2 Color Printing – Two Colors are Better than One

In 2 color printing, two ink colors are used instead of one on lower end marketing materials, vs four on higher-end commercially printed pieces. The inks used are typically Pantone^® colors, and are frequently used to print a logo, design or symbol in a unique color. Pantone inks are the industry standard in two-color printing because they are part of a standardized color matching system to help different manufacturers in different locations or industries reproduce the exact same color by referring to the Pantone Matching System Color Guides.

 

Heidelberg 2 color printing press

Adding a second color to black and white printing will add color and impact and can improve the professionalism and increase the response on marketing materials. A unique, readily identifiable spot color is sometimes used by companies to create a brand color that is used on all their marketing and product materials.

Tips to get started with your Two Color Printing Project:

• Give us a call and let us walk you through the process. We can even send you Pantone^® swatches to help you make your color decision.
• If you are printing a combination of coated and uncoated paper (for example, brochures and letterhead), remember that ink colors may not match exactly across the different paper types. It’s the same ink, but they don’t always look the same on different paper types, typically looking duller on uncoated paper stocks.
• If an exact color match is critical, ask for a “press proof” of your job. This will give you an idea of how the final colors will look on paper as opposed to your monitor.

Samples of Business Cards Using 2 Color Printing

        

Need technical or creative advice on your 2 color printing project?

Call our print experts now at 800-930-2423, or Get Pricing.

 

See Pantone inks mixed for 2 color printing in this video

 

Scented Printing

Did you know that smell is the sense most closely linked to memory? Scented ink is not only memorable, it is a creative way to add some pizzazz to your printed materials. We offer scratch-n-sniff and coated light-rub. We can also work with specialty glue, which is often used in magazine inserts that hold perfume samples. Choose from these standard scents or combinations.

We offer a wide range of standard scents, highlighted by categories such as:

• Foods like Apple Pie, Bacon, Coffee and Chocolate
• Spices such as Basil, Ginger and Peppermint
• Fruits and Vegetables from Banana and Grapefruit to Passionfruit and Tangerine
• Flowers and Plants like Daffodil, Geranium, Lilac and Orange Blossom
• A variety of others like Suntan Oil, Menthol, Campfire and Gasoline

There are too many to list here, with new scents arriving often. If you’ve go an idea to inject some aroma into your marketing, give us a call and we’ll help find the perfect solution for your brand and your budget.

*Custom scents available. This option is best suited for large quantities. Our knowledgeable customer advocates can help you in determining if this special effect is right for your project timeline and budget.

Wacky and Stinky:

Engage your customers in a new way with creative use of scented inks or glues. For example, a car dealership that is investing in a direct mail campaign would increase the effectiveness by adding a “new car scent” on the mailer. It entices the customer to imagine getting into a new car. Or a bakery that is promoting their chocolate chip cookies can send a scratch-n-sniff cookie image that invites customers to come in for the real thing.

Scented Printing F.A.Q.:

Tip-On Printing Services

Here’s a Tip – get more business with Tip-On Printing

Have you ever been pleasantly surprised by something stuck to the back of your cereal box? Or perhaps you found some restaurant coupons clinging to the outside of your Sunday paper? These fun extras attached to everyday print products use the Tip-On gluing process – and they get noticed. Take a look, and think about a few ways Tip-Ons can change your business!

What exactly is Tip-On Printing?

The “Tip-On” process uses temporary glue called “fugitive glue” to stick two marketing pieces together – and leaves no sticky residue on the piece once it’s removed. This is an ideal way to add an extra, or bonus type message to your existing print piece. For example, a Tip-On is a great way to add a plastic gift card to a postcard; or a restaurant flyer offer to the inside of a magazine. Using the Tip-On process, you can glue virtually any two print pieces together – with each piece being able to separate and maintain its own unique value.

Why Tip-Ons?

Tip-On Printing lets you add extra standout messaging to any existing print product. The best part is your overall print presentation can evolve over time – with one glued piece changing while the other stays the same. For example, you don’t have to redesign your postcard every time you want to launch a new direct mail campaign. You can simply stick with your standard messaging on the postcard, while evolving your new customer offer to a gift card for each new mailing. Tip-On lets you keep your marketing fresh while saving on design costs.

Tip-On Samples

Check out some cool samples of Tip-On gluing in action in the videos below, like the tri fold brochure with attached gift card!
Want your own sample? Call us at 800-930-6040 or request samples here!

Pricing

In addition to your original printing cost, there is a $90 setup fee for adding a tip-on to your printing project, and 7¢ fee for every finished piece.

Example:

 

Paper Belly Bands

Belly bands are an attractive way to package your product or printed material. They provide practical functionality while giving you prime space to display your branding and communicate your message. Belly bands can vary in width, paper type and weight, shape, and texture.

Belly bands, also referred to as books bands, jacket bands, and publisher’s bands are also used in publications to protect books, magazines and printed collections, and can be used to secure the contents of presentation folders.

Paper belly bands are also used to package stationery and personal papers and add an extra special touch to wedding invitations. They are frequently enhanced with embossed and foil stamped stickers or labels, sometimes monogrammed, adding a classy 3 dimensional visual and tactile presentation that literally stands out.

We also offer specialty papers, textures, unique effects like die cutting, embossing and foil stamping, and peel and stick adhesives in a variety of widths to seal the bands.

Candy Wrappers

Choose from a variety of papers, sizes and finishes. All wrappers are shipped flat and include peel and stick adhesive also known as finger lift tape, the adhesive is available in ¼”, ½”, ¾”, and 1″ widths and can be applied flush to the edge of your printed piece. Make your sweets look even sweeter with foil stamping or embossing. Package your product so the customer’s eyes are sure to go to your candy bar first. The right type of image or finishing can differentiate your candy bar from all the rest, increasing sales.

Sock Bands

Sock bands provide great real estate for branding, marketing, care instructions and manufacturer information. Add custom effects such as foil stamping, embossing or metallic inks to differentiate your brand from the competition. Sock bands are available in a wide range of sizes, papers and finishes.

Package your products like candy bars or socks with a belly band that provides additional product promotion area. Some businesses include coupons and creative incentives to gain customer retention. The first product is already in the customer’s hands, so it is an ideal way to connect with them for future sales.

Printing for Less customer advocates are just a phone call away to answer any questions and assist you with any technical or design considerations you might have. Our full-color process printing and top quality papers will ensure that your printed belly bands, candy wrappers and sock bands are attractive, with commercial level appeal.

Folding Options for Menus

How you’ll fold a menu is an important decision. A fold affects both the aesthetics and function of the menu. It determines which dishes and beverages your customer sees first and affects the size of your menu. Folds can decrease the finished size of your menu without reducing the space for your message.

Standard folds include: single sheet, half-fold and tri-fold. In addition to standard folds, we can customize a fold to fit your menu design. Call our helpful experts to discuss the right fold for your project, 800-930-6040

Menu Panels:

Front Cover

Should be vibrant and easy to read. May include your company name and logo.

Inside Panels

Detailed information about your dishes including a description, price and possibly photo.

Back Cover

May be a continuation of your menu or an advertisement for your company’s products, services or locations.

Single Sheet

A single sheet menu does not have a fold. It is a two page, front and back menu. The top half of the front page is most often seen by your customer. Place cocktails and appetizers on the top half of the menu to increase sales.

Our standard single sheet sizes are:

Half Fold

A half-fold is a single sheet menu folded in half. The half-fold is constructed by folding a sheet of paper to create 2 panels on each side of the paper.

Our standard half fold sizes are:

• 8.5″ x 11″ folded to 5.5″ x 8.5″
• 11″ x 17″ folded to 8.5″ x 11″

Recommended Applications:

Use the front cover of your restaurant menu for your company logo, address and name. With a half-fold, you still have two interior pages to display the bulk of your menu. The back page can be a continuation of your menu or used to display drinks, desserts or a kids menu.

Tri Fold

A tri-fold menu is a single sheet of paper printed on both sides and folded into thirds. A tri-fold menu is perfect for a large menu or a menu with a variety of options. With 6 panels, a tri-fold allows you to segment your menu more easily. You can have a separate panel for starters, small plates and entrees.

Our standard tri-fold size is:

• 11″ x 25.5″ folded to 8.5″ x 11″

Recommended Applications:

Sushi restaurants can use tri-folds to create separate panels for rolls, sashimi and other hot dishes. Tri-folds can be used by Italian restaurants to categorize salads, pizzas and pastas.

Custom Menu Folds

The paper stock and weight you choose for your menu will have an impact on the type of folding options you have available. Are you looking for a unique design? We have a variety of custom options available, including a gate fold and Z fold. Call our helpful experts to discuss the right fold for your project, 800-930-6040.

View our article on Paper Folding Options for additional details.