FAQ - Ink

No. Computer screens tend to render colors somewhat brighter than what will appear on a printed piece. Photographs may be a close match, but other images may shift in color more noticeably. The reason screen color is different from print color is that it uses a different color space. Screen color is configured in RGB (Red, Green, Blue), the colors of light. Print color is configured for the four color process using CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black). Other factors that may contribute to the difference in color between your computer screen and your printed pieces are the calibration of your monitor and the paper stock you select. If precise color matching is critical to your job, we recommend you request a high quality hard copy proof.

No. While we may be able to approach your color printer output, variations in equipment, lighting, resolution and technique can significantly affect the quality of printed color.

Most computers give you the option of creating files in one of two color spaces: CMYK or RGB. CMYK stands for the four colors used for four-color process printing (cyan, magenta, yellow and black). RGB is the color space typically used on computer monitors and stands for red (R), green (G) and blue (B). RGB are the primary colors of light. Because CMYK is expressly designed for the four-color printing process, you must create your documents in this color space rather than RGB.

A color, hard copy proof is a better indicator of the color accuracy of your printed piece than any electronic format. Our medium quality hard copy proof alternatives give you a decent approximation of the final printed color at a reasonable price. However, if superior color is critical to the effectiveness of your piece, we recommend a high quality proof.

The Pantone® Matching System (PMS) is a standard color-matching system used by printers and graphic designers for inks, papers and other materials. Each PMS color is standardized by the percentage mixtures of different primary inks that make the color. For swatch samples, comparisons of PMS colors to process color and other information, go to www.pantone.com.

Fluorescent and metallic inks are slightly more complex and expensive to use than regular inks. We do not include fluorescents and metallics as part of our standard product offerings. However, we can handle projects using these inks as Custom projects. Just go to the Custom page and fill out the e-mail for requesting a quote.

PrintingYouCanTrust.com is a full-service printing enterprise. We offer one-, two- and four-color printing for many of our standard products. However, we can handle your more complex printing needs, such as five-color+ printing or extra tints or varnishes, through a Custom order. Simply go to the Custom page and fill out the request for quotes e-mail. We will usually have your custom estimate within 24 hours on most requests.

Spot varnishing is used to coat an area on coated paper. This is usually done to accomplish a design aesthetic. We do not provide spot varnishing as part of our standard product offerings, but can handle it for Custom jobs. We do offer aqueous coating or varnish for some products when printing on glossy paper only. This is an overall treatment, not spot. Click here for more information.

Bleeds allow you to have the ink run off the edges of a page. Envelopes, stationery, business cards and books do not allow for bleeds in our pricing. Brochures, cards, newsletters, catalogs and posters do allow you to bleed. If you do want bleeds for your project that currently doesn't allow for bleeds, simply submit a Custom quote by clicking here.