Glossary of Print Terms
Artwork – refers to any graphic, text, design, logo or even just a barcode that will be used to create the print file
Back Slit – also called “crack and peel,” this is a small cut through the back of the liner so it can be easily removed from the adhesive side of the sticker
Bitmap - see raster
Bleed – occurs when ink runs past the cutline; or in the case of custom embossed seals, when there is no embossed border
CMYK – stands for cyan, magenta, yellow and black; a subtractive color model used in printing that combines percentages of these four colors to achieve a wide array of printable color
Contract Doming – decals are supplied to Sticky Business pre-printed and cut as per our requirements and then are domed on our equipment and returned to client
Core Size – the diameter of the cardboard core within the roll that the labels are wrapped around
Die Cut – in the most basic sense, die-cut means cut by a die. Imagine a “die” like a cookie cutter with sharp edges that stamps out the exact shape of the label from the substrate. Die-cut can also refer to a singled-sticker in which the liner and the substrate are cut to the exact same shape
Digital Printing – a method of printing that uses digital-based images to transfer onto the media
Finishing – the format in which labels are supplied to the end user, such as rolls, sheets or singles, as well as the requirements for machine application, such as rewind direction, maximum outer diameter or core size
Flexographic Printing – a method of printing that uses plates and rollers to transfer ink onto substrate
Ink – the colored substance transferred from the printer onto the substrate; can be fluid, resin, powder or combination of these
Kiss Cut – when the cutting tool, i.e. knife, laser or die, cuts through the substrate but does not slice the liner
Lamination – an additional layer of clear material applied on top of the substrate for extra protection from UV, abrasion, moisture, grease, etc.
Laser Cut – cut by a laser or focused stream of heat
Liner – the backing paper or quick-release material that labels are finished on intended for easy removal at the time of application
Pantone Values – a numeric value assigned to unique shades of color by Pantone, the universal system of color identification for print
Picking – the removal of kiss-cut substrate from interior cutouts within a decal design for things like ports, lights, or effects
Press Proof – a printed sample of supplied artwork finished to client's specifications; can sometimes be supplied uncut depending on print method
Prepress – the series of actions and technical steps taken by the press operators to ensure the supplied artwork file is prepared for efficient printing on the designated printing press
Raster – image file format comprised of pixels or units of color data measured in resolution; examples of file extensions: .jpeg, .psd, .tiff, .png
Registration – refers to the visible alignment of an ink or multiple inks after transfer onto the substrate and/or the accuracy of the cutting device to coordinate with the cutline
Rewind Direction – the direction the copy of the labels comes off the roll
Score Tab – a small extension of material on any side of the decal that is slit to enable easy removal of the sticker from the liner
Scratchguard – a thin layer of scratch protection added on thermal resin printers
Spot Color – a solid ink color typically defined with a PMS (Pantone Match System) value
Substrate – the material that artwork is printed on
Variable Data – a combination of alphanumeric characters or non-binary information, such as links or graphics, that do not follow a sequential pattern
Varnish – a top coat, similar to ink, that is applied for additional protection or to alter the finish of the labels, example a matte varnish
Vector – graphic file format comprised of points that maintain mathematical formulas to keep ratios precise between all objects within the design; examples of file extensions: .ai, .eps, .svg, .pdf
Web – refers to the print area or printing bed on a printer
Weeding – removing the excess material on the liner from around the cut labels, leaving just the labels on the liner
Wide Format – a type of short-run print method that uses wide rolls of material