Glossary: Print Lingo & Vocabulary

The extent of scuffing and squeezing that a paper can withstand without becoming useless or worthless

Refers to characteristics within a paper that gives it the ability to absorb fluids that are in contact with it. Examples would include water, drinks […]

Refers to a particular pattern of folding paper. The name is derived from the shape of the paper when it is unfolded (like an accordion’s)

Refers to a printing proof which is acetate in nature. This proof is used to make sure that print colors that are anticipated are done […]

Papers which are completely free from the presence of acid. This type of paper is usually alkaline in nature. This gives it the ability to […]

The level or extent of acid that is found in any paper or its substance when compared with the pH level. Getting a 7 to […]

The right location or position of fiber in the paper. It is important to fold with the grain and not against the grain. It comes […]

Paper that has dried off through the use of hot air. Hot air is blown into the paper with nothing holding back the piece of […]

Refer to fluids which the printing press would utilize to make sure that the surface tension of the water is reduced. Alternatives to alcohol would […]

A press plate made from metal. This is usually used when dealing with offset lithography. It is often used in long or moderate runs. These […]

These refer to matching envelopes paired with cards of paper. You could usually find them when there are weddings or important announcements.

Refers to a finish used for papers. You can usually find these finishes in cover papers or books. These finishes would usually come with a […]

Refers to space which is created at the edge of a foldout (usually used in binding). You would usually find this on French folds. Their […]

Refers to a paper which is acid-free and that is resistant to forms of disintegration. Its function is to make paper documents to last longer.

Paper that has been poorly formed or has a very weak formation

This is used to generally refer to every item or material which is being used, customized or made ready for the process of printing.

These are the letters in lower case. This would specifically refer to the tops of those letters.

It refers to the extent of the pressure which is put on to make sure that the image which is to be transferred to the […]

This is popularly known as the spine. It simply refers to a bound book’s back.

Refers to the process of having the reverse side of the paper being printed even in the situation where it has already been printed on […]

Refers to fiber or sugar cane which has been crushed. Its function is usually associated with the production of papers.

This is a defect on the mill roll which is caused by a change in the web’s basis weight or the caliper. The result of […]

It is defined in three ways; It can refer to straps which are metallic. These straps would be kept inside materials or cartons that are […]

This is a substance which is used primarily for whites. This is used as an alternative to a reflecting diffuser which is at 100%