Need help with printing advice!

Dexxell · 08-08-2012, 02:49 AM

Hi,
I'm looking to get a quote from a printer and I'm looking for any advice at all so I don't appear to be a total boob. I really want this book to come out looking nice, but I'm not sure what type of paper to use. Weight of paper? Should I get a matte? What does Arlin, Kivar, or PLC mean? Just several things I'm unfamiliar with.

I know I want the book to be a casewrap hardcover and trimmed at 6.625x10.25. Any help at all is very appreciated!
(Below is an image of the cover and some interiors to give a better idea of what we want to present.)

**L Jamal** · 08-08-2012, 09:07 AM

If you have questions about the terms, it's best just to ask the printer. They want you to be happy with the product and the price.

vartemis · 08-08-2012, 09:21 AM

That dimension size is for the interiors. Your cover will have to be slightly larger, and also need to accomodate for the wrap.

j

RoboTwin · 08-08-2012, 10:32 AM

A quick googling reveals that PLC means "Printed Laminated Cover" and arlin and kivar are brand name synthetic fabrics for hardbound books. A good printer should be able to give you complimentary printed samples of the paper stock you're interested in.

RoboTwin · 08-08-2012, 11:11 AM

For interior pages, it's a matter of personal preference and desired durability. Do you want it to be slick and reflective like a commercial magazine or matte like a fine art print? Low weight glossy paper seems more vulnerable to crinkles and fingerprint oils.

http://www.fourcolour.com/Printing_Dictionary.pdf

http://www.stickmangraphics.com/resourceE.htm

Dexxell · 08-08-2012, 12:59 PM

Thanks guys, this is very helpful.

I did a lot of looking around online, but couldn't find any interior paper or cover recommendations for hardcovers. (I did see some for TPB though.)
I sent two emails to Regent printing and haven't had a response. That was
the printer that most suggested I use, but now I'm not so sure.

It sounds like a Matte for the interior pages for sure. Any suggestios between the PLC, Kivar, or Alrin for cover? I really like how IDW puts out there books currently if that helps.

RoboTwin · 08-08-2012, 01:43 PM

Not 100% sure, but they can't print 4-color graphics on arlin or kivar, so if you want a glossy painted full-bleed cover, pick PLC. Kivar is a pseudo-leather, like it's for embossing and foil. Arlin is for cloth-bound books, and you can add a glossy 4-color dust-jacket over that, or they can paste a nice full color card on top of the fabric.

Dexxell · 08-19-2012, 12:35 AM

Thanks a lot RoboTwin! Great input.

08-08-2012, 02:49 AM	#1
Dexxell Bughouse Resident Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 489	Need help with printing advice! Hi, I'm looking to get a quote from a printer and I'm looking for any advice at all so I don't appear to be a total boob. I really want this book to come out looking nice, but I'm not sure what type of paper to use. Weight of paper? Should I get a matte? What does Arlin, Kivar, or PLC mean? Just several things I'm unfamiliar with. I know I want the book to be a casewrap hardcover and trimmed at 6.625x10.25. Any help at all is very appreciated! (Below is an image of the cover and some interiors to give a better idea of what we want to present.) __________________ Order Woody and the Noble here! "Woody and The Noble was enjoyable, twisted fun that satisfied my devious inner child. -Panelsonpages.com

08-08-2012, 09:07 AM	#2
L Jamal member of G.R.O.S.S. Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: right here Posts: 10,573	If you have questions about the terms, it's best just to ask the printer. They want you to be happy with the product and the price. __________________ L Jámal Walton UNGOODWISE \| MY BLOG \| SELF-PUBLISHING COMICS

08-08-2012, 12:59 PM	#6
Dexxell Bughouse Resident Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 489	Thanks guys, this is very helpful. I did a lot of looking around online, but couldn't find any interior paper or cover recommendations for hardcovers. (I did see some for TPB though.) I sent two emails to Regent printing and haven't had a response. That was the printer that most suggested I use, but now I'm not so sure. It sounds like a Matte for the interior pages for sure. Any suggestios between the PLC, Kivar, or Alrin for cover? I really like how IDW puts out there books currently if that helps. __________________ Order Woody and the Noble here! "Woody and The Noble was enjoyable, twisted fun that satisfied my devious inner child. -Panelsonpages.com

08-19-2012, 12:35 AM	#8
Dexxell Bughouse Resident Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 489	Thanks a lot RoboTwin! Great input. __________________ Order Woody and the Noble here! "Woody and The Noble was enjoyable, twisted fun that satisfied my devious inner child. -Panelsonpages.com

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08-08-2012, 09:21 AM	#3
vartemis Onomonopiaphile Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 478	That dimension size is for the interiors. Your cover will have to be slightly larger, and also need to accomodate for the wrap. j

08-08-2012, 10:32 AM	#4
RoboTwin Chris Navel Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 72	A quick googling reveals that PLC means "Printed Laminated Cover" and arlin and kivar are brand name synthetic fabrics for hardbound books. A good printer should be able to give you complimentary printed samples of the paper stock you're interested in.

08-08-2012, 11:11 AM	#5
RoboTwin Chris Navel Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 72	For interior pages, it's a matter of personal preference and desired durability. Do you want it to be slick and reflective like a commercial magazine or matte like a fine art print? Low weight glossy paper seems more vulnerable to crinkles and fingerprint oils. http://www.fourcolour.com/Printing_Dictionary.pdf http://www.stickmangraphics.com/resourceE.htm

08-08-2012, 01:43 PM	#7
RoboTwin Chris Navel Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 72	Not 100% sure, but they can't print 4-color graphics on arlin or kivar, so if you want a glossy painted full-bleed cover, pick PLC. Kivar is a pseudo-leather, like it's for embossing and foil. Arlin is for cloth-bound books, and you can add a glossy 4-color dust-jacket over that, or they can paste a nice full color card on top of the fabric.