After printing, the process continues as follows:

Coating

You can protect paper and make it hard by giving it a plastic coat. Coating a graphic piece means to give it a thin layer of plastic, which can be glossy or matte. Apart from protecting and making graphic material last longer, coating gives material a rather appealing look. Glossy coatings are used when the intention is to make colors stand out, while matte coatings are used to obtain better text definition. In general, coatings are given to brochures –Bi-folds and Tri-folds- posters, personal cards, and packaging and to catalogues´ covers, since they all need to be resistant to ambient conditions and to the touch. On the other hand, printed material can also be protected with a water covering, which dries quicker and is more economical than coating. This type of covering is also used as protection against ultraviolet radiation. Immersion coating produces glossy compositions. It is the ideal covering for posters, post cards and packaging, which are designs frequently exposed to the open air.

Cutting

After printing graphic pieces and coating them– if necessary -you have to cut them. Prints can be cut straight- with a guillotine -or into some particular shape– with special machinery or with a punch. Because of the need to use special machinery, unusual cuttings are more expensive than straight ones. Although it is possible to make graphic pieces with particular cuttings, many printers offer unconventional molds that produce brochures, personal cards, etc., which are unique in shape.

Folding

If you want to create a brochure –Bi-fold or Tri-fold-, a catalogue or a CD or DVD booklet cover, you must fold paper after printing. In that case, it is important to know if the chosen printer provides folding service. You will get further information on this topic under the brochures section of this website.

Binding

Catalogues and covers for CDs and DVDs need binding. In the case of DVDs covers the use of hooks is frequent, although in many cases paper is bound by folding it. In the case of catalogues, on the other hand, there are different bindings. Sheets of paper may be sewn, stuck or stapled together. They may also be spiral-bound or fixed with a plastic brush. A good binding is of paramount importance to prevent catalogues from deteriorating with usage.

Shipping

Once a print has been finished, the next step is shipping. Printing houses deliver printed material properly packed in order to prevent damages during transfer. Shipping is usually by land or- in the case of long-distance deliveries -by air. Delivery timeframe depends on the distance that needs to be covered and on the service hired. Of course, if you want to take shipping of the prints quickly you will have to pay more.

Distribution

Many printers offer distribution to companies´ clients. This means that you can give printers a list of your company’s real and potential clients and they will be in charge of distributing the material. In general this type of service is hired in the case of brochures, catalogues and post cards. It is an excellent way of saving time and ensuring the success of commercial campaigns.