There are a few things to consider when looking for premium magazine printing. These include choosing an offset press versus an inkjet printer, whether to print on a standard or a custom size, and whether to get a glossy or matte finish.
Large magazines are better than small magazines.
When it comes to premium magazine printing, large magazines are the way to go. These publications are more expensive to produce but have better visibility and the ability to distribute via free distribution in local bookstores. They also come in several sizes, from digest to broadsheet.
The best size for your magazine is determined by the number of pages you publish. For example, if you’re planning to produce eight pages of content, you will need to choose the right type of binding. A tabloid model is a popular choice for these types of magazines because it allows you to print more photos and illustrations.
In terms of paper, newsprint is a good choice. It’s lightweight and saves you on shipping costs. However, you’ll want to consider the thickness of the paper before you make your decision. This can vary from one company to the next.
There are dozens of other paper choices, ranging from matte to glossy. Again, your printer can help you decide on the right one for your magazine.
Glossy or matte finish
Choosing between glossy or matte is a question of personal taste. It’s also an important factor in determining the quality of the final product. The right paper type can make or break the success of your magazine.
The good news is, there’s no single right answer to the question of which is better. But some tips can help you narrow down your choice.
One way to start is with the right kind of paper. You’ll want to find a lightweight material for the cover and interior pages. This helps ensure that the pages will not smudge easily and will not ruin the photos when you take them out.
Next, you’ll want to choose the right thickness. This is a determining factor when it comes to cost and distribution. Lighter-weight papers tend to be cheaper and more lightweight. On the other hand, heavier paper may be more expensive and more difficult to fold.
If you’re pressed for time and don’t have a budget, you can save yourself some grief by choosing an uncoated paper. Although it’s not the cheapest option, it’s a good way to cut shipping costs.
Offset presses vs. inkjet printers
Choosing between offset presses and inkjet printers is a key decision regarding premium magazine printing. Both technologies produce high-quality images, but they have advantages and disadvantages.
Offset presses are high-speed, high-volume presses. They are best suited for large runs but have a higher per-page cost.
Inkjet printing is the fastest-growing digital printing sector. It uses hundreds of individual nozzles to spray ink on the paper. While it requires more set-up, it produces more pages with a lower total cost of ownership.
Offset presses are a common method for printing traditional magazines. Magazines are printed on coated papers that are coated for offset press use. These papers have a glossy finish, but they lack the smoothness of matte paper. In addition, the magazine paper needs to be thick enough to withstand the weight and pressure of the press. Ideally, the paper’s thickness and weight should match the page’s size.
Offset prints are durable, so they can stand up to folding and scoring. However, they don’t offer the personalized look of inkjet technology.
Standard sizes are more economical than custom sizes.
Standard magazine sizes are much more economical than custom sizes. They are also more suitable for several reasons. Besides saving on costs, standard size can ensure that your publication is readable and easily accessible.
Most magazine printing companies offer a range of sizes. These include tabloid, broadsheet, digest, and letter-size. Each size provides a unique experience to the reader.
To determine the most appropriate size, it is important to know the number of pages your magazine will contain. This will help you choose the right paper type and binding style. For example, a letter-sized magazine can be more expensive than a digest. However, this size is easy to handle and less heavy to carry.
The most common print options for magazines are matte and gloss. Matte paper is non-glossy and flat. It is ideal for text and image-heavy publications. Glossy papers have a slight shine to them. On the other hand, matte prints make it harder to read.
Some companies even offer special processes like foil stamping or embossing to add sparkle to your magazine. But it is always a good idea to experiment with different print options before choosing one.
The coated paper gives photos a flatter and two-dimensional appearance.
When presenting your photos on a premium magazine printing job, the choice of paper can profoundly affect the look and feel of your finished piece. Fortunately, there are several options to choose from, each with its pros and cons.
First, the paperweight. A sheet is usually measured in grams per square meter, and the heavier the paper, the more expensive it will be to ship. However, some thicker and more durable sheets are lighter than their thinner counterparts.
The opacity, or how opaque the ink is, is also a factor. Opaque inks will give you solid-looking images, while transparent inks are better for highlighting shiny shades.
The quality of the finish is another important consideration. For instance, glossy paper works well for charts, pictures, and photocopying. But a matte finish provides a more subtle presentation.
A paper with a glossy finish will likely enhance your image’s colors. This is a good choice for promotional materials, such as calendars.
Choosing a coated paper with a glossier finish will also reduce the amount of ink absorption. This is ideal for images with text or graphics, making reading your design more convenient.
