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Q: What is included in your base printing price?
A: Each order includes placement of 1 full color image and headline on the frontside and a grayscale logo on the backside. We will also typeset the following text counts:
- Standard, up to 50 words
- Deluxe, up to 100 words
- Sumo Size, up to 150 words
- Double on corresponding folded and tri-fold products
Of course, we will also perform a thorough quality check of your digital files and notify you of any issues before your job is printed.
Q: What does 4/1 and 4/4 mean?
A: The term 4/1 refers to the use of our four color printing process: cyan, magenta, yellow and black on the front of our cards and only black ink on the back. The 4/4 printing is four color process on both the front and back of the card.
Q: What kind of paper stock do you use?
A: Modern's primary stock is the SFI certified Bloom, a premium, heavy-duty paper designed to withstand the rigors of mailing. Available by request (and at no additional cost versus Bloom) is Harmony, a 30% post-consumer recycled, FSC certified paper manufactured using renewable energy. Both are 100% Made in the USA.
Q: What kind of press do you use?
A: We use a Komori 4040 Lithrone 26" x 36" sheet-fed press with an aqueous coater.
Q: What kind of inks do you use?
A: All of our products are printed with petroleum and 10-20% soy-based 4-color CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, & Black) inks for color printing, petroleum/soy-based black ink on the backside of 4/1 cards.
Q: What line screen do you print with?
A: We print with a 240 line screen (lines per inch) on color sides, 175 line screen on the backside of 4/1 cards.
Q: Can I request custom (spot) inks?
A: No. We print using the 4-color process, meaning that all of our products are printed with Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black inks. We do not use any inks other than CMYK.
Q: What kinds of finish (coating) can I get?
A: We finish all of our color products with a non-toxic aqueous coating on the color side(s). We do not offer other kinds of coatings.
Q: What type of coating do you use on your postcards?
A: While the cardstock has a natural semi-gloss, we also use a water-based "Aqueous" coating on any side that gets printed with color. The aqueous coating enhances the brilliance of our cards and provides added durability. This coating is biodegradable and more environmentally friendly than other types such as Ultraviolet.
Q: Do you offer any design services?
A: Although the base price includes placement of a frontside image and backside typesetting, we also do offer complete creative design services. The minimum is $100/hour and turnaround times do differ. If you are interested in this service, please contact our Sales staff for details: 800.959.8365 x2500.
Q: Can you score and fold my cards?
A: Yes. In most cases we can score and fold your order for you at the rate of $10 per 1000 ($10 minimum) per fold. Conventional products such as the greeting card, double and triple products include the score and fold as part of the base printing price. In some cases, due to limitations of our bindery process, we can score your card, but not complete the fold (Please note that we cannot score AND fold a Standard Postcard – less than 5" x 7"). You will be informed if your order falls into this category.
Q: What is the required bleed?
A: Our bleed is 1/16" (.0625") along each edge, or, a total 1/8" (.125") to each overall dimension (i.e. 4.25" + .125" = 4.375"). Unlike most printers, we require that you build your files to BLEED SIZE, rather than trim size. This is due to the nature of our production process. Please note that our bleed of 1/16" is half of what most printers usually request (1/8"), but due to the nature of our production process, it is exactly what we need. Files not built correctly may delay your order, or may add costs.
Q: What if my cards don't bleed?
A: Whether your cards contain colors that will bleed off of the trimmed edge or not, we require ALL files to be built to the full bleed dimension specified for each trim size. We automatically trim 1/16" (.0625") off of each edge, which will result in the desired trim size. Files not built correctly may delay your order, or may add costs.
Q: Can I print on a custom size?
A: Yes. We can trim to sizes as small as 2" x 3.5". To order a custom size, please feel contact us by telephone. Our online order system is currently set-up to accept orders for standard products only.
Q: How do I prepare press-ready files for custom trim products?
A: Simply add .125" to each dimension of your custom trim digital layout to arrive at the required bleed size. Example: a 5" x 7" would have a bleed size of 5.125" x 7.125". Please note that all other digital file requirements still apply to custom trims.
Q: How do I set up a Business Reply Mailer?
A: The U.S. Postal Service has information and templates available to help you set up your Business Reply Mailer (BRM). More Info
Q: What bindery services do you offer?
A: We have the following bindery capabilities:
- Custom Trim - We can trim down one size to another. We can also trim out a maximum of 2 pieces from any product. They must be equal in size. Please contact Customer Care for more information 800.959.8365 x2500.
- Scoring Only
- Fold and Score (up to 2 folds per card)
- Perforation (Up to 2 perforations, and they can be cross-directional, but must run entire length of card. Also, can do one score and one perforation combo)
Q: Do you print in full color on the backside?
A: Yes. In addition to 4/1 printing (color front, B/W back) we offer 4/4 (full-color front and back) for all products.
Q: Where do I find a list of additional custom options?
A: If you have questions regarding a custom order, please contact our Sales staff for details: 800.959.8365 x2500.
