Typical Terms encountered in coaster and table setting production:

Bleed Area: Printed area which extends off the trimmed area. It is not possible to print all the way to the edge of the paper sheet so to achieve this effect, it is necessary to print a larger area than is required and then trim the paper down. No Text, graphics or other critical information should extend into the bleed area. Please see Layout Requirements for precise measures.

Coated: Paper which has received a coating to achieve a glossier finish.

Flexi-Cork: This is a term exclusive to Coasters Direct and represents a unique product that blends the cost benefits of a Pulpboard product with the versatility and added value of a cork product. For more information please see: Flexi-Cork Products

Four Color Process Printing: The most common system for producing full colour print. The four ink colours are Cyan (Blue), Magenta (Red),Yellow and Black - often referred to as CMYK. Because the inks used are translucent, they can be overprinted and combined in a variety of different proportions to produce a wide range of colours. The vast majority of printed materials are produced using four-colour process.

Traditional Cork: This is a term that Coasters Direct uses for its highest quality product. This term is the same as HardBack Cork, Cork, English Cork, U.K Cork and more. For construction details please visit our Hardback Cork Products section.

Offset Printing: Printing system where the paper does not come into contact with the printing plate. The ink is transferred from the plate to a blanket cylinder and then to the paper.

Overs: A quantity of printed material in excess of the amount ordered. It is common practice for a quote to allow for up to 10% overs.

Pantone: The brand name of a colour matching system produced by Pantone, Inc of the USA. A large range of inks are specified and identified by number to produce standard results across the industry.

A reference such as PAN199 indicates a colour in the Pantone range. In a colour swatch book the number PAN199C would indicate how the colour looks when printed on Coated or Glossy stock. PAN199U indicates how the same ink appears when printed on Uncoated or Matte stock. Sometimes the difference can be quite dramatic so be aware.

Point Value: The measure of thickness of the Pulpboard with a higher point value meaning a thicker product. Typically bar coasters will use a 40 point or max 60-point value. We also offer 60 and 80 point.

Pulpboard: This is the dense paper product used in producing the printed coasters typically encountered in promotional or bar use. This material comes in varying degrees of thicknesses termed its point value.

Proof: A test print produced to show what the finished product will look like.

Stock: A general term for any paper or board which is used as a printed surface.