Finishing

Varnish & Aqueous Coating: While SHINE may be varnished or aqueous coated, please keep in mind that any varnish or coating will likely alter SHINE’s luminous appearance. Varnishing or aqueous coating SHINE after printing, as for any paper, can help to protect and seal the printed area, especially for projects where finishing is complex.

Foil Stamping: SHINE foil stamps beautifully.

The success of foil stamping on any substrate depends on pretesting. The printer should consult a foil-stamp supplier, and pretest on the actual stock to be used, as a wide range of variables (types of foils, complexity of the design, pressure, environment, etc.) all determine the success of foil stamping on any stock.

The first step is to decide what sort of foil effect you want, in terms of color and finish. By showing the foil supplier a sample of the substrate you wish to use, and the foil coverage you hope to achieve, he should be able to determine the best foil and release to use. Then, the printer and foil supplier should identify the correct release, thickness, and pressure to ensure that the foil will work well on the specified substrate. An essential part of this process is pretesting on the actual stock to be used.

A foil that works on one paper is not necessarily going to work on a different type—nor should it be expected to do so. Likewise, a lightweight stock may require an easier release than a heavier weight of the same paper.

Scoring & Folding: All SHINE weights (80# text, 92# cover, 107# cover and 137# cover) should be scored prior to folding to ensure the best fold. As for all papers, folding with the grain direction is preferred. We recommend a rounded channel score with a minimum width of 2.5 times the caliper of the sheet.

Binding: Binding should always run parallel to the grain direction. (For extensive information on the importance of grain direction in binding, please refer to our Paper Terms page.)

Glue/Adhesive: Though SHINE is a specialty paper, standard, water-based glue will work just fine. Hot-melt glue is also suitable, but is more expensive, and standard glue will likely provide a better, smoother lay down. If using adhesive tape, two 3M brand formulations are commonly used. Printers we have consulted tell us they use the stronger of the two for pocket folders and other cover applications. (The less expensive tape seems to perform fine initially, but tends to pull apart easily when something is placed in the pocket.)

As for any secondary print or finishing process, if gluing over a printed area, other variables come into play. It is always best to glue an unprinted/unvarnished area; if it will be necessary to glue over a printed area, please ensure that the inks used are wax free.

Please contact us if you have any questions about the Printing and Use information included here, or need information about any other topics. SHINE is a specialty paper and, like any substrate, should be fully tested prior to use, especially if trying something for the first time.

We have endeavored to address most aspects of printing and use here; however, we do not accept liability for any errors or omissions. Should you have any questions, or need any additional information, please contact us at 718.748.6000.