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What paper should I use for postcards if I want to write on them? If you plan to write on your postcards by hand, uncoated stock is the best choice because its natural, untreated surface takes pen and marke… Read answer Can silk laminated paper stock accept signatures (like Sharpie autographs) without bleeding or fading? 16pt silk laminated stock accepts writing and signatures, including Sharpie autographs, without bleeding, so it works well for signed cards … Read answer What trading card materials or finishes work best for autographed items? What trading card materials or finishes work best for autographed items? For cards that will be signed, the surface matters as much as the s… Read answer How do I set up a file for a card with mixed finishes, like matte and glossy on different areas? Yes, you can combine different finishes on the same card, for example a matte finish overall with a glossy finish on specific design element… Read answer How should I prepare files for gold foil printing? Gold foil printing needs a black mask marking the foil areas plus a separate 4C file for front and back art, followed by a digital proof to … Read answer What paper thickness works best for embossed gloss cards? For embossed gloss cards, thicker is better: 16pt gives a solid relief and 32pt ultra-thick the deepest raised effect, with less risk of cra… Read answer Do I need to set up my file differently for edge gilded cards? An edge gilded card uses the same artwork setup as any standard thick business card; the gilding is applied to the edges after printing and … Read answer Do I need to design my file differently for edge painted products? Your artwork setup is identical to any standard print order; the edge color is a separate finishing choice applied after printing and cuttin… Read answer How do I set up my design file for embossing? Set up embossing on its own die layer filled with solid 100% black, aligned exactly over the print file, and keep raised elements bold, not … Read answer How should I set up my design file for foil? Foil files need a separate layer defined as a named spot color or 100% K solid black on a transparent background, while the rest of the art … Read answer How do I set up my design file for glitter printing? Glitter printing needs a spot color layer marking glitter areas in solid coverage over your art, so start from the product template and supp… Read answer Can holographic foil be applied to any paper stock? Holographic foil bonds best to smooth coated 16pt and 32pt stocks, lighter coated sheets are workable, and uncoated or textured paper may no… Read answer Do I need a special file setup for holographic foil? Holographic foil art goes on its own layer or spot color channel, ideally vector, with bold solid shapes rather than fine lines or tints for… Read answer What paper stock works best for lamination or special coatings? Lamination and special coatings such as velvet laminate or soft touch need a substantial base to sit on. Lighter papers do not hold these fi… Read answer Which finishes or coatings suit designs with heavy dark backgrounds? For heavy dark or black backgrounds, matte lamination is the usual pick, resisting scratches and fingerprints while keeping deep colors even… Read answer Are velvet laminated cards water resistant or waterproof? Velvet laminated cards resist light moisture like a stray drop or damp hands, but they are not waterproof, so wipe them dry and avoid soakin… Read answer Are gloss laminated cards water resistant or waterproof? Gloss laminated cards shrug off a splash or a quick wipe thanks to the sealed film, yet soaking or standing water can still damage them over… Read answer Can I have any printing under my raised foil mask? Keep a solid color behind a raised foil mask, since fine artwork, small text or thin lines under the foil tend to get hidden or muddied once… Read answer Can lamination be added to cardstock that is already gloss, like the 14pt gloss cover? Lamination can go on a 14pt gloss cover stock, since the gloss coating sits on the paper while lamination is a separate bonded film on top o… Read answer Can spot UV go on uncoated paper? No, Spot UV cannot be applied to uncoated paper. The UV coating needs a sealed surface to sit on and cure properly, and uncoated stock soaks… Read answer Can a single-layer card be embossed, and should it be? Yes, a single-layer card can be embossed, but the effect shows up best on thicker stock; embossing presses a raised impression into the pape… Read answer What is Kleen Stik? Kleen Stik is a two-sided self-adhesive tape on a treated release liner in roll form, turning a printed piece into a clean peel-and-stick pr… Read answer What is the equivalent to Flood UV Coating? Flood UV coating simply means the entire card is covered with a high-gloss UV coating, as opposed to spot UV, where only specific areas are … Read answer What is the meaning of "Spot UV Front, No UV back" ? Spot UV front, no UV back means only chosen areas on the front, such as a logo or headline, get a glossy coating, while the back stays fully… Read answer

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