Frequently asked questions
We understand the importance of high-quality business stationery for your business (and personal use). Proprint 2K can take care of all your printing solutions. Below we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about stationery and everything you need to know regarding printing solutions for your business. If you can’t find the answer to your business stationery question(s) then please do not hesitate to Contact Us. We are more than happy to discuss all your printing solutions for your business and you can rely on our expertise to provide the right advice.
A: Digital printing is ideal for short runs and quick turnaround jobs. It prints directly from a computer without traditional setup blocks, making shorter quantities cost-effective.
(See Article: 1)
A: Digital printing is best for short to medium quantities and fast turnaround. Litho is used for large runs and jobs needing very consistent colour. We’ll advise the best option based on quantity and deadlines.
(See Article: 2)
A: Costs vary depending on size, quantity, paper, colour and finishing. We can provide prices based on your specific job.
(See Article: 3)
A: Bleed is extra artwork (usually 3mm) that extends past the trim edge so there are no white edges when the item is cut.
(See Article: 9)
A: Yes, Canva artwork can be used for professional printing as long as it’s set up and exported correctly. Designs should be created at the final print size, exported as PDF Print, and include bleed and crop marks where needed. Image quality and text positioning are also important, so it’s always worth having the file checked before printing.
(See Article: 21)
A: A clear headline, short explanation, benefits, proof, and a call-to-action.
(See Article: 16)
A: Include name, contact details, logo, website, email and optional social media or QR code.
(See Article: 13)
A. Understanding Printing Basics
B. Paper & Card Finishes
C. Artwork, Files & Design
D. Business Cards & Stationary
E. Flyers, Leaflets, Menus, & Marketing Print
F. Vouchers, NCR, & Specialist Printing
A. Understanding Printing Basics
A: We specialise in high-quality digital printing for paper and card products, including leaflets, flyers, menus, business cards, booklets, books, posters, letterheads, compliment slips, NCR pads, business starter packs, presentation folders, greetings cards, labels, calendars, church service stationery, vouchers, raffle tickets and more.
(See Articles: 1, 3)
A: Printing prices depend on several variables, including quantity, size, paper type, colour, finishing options and turnaround time. Because no two print jobs are exactly the same, prices are usually shown as “from” to give a realistic starting point rather than a misleading fixed figure.
(See Article: 3)
A: Turnaround times depend on the type of product, quantity and finishing required. Many digital print jobs can be produced quickly (often within a week), while more complex jobs may take longer. If you have a deadline, it’s always best to let us know so we can advise what’s possible. We’ll do our best to get you what you want when you want it.
(See Article: 1)
A: Leaves are the same as sheets and sides are the same as pages. So if 1 sheet or leaf of A4 is folded it creates 4 sides or pages and is known as 4pp (printed pages). If unfolded it has 2 sides or pages and is referred to as 2pp.
(See Article: 17)
B. Paper & Card Finishes
A: Paper weight is measured in gsm (grams per square metre) and refers to how thick and sturdy the paper feels. The higher the gsm, the thicker and more rigid the paper.
We commonly print on the following paper weights:
- 75gsm – Lightweight paper typically used for NCR pads and duplicate forms
- 80gsm – Standard office-style paper, often used for letters and everyday documents
- 100–120gsm – Slightly thicker than standard paper, giving a more professional feel
- 150–170gsm – Heavier paper commonly used for flyers and leaflets
- 200–225gsm – Thick paper that feels close to light card, suitable for premium flyers
- 250–270gsm – Light card, often used for menus, covers and postcards
- 300–350gsm – Heavy card, typically used for business cards and sturdy promotional items
Some of these weights are available as uncoated paper (with a natural, writable finish) and others as coated paper (such as silk or gloss, which give a smoother feel and stronger colours).
It’s also worth noting that coated paper often feels thinner than uncoated paper of the same gsm, so a heavier weight may be needed to achieve the same “card-like” feel.
If you’re unsure which paper weight is best for your job, we’re always happy to advise based on how the finished piece will be used and how you want it to feel in the hand.
(See Article: 5)
A: The difference between paper and card is mainly down to thickness, stiffness and how the paper is finished. While there’s no single cutoff point, paper is generally lighter and more flexible, while card is thicker and more rigid.
As a general guide:
- Paper is usually 75gsm to around 170gsm
- Light card typically starts at 200gsm and above
- Heavy card is usually 300gsm or more
However, the finish also makes a big difference. Uncoated paper feels thicker and more natural, so a 160gsm uncoated sheet can feel like light card. Coated papers (such as silk or gloss) are smoother and denser, so they often need to be a heavier gsm to achieve the same “card-like” feel.
For example:
- 160gsm uncoated can feel like light card
- 170gsm silk or gloss still feels like paper
- 250gsm silk or gloss feels more like proper card
This is why the same gsm can feel very different depending on the paper type.
The intended use of the printed item also matters. Flyers and leaflets are usually printed on heavier paper, while items such as menus, postcards and business cards are printed on card for durability and a more premium feel.
If you’re unsure whether your job should be printed on paper or card, we can help you choose the right option based on how it will be handled, displayed or posted.
(See Article: 5)
A: Print finishes affect both the appearance and durability of your printed materials. Choosing the right finish can help your design look its best and suit how the item will be used.
We mainly print on the following finishes:
- Silk – Our most popular all-round finish. It has a smooth feel with a slight sheen, offering good colour reproduction without too much shine.
- Gloss – A shiny finish that makes colours appear bold and vibrant. Often used for posters, flyers and image-led designs.
We don’t tend to stock matt paper as standard, as demand for it is very low. However, silk is often a good alternative, offering a clean, professional look while still reproducing colour well. We can also arrange lamination to add protection and durability to printed items. Lamination is particularly useful for materials that will be handled frequently, such as menus, price lists or posters. While lamination is not carried out in-house, we can arrange it through trusted trade suppliers when required.
Different finishes suit different jobs:
- Flyers and leaflets often work well on silk or gloss
- Posters benefit from gloss for strong colour impact
- Items that need to last longer may benefit from lamination
If you’re unsure which finish is best for your project, we’re always happy to advise based on how the printed item will be used and the look you want to achieve.
(See Articles: 4, 7)
A: Lamination and encapsulation are both ways of protecting printed items, but they are used for slightly different purposes.
Lamination involves applying a thin plastic film to one or both sides of a printed item. This helps protect the print from everyday wear, makes it easier to wipe clean, and can improve durability. Lamination is commonly used for menus, posters, price lists and items that will be handled regularly.
Encapsulation fully seals the printed item between two layers of plastic, with a clear border around the edge. This creates a waterproof, tear-resistant finish and is typically used for items that need maximum protection, such as signage, certificates or notices used outdoors.
In simple terms:
- Lamination protects the surface of the print
- Encapsulation seals the entire item
Encapsulation is generally thicker and more rigid than lamination and is used less often for everyday business printing.
If you’re unsure which option is right for your project, we can advise based on how and where the printed item will be used.
(See Article: 7)
A: Some specialist finishes can be used to add extra impact or a premium feel to printed materials, but they aren’t suitable for every job.
Examples of these finishes include:
- Soft-touch lamination – a velvety, tactile finish often used on premium marketing materials
- Spot colour (Pantone) – specific ink colours used for precise colour matching
- Embossing or debossing – raised or pressed areas in the paper to create texture and depth
These finishes usually require specialist processes and are not produced in-house. Where appropriate, we can arrange them through trusted trade suppliers.
Because of the additional processes involved, special finishes are generally more suitable for larger quantities or higher-end projects. For many jobs, excellent results can still be achieved by choosing the right paper weight, finish and layout without the need for specialist techniques.
If you’re considering a special finish and would like advice, we’re happy to discuss the options and help you decide what’s practical for your design, quantity and budget.
(See Articles: 4, 7, 20)
A: Yes — we can print on fully or partly recycled and FSC-certified stocks.
C. Artwork, Files & Design
A: Bleed is extra artwork (usually 3mm) added beyond the final trim size. It allows us to cut into the ink, rather than along its edge, ensuring there are no unwanted white borders once the item is trimmed.
Bleed is required whenever colour, images or background elements run right to the edge of the page.
(See Article: 9)
A: The safe area is the space inside the trim edge where important text, logos and key details should be kept to avoid being cut off during trimming.
As a general guide, we recommend keeping all important content at least 5mm inside the finished size.
(See Article: 10)
A: Crop marks are thin lines added to artwork to show where the printed item should be trimmed to its final size. They help ensure the print is cut accurately and consistently, especially when bleed is included.
Crop marks are usually added when saving or exporting a file for print, rather than being drawn manually into the design.
(See Article: 11)
A: CMYK is used for printed output. RGB is used for screens and can print inaccurately unless converted.
(See Article: 6)
A: Images supplied for print should be high resolution, ideally 300dpi, to ensure they print clearly and sharply. Low-resolution images, screenshots or heavily compressed files can appear blurry or pixelated when printed.
Wherever possible, use original images rather than images taken from websites or social media, and make sure they are sized correctly for the final print.
(See Article: 12)
A: Word and PowerPoint can be used for simple print jobs, but they are not designed specifically for professional printing. Files created in these programs can sometimes cause issues with page size, margins, fonts and image quality.
If you do use Word or PowerPoint, it’s important to:
- Set the page size correctly before designing
- Use high-resolution images
- Avoid placing important text too close to the edges
- Export the file as a PDF rather than sending the original document
For more complex designs or precise layout control, dedicated design software such as InDesign or Illustrator is usually more suitable. If you’re unsure whether your file will print correctly, we’re always happy to check it and advise before printing.
(See Article: 12)
D. Business Cards & Stationary
A: Yes, single or double-sided and various card stocks are available.
(See Article: 13)
A: Include name, contact details, logo, website, email and optional social media links or a QR code and any strapline you have one.
(See Article: 13)
A: Keep it clear, use readable text and avoid clutter. Consider using the back for extra info.
(See Article: 13)
A: Usually 350gsm which we print in-house. We can also arrange 400-450gsm depending on finish and preference.
(See Article: 13)
A: Logo, company name, address, phone, email and website. You may also wish to include a strapline if you have one.
(See Article: 22)
A: Yes — we offer a business starter pack which can be customised.
(See Article: 14)
E. Flyers, Leaflets, Menus, & Marketing Print
A: 100–150gsm for handouts, 250–300gsm for more premium flyers.
(See Article: 5)
A: Yes, double-sided printing gives more room for your message.
(See Articles: 17)
A: A clear headline, short explanation or bullet points, benefits, reviews or testimonials, an offer and a call-to-action.
(See Article: 16)
A: Common issues include cluttered design, weak headline, unclear call-to-action or wrong paper choice.
(See Article: 16)
A: Folded leaflets are available in several common formats, and the best option depends on how much information you need to include and how you want it presented.
Popular folded leaflet formats include:
- Half fold – folded once down the middle, creating 4 pages
- Tri-fold – folded into three panels, commonly used for DL leaflets
- Z-fold – similar to a tri-fold but folded in a zig-zag shape
- Gate fold – panels fold inward to meet in the centre
Each format works differently depending on content flow, imagery and how the leaflet will be handed out or displayed. All folded leaflets are produced in multiples of four pages.
If you’re unsure which fold works best, we’re happy to advise based on your content and how the leaflet will be used.
(See Article: 17)
A: An effective menu should be clear, easy to read and well organised. Prices and descriptions should be simple to follow, with enough spacing so the menu doesn’t feel cluttered.
Good menu design usually includes:
- Clear headings and sections
- Easy-to-read fonts
- Logical grouping of items
- Enough contrast between text and background
It’s also important to think about durability, as menus are often handled frequently. Choosing the right paper weight and finish can make a big difference to how long they last and how professional they feel.
If you’re unsure about layout, paper choice or finish, we’re happy to advise to make sure your menu works well both visually and practically.
(See Article: 15)
A: Takeaway menus: 150–170gsm
Dine-in menus: 230gsm wipe-clean card
(See Article: 15)
A: Yes — our wipe-clean card is water-resistant and durable.
(See Article: 15)
A: Up to SRA3 in-house; larger sizes available through partners.
(See Article: 18)
A: 170gsm silk or gloss for indoor use. Weather-resistant stock for outdoor use or encapsulated is recommended.
(See Article: 18)
A: A good poster should communicate its message quickly and clearly, even when viewed from a distance. The most important information should stand out immediately, with supporting details easy to read up close.
An effective poster design usually includes:
- A strong, clear headline
- Simple, bold imagery
- Minimal text with clear hierarchy
- High contrast between text and background
Avoid overcrowding the design — posters work best when they focus on one main message rather than trying to say too much. It’s also important to choose an appropriate size and paper finish so colours and text remain clear and eye-catching.
If you’re unsure how to lay out your poster or which paper and finish will work best, we’re happy to advise before printing.
(See Article: 18)
F. Vouchers, NCR, & Specialist Printing
A: Yes, we print a wide range of vouchers and gift vouchers to suit different businesses and uses. Vouchers can be produced in various sizes, paper weights and finishes depending on how they’ll be used and the impression you want to create.
Common options include:
- Single or double-sided vouchers
- Tear-off vouchers
- Numbered vouchers
- Vouchers printed on paper or card
- Vouchers supplied flat or folded
Vouchers are often used as gifts, promotions or special offers, so presentation is important. We can help you choose the right paper weight and finish to make sure your voucher feels professional and fits your purpose.
If you’re unsure what format would work best, we’re happy to advise based on how the voucher will be handed out, posted or redeemed.
(See Article: 19)
A: A good voucher should feel valuable, clear and easy to use. The design should make it obvious what the voucher is for and how it can be redeemed, without overloading it with too much information.
An effective voucher usually includes:
- A clear headline or offer
- The value or benefit of the voucher
- Any key terms or expiry date
- Clear instructions on how to redeem it
- Your branding and contact details
Using good quality paper or card can make a big difference to how a voucher is perceived, especially if it’s being given as a gift. Keeping the design clean and uncluttered helps ensure the offer stands out and isn’t overlooked.
If you’d like advice on layout, wording or paper choice, we’re always happy to help before printing.
(See Article: 19)
A: Yes, we print tickets for a wide range of uses, including events, raffles, fundraisers, performances and entry passes. Tickets can be produced in different sizes, paper weights and formats depending on how they’ll be used and distributed.
Common ticket options include:
- Numbered tickets for tracking and control
- Tear-off stubs for entry or prize draws
- Single- or double-sided printing
- Tickets printed on paper or card
- Custom layouts to suit your event or organisation
Tickets are often handled by multiple people, so clarity and durability are important. We can advise on layout, numbering, paper choice and finish to make sure your tickets are easy to use and look professional.
If you’re not sure what format or setup you need, we’re happy to talk it through and recommend a solution based on your event and budget.
(See Article: 20)
A: NCR stands for No Carbon Required. It’s a type of paper used to create duplicate or triplicate forms without the need for carbon paper between the sheets.
When you write on the top sheet, the pressure transfers the writing onto the sheets below, creating instant copies. This makes NCR ideal for invoices, delivery notes, order forms and receipt books.
(See Article: 20)
A: NCR pads are groups of NCR paper bound together to create duplicate or multi-part forms. They are commonly used for paperwork that needs one or more copies.
NCR pads can be supplied as:
- Pads (glued along one edge)
- Books (bound with a cover)
- Loose sets
They are typically available in:
- 2-part, 3-part or 4-part sets
- A range of sizes, including A4, A5 and custom sizes
We can advise on the best format depending on how the forms will be used and whether copies need to be kept, handed over or filed.
(See Article: 20)
A: Variable data printing allows us to print items where certain details change from one copy to the next — such as numbers, names, dates, codes or addresses. It’s ideal for vouchers, event tickets, membership cards, sequentially numbered NCR pads and personalised mailers. You supply the data in a spreadsheet and we’ll print each item with the correct information.
(See Article: 20)
A: Yes. Numbered and personalised printing is ideal for invoices, order pads, vouchers, event tickets and other items where tracking or individual details are required.
(See Article: 20)
Can’t find the answer to your business stationery question? Then simply fill out our contact form.
Alternatively, to discuss your business stationery requirements then please call us on 01747 851417. Or if you prefer, you can email us at sales@proprint2k.co.uk
