Design and Prepress

Grain Direction: Our paper stock charts list all sheet sizes with grain direction last. For all papers, binding and folding parallel to the grain direction is recommended. For natural translucent papers, like CT, it is essential that this recommendation be followed when binding. Natural translucent paper fibers are super-refined; this gives them translucency, but it also means that the fibers are more delicate, and more prone to shrinking and breaking than conventional coated and uncoated papers. In some cases, binding CT against the grain direction may cause curling and rippling of the paper. Folding and binding CT in the long-grain direction will always provide better results. CT Clear Cover 105# is not recommended for folding as it is a pasted sheet.

When exposed to dry conditions, all papers will tend to shrink, especially in the cross-grain (short-grain) direction. Where this occurs, the rate of shrinkage tends to be greater for natural translucent papers than for other types of printing papers.

Cover Use: If using CT as a cover, to minimize the potential for curl due to changes in atmospheric conditions, it helps to wrap or seal the sheet. Using CT as a wrap-around cover is recommended, as this will stabilize the sheet in the event of changes in temperature or humidity.

Line Screen: In general, line screens ranging from 150-200 are used for printing on CT. It is always advisable to consult with your printer to determine the appropriate line screen for your project.

UCR: For areas of heavy, layered ink coverage, consider the use of UCR (under color removal) in scanning. This will decrease total ink density, and can cut drying times significantly, especially for black.