Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Matte and Gloss Paper Stock?

Matte stock is a coated paper that has a dull finish. It is often used to make pages easier to read that are text intensive or that contain numerical charts. Gloss stock is a coated paper with a shiny or highly reflective finish. It is most often used in 4-color printing to help full color photographs, images and graphics appear more vivid, real and appealing.

 

What is the difference between Offset and Coated (Matte or Gloss) Paper Stock?

Offset stock is uncoated paper which is most commonly used for 1-color pages in books, reports, letters and business forms. Offset stock is usually less expensive than coated stocks.

  

What does PDF stand for?

PDF stands for Portable Document Format, a universal file format developed by Adobe that preserves all the fonts, formatting, graphics and color of of any source document. It allows a file to be read through the use of Acrobat Reader-regardless of the hardware or software platform on which the file was created.

 

What does the # in 70# or 80# paper mean?

It is the basis weight in pounds of a text stock type or the weight of a ream (500 sheets) of 25" x 38" sheets. For a cover stock type, it's a ream of 20" x 26" sheets. With that in mind you now know the reason that 100# cover is heavier and thicker than 100# text stock.

 

What is the difference between 70# and 80# of the same type text  paper?

The difference between 70# and 80# is the weight and thickness of each sheet of paper. The 80# would be slightly thicker and heavier than 70#.

  

What are my options with 1-color printing to create a higher impact publication?

Most 1-color printing is black ink on a white stock. However, you can vary the ink to create a different look. You can also print different color inks on different color papers to create an even more dramatic look.

 

What are my options with 2-color printing?

2-color print publications frequently use black and one other color to create a higher impact than can be achieved with 1-color. However, any two colors can  be used to create just the look you need without the time and expense of going to 4-color process printing.

 

What are the advantages of full color printing?

The highest quality and most appealing print publications are printed in full color using the 4-color (CMYK or Cyan-Magenta-Yellow-Black) offset process. In contrast, computer monitors use a different color model called RGB (Red-Blue-Green). The result is often a difference between what we see on the screen and what we see in a printed piece.

 

How can I reach someone for questions or instructions?

Call us, e-mail us, write us, or even fax us. We will answer your inquiry quickly. Learn how to reach us at the Contact Us page.

 

Can I make changes to my document prior to it being printed?

Yes, you will select either an on-line proof or hard copy proof that you must approve before we begin printing. If changes are needed that you request us to do, you will approve the related charges before we proceed.

 

How long will it take for an e-mail reply to an inquiry?

Usually your emails are answered within 24 hours.

 

Is there an extra charge for bleeds?

Not on full color printing. There is a nominal fee for other processes.

 

How long does it take for me to get the proof of my job?

Once you have placed your order, you should get it within 2 business days after we receive your electronic files.

 

How long will it take to get my order?

Most jobs will be shipped within 5-7 business days after you approve your proof .

 

Does the Turnaround Time include Shipping Time?

No, the Turnaround Time is how long it will take to complete your project. This is the time from final proof approval to job shipment.

 

Will I always receive exactly the quantity I order?

Printing industry trade standards allow for underages of up to 5%. If you plan to send your print order to a mailing list or need a guaranteed quantity, we recommend that you order 5% over the minimum quantity you need.

 

What is the difference between the RGB and CMYK color space and why does it matter?

RGB refers to the primary colors of light, Red, Green and Blue, that are used in monitors, television screens, digital cameras and scanners. CMYK refers to the primary colors of pigment: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. These are the inks used on the press in 4-color process printing, commonly referred to as full color printing.

 

How do I check for proper imposition or backup?

"Imposition" and "backup" refer to how the front of a printed piece is oriented to the back. In the case of a brochure, you normally turn it over right-to-left (like you turn the page of a book) in order to have the back side read correctly-not upside down. 

  

What kind of electronic file format does Black Bear Printing recommend?

We can accept many different formats, but your original application files are the easiest to deal with followed by postscript and then the PDF.
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