TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL JOB

Tips for the Printer:
Guide marks must be placed in the exact location indicated on the National Envelope tailor-made press layout sheet for each envelope blank on the press sheet.

If a solid ink lay bleeds into the area containing the guide marks then reverse the mark in the solid.

If the printed bleed is a pattern or design, place the guide mark in the design where it can still be picked up by a trained eye but will not be apparent to the average viewer.

Caution: Without guide marks on the finished press sheets, it will be impossible or very expensive to attempt to register die cutting to printed images.

Trimming:
Generally the full press sheets will be repacked in cartons or on skids for shipment to National Envelope. If, by prior agreement, the press sheets are to be split by the printer before shipment, it is essential that lifts be piled by cut. Each pile should be clearly marked and packed separately. It is also helpful to include with the shipment to National Envelope a full press sheet with the cuts, gripper and side guide clearly indicated.

Tips for the Printer and Designer:
The more complicated or unusual your design, the more you need to communicate with us early in the concept phase while design adjustments can still be made. Incidentally, it’s a good idea at some time to consult your local U.S. Post Office to be sure your design concept does not conflict with postal regulations.

Scheduling:
Register of Design Elements Across Envelope Seams
This is without question the most difficult register problem in converting envelopes. Whenever possible, avoid design concepts that call for an exact register of graphics across any envelope seam. Consult a National Envelope expert early in the design stage and perhaps suggestions can be offered to provide the “look” you are after without an exact register across a seam.

Multiple Return Address
Litho converted envelope jobs that require many address changes need proper design planning. Jobs requiring address changes that register close to a logo or other printed copy and quantities for each are known, can be done by printing different versions that are properly marked. However, some clients require logo “shells” printed flat sheet and converted to be overprinted with address changes at a later time. These do not make good litho converting jobs. Due to converting variance, copy on the envelope will move up to 1/8". Trying to register address copy on a printed piece after the envelope is converted is risky at best. Jobs requiring overprint after envelope conversion should be designed so that the address is on the back flap, not registered next to the logo or copy on the face.

Bleeds
For the sake of simplicity, we will use a #10 Commercial envelope for the following illustrations to define proper terminology:

Full bleed: Ink is to cover entire visible front and/or back of envelope.
The printed image must extend 1/8" beyond the die cut edge of the envelope to insure full coverage in the final envelope. When an envelope will appear to be fully covered with ink, the National Envelope press sheet layout will indicate void areas in the envelope blank which should not be printed. These voids will be areas to which envelope adhesive will be applied.

Partial bleed: Ink coverage indicates that the printed image extends over part of a fold off part of an edge of the envelope blank. It is difficult to die cut and fold envelopes in hairline register with printing. We suggest the graphics be designed to print over the envelope fold and on to the back of the envelope by 1/8".

Printing/Tinting: Solid or screen coverage on inside of envelope.
Full coverage, line or screen images (tinting) on the inside of the envelope, offers several benefits. The inside printing particularly in White Wove Commodity envelopes increases the opacity of the finished envelope. Personalized tints incorporating company logos provide added security and prestige. Tinting has become associated with envelopes containing confidential information such as bills, checks, policies, etc., and therefore can be used as a design technique on any style envelope or paper for increased impression value. Full ink coverage can add richness to the presentation of the material contained. However, the use of a full coverage of darker ink colors may show through the envelope paper, detracting from the appearance.

Printed image: Printed on front of envelope, not touching a fold.
The printed image should be at least 1/8" from any fold. Avoid printing in address, postage and bar code areas of envelope front. Consult your local Post Office for guidelines and regulations.