printing your publication.

Once you reach out to inquire about printing your publication, the printer will want to begin gathering the critical details. Expect questions like:

• How many pages?
• How many copies?
• What are the dimensions?
• How do you want it to look, feel, and perform in your reader’s hands?

It’s okay if you don’t have hard and fast answers to every question right away. A quality print partner will learn your goals, explain your options, and provide recommendations that best suit your needs. Once these details are finalized into a publication file, the three step publication printing process can begin.

Pre-press Process

All the communication leading up to pre-press will give all stakeholders a clear vision of now the final version needs to look before going to press. Only with that detailed knowledge in mind can they conduct a proper pre-press review.

The printer and members of the client’s team (leadership, marketers, art directors, etc.) will review the file meticulously during this stage. Graphics, texts, colors, layout, orientation, page-order – it all needs to be signed off on before moving ahead. Thoroughness during this stage is crucial to preventing waste or misaligned expectations for the final product.

The Printing Stage

Once the pre-press review is complete, the publication goes to print. Depending on the type of publication, different methods of printing may be used.

Digital Printing is generally more cost effective for short production runs, while Offset Printing often makes more sense for large runs, particularly of 500 copies or more. This is because digital printing has lower set-up costs, while offset printing has lower ink application costs.

Offset printing also allows for more flexibility and print features. For example, Pantone Matching System (PMS) Inks are only available via offset printing; digital printing can only provide a close approximation. So, while both print methods provide excellent quality, offset printing is usually the way to go when ultra-precise color matching is important.

Finishing Touches

Finally, once a publication is off the press, the finishing touches can be applied. This almost always involves trimming and binding of some sort. At Wallace Carlson, the most common types of publication bindings are:

• Saddle Stitch (stapled)
• Perfect Binding (glued)
• Coil and Wire-O (spiral bound)

Many publications also opt for finishes that catch the eye or increase the perceived value of the final product. These treatments include:

• Matte and Glossy Finishes – Adds selective matte or gloss effect over the printed artwork.
• Soft Touch Finish – Adds a tactile, velvety coating to all or part of the artwork.
• Foil Printing – Adds a metallic, holographic, or pigmented lustrous effect to selected details.

Quality Control and Delivery

Quality control happens throughout the publication printing process. Only continuous monitoring before, during, and after the press run can prevent defects from making it through to the final product. At Wallace Carlson, quality control is a critical part of how we ensure every single delivery is top notch.

Learn More About Publication Printing

Curious about different publication types? Learn how to choose the right binding for your project in “Selecting the Right Binding for Your Publication” and get an overview of publication printing in “What is Publication Printing?”