How to Get a Quote?Commercial or job printing is a customized service business. That’s why there are no fixed or standard prices with a printing press – everything depends on the specs or specifications of the print project the client has in mind.
Many people often ask us the price of a project but we usually ask for the specifications before even mentioning prices. In this world of instant gratification, this way of doing business may seem slow to some people, but we always strive to tell our potential clients that taking the time out to properly discuss each project makes all the difference in the world. After all, we are professional printers – each job we do is custom made and one of a kind. So take the time out to discuss your project with us. We are well known as specialists in the business. Here is the list of specifications you must provide the printer when getting a print quotation:
If you need to show or send us your file for quote, you can upload your file below:SINAG TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR PRINT PROJECTS:The quotation sent is based upon the print specifications provided by the client to the printer. Inaccurate print specifications can result in erroneous pricing and miscommunications between client and supplier so please ensure that the specifications you have provided are complete and correct. The quotation price does not include delivery charges, separate charges will be computed into the quotation if the client opts for delivery instead of pick-up. We can also schedule third party delivery via Lalamove, transportify and toktok riders for the client if they prefer this to pick up. QUOTATIONS CAN BE UPDATED AND ADJUSTED: Please feel free to contact your print consultants for quote adjustments or negotiations if/when there are changes to the specifications, finalizations and actual prices are settled and agreed upon during the negotiation period after quotations are sent to the client. Payment terms: Fifty percent down payment (50%) and cash on delivery (COD). PAYMENT METHODS: Direct bank transfer to the following business bank accounts or check payment, please make check payable to: Sinag Publishing and Printing Services.
Timeframe for delivery: Depends largely on the type of project, so delivery timeframe will be indicated on the final printing contract agreed upon by the printer and the client. However, as a reference, on average, delivery timeframe are typically the following: fourteen (14) working days for smaller and short run print projects. Thirty (30) working days for bigger print runs and labor intensive projects like yearbooks and books.
RUSH JOB: Depending on negotiations reached, the printer may require a RUSH FEE for particular projects with this type of request, this is to offset additional costs not computed into the quotation (such as overtime or night differential payments for workers doing rush projects). ACTUAL SAMPLES OR SAMPLE RUNS: For offset printing projects, we do not give actual samples of print projects as that would already entail exorbitant production costs like aluminum plates, machine preparations and actual running costs. What we do provide are digital proofs of print projects for the client’s approval, this is to help the client check on typos and color fidelity. Print proofs are usually printed on specially color-calibrated digital printers (CMYK colors) so as to simulate the colors that will come out when the project is run on the actual offset machine. In special cases where the client absolutely requires an ACTUAL SAMPLE of their project, we can accommodate such requests but running charges and fees will be collected for these actual (offset-machine printed) samples. |
SPECIFICATIONS GUIDESize Guide:
Books / Yearbooks / Magazines / Souvenir programs – Standard sizes for these types of print jobs are:
Booklets / notebooks / Student Diary/ Student Handbook standard sizes are:
Brochure size guide:
Flyer size guide:
Poster size guide:
12” x 18” 15” x 21” 18 x 24” Newsletter / Newspaper size guide:
Bookmark size guide – standard bookmark size is 2” x 6” Calling card size guide – standard calling card size is 2” x 3.5” 
Guide on Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) requirements by Sinag printing:
Paper Guide: Standard paper used for brochures, flyers, magazines and glossy yearbooks – c2s 80lbs and c2s 100lbs. Note: Coated paper that means Coated on two sides of paper, hence the acronym C2S. Coated paper may be glossy or matte finished. Glossy paper has a coat of polymer that gives it a smooth shine and provides a richer color output that's more vibrant than regular paper which makes this paper ideal for printing high-quality pictures and images. C2s Matte paper on the other hand gives off a very elegant, more classic feel, hence it is used more for high end catalogues and classic book productions. There is also less glare with matte paper making it easier to read or view pictures. Please note that you cannot write well on coated paper, pen ink will smudge and smear so if your print job requires filling out forms and writing names on the paper, it is best to use a different paper type. Standard paper for textbooks – BOOK PAPER Text heavy books on the other hand are best printed on book paper. A book paper (or publishing paper) is a paper that is designed specifically for the publication of printed books. Traditionally, book papers are off-white or low-white papers so that it is easier to read from them and are opaque to minimize the show-through of text from one side of the page to the other. Book paper is also thicker than usual paper types we are familiar with (like bond paper or copy paper) this makes for more durable books that can withstand the rigors of binding. Standard paper for Book Covers, posters, folders, calling cards, invitations and other print jobs that require thick board paper stock: C2S 220lbs paper and FOLDCOTE paper. C2s 220lbs is the thickest c2s paper available here, we usually use this for book covers and folders that require dual/both side printing. Foldcote paper is board type of paper that is coated on one side and with white paper backing. This type of paper has a smoother feel compared to the cheaper claycoat paper type. It feels more solid compared to claycoat or c2s paper so it is also good for print jobs like perfectbound books, souvenir programs or high-end catalogues and premium boxes. |
FAQs: Printing Definitions and Terms
What is Offset printing?
Offset printing is a commonly used technique where the inked image is transferred (or "offset") from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface. When used in combination with the lithographic process, which is based on the repulsion of oil and water, the offset technique employs a flat (planographic) image carrier on which the image to be printed obtains ink from ink rollers, while the non-printing area attracts a water-based film (called "fountain solution"), keeping the non-printing areas ink-free.
Development of the offset press came in two versions: in 1875 by Robert Barclay of England for printing on tin, and in 1903 by Ira Washington Rubel of the United States for printing on paper.
Advantages of offset printing compared to other printing methods include:
What is computer-to-plate (CTP) technology?
Computer-to-plate (CTP) is an imaging technology which helps to transfer a digital image generated in a computer directly to a printing plate. Before CTP, the technology used was computer-to-film (CTF), where the image output was passed to a photographic film, and the output film was then used to make the printing plate. This process is similar to darkroom photography. The CTP technology helps to eliminate all the darkroom processes, and hence is cost effective. CTP is a much faster process compared to film-based printing, so the productivity of printing increases greatly.
What is digital printing?
Digital printing is printing using digital techniques developed for computer printers such as inkjet or laser printers. It is the newest printing process. It includes all processes that use digital imaging to create printed pieces. Desktop printing and publishing use this. The process does not use film. It is a low cost method of printing best suited for short-run, fast-turnaround jobs. It works directly from electronic data without the need for printing plates. This makes the process very quick but the print quality, although a good alternative is not on par with offset printing for some professional print jobs.
What is Plastic Lamination?
Plastic lamination is to bond a plastic film to a printed sheet by means of heat and pressure for protection of the work or to improve the appearance of the work. Usually added to book covers, whether hard or soft bound, to help protect the printed cover. Laminating paper can prevent it from becoming creased, sun damaged, wrinkled, stained, smudged, abraded and/or marked by grease, fingerprints and environmental concerns. Plastic lamination can either be shiny/glossy plastic or matte plastic laminate.
UV Lamination-- Ultra-violet cured coatings can be applied over ink printed on paper and dried by exposure to UV radiation. Due to the normally high solids content of UV coating/varnish the surface of the cured film can be extremely reflective and glossy. 80 text and heavier weights of paper can be UV coated, however, cover weights are preferred. UV can be used on smooth, uncoated papers. UV can be applied on spot locations of the paper or by flooding the page. This coating application can deepen the color of the printed area. Drying is virtually instantaneous when exposed to the correct level of UV light so projects can move quickly into the bindery. Like the other coatings, consult the bindery for projects requiring gluing. Using a strippable coating blanket can eliminate glue issues. New, Innovative coating blanket solutions have been developed recently that allow for this to be done. A printed page with UV coating applied can be very shiny or flattened to a matte finish. A good example of UV coated paper is photo paper sold for home printing projects. UV coatings that are not fully cured can have a slightly sticky feeling.
What is perfect binding?
An unsewn, flat-spined binding of a book made with glue. It is a method of binding using glue to hold the interior sheets of the book together and to a wrap-around heavier paper cover. The quality of the paper, adhesive, and process determine the quality of the binding. Perfect binding is a common binding method for paperback books.
What is saddle stitched binding?
Binding folded sheets or signatures of paper are gathered together, one inside the other, placed over a "saddle", and stitched or stapled along the spine with wire. In layman’s terms, it is binding using staple wires. Most suitable for booklets and magazines.
What is hard binding?
A hardcover or hardbound book has rigid covers and is stitched in the spine. Looking from the top of the spine, the book can be seen to consist of a number of signatures bound together. When the book is opened in the middle of a signature, the binding threads are visible. Hardcover books are typically of octavo size or larger. Unusually large and heavy books are sometimes bound with wire or cable.
What is die-cutting?
Die cutting is a process in manufacturing that cuts uniform shapes from paper, wood, metal and cloth. Die cut machines may be large for industrial purposes, or smaller and less expensive for use by individuals. The die itself is often a blade that has been bent into the desired shape. The blade is secured to a backing and inserted into the machine. When in operation, the die functions much like a cookie cutter, pressing shapes from the material rolling through the machine. Die cut machines may be manually operated or computerized. Usual print jobs that require die cutting are give away fans with customized shapes, specialized book covers or invitations and boxes.
What is a perforation job?
Row of unconnected cuts in a sheet of paper that make it easy to tear off a portion of the sheet, such as for raffle tickets, receipts and office forms. A perforation is done on paper using a specialized perforation machine, usually a Minerva machine with a perforation blade.
What is a numbering job?
Numbering a large amount of paper (such as receipts or raffle tickets) require a numbering machine. This is a machine (usually attached to a Minerva printing machine) used for printing consecutive numbers on paper.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF PAPER FOR PROFESSIONAL PRINTING:
C2S – coated paper that means Coated on two sides of paper, hence the acronym C2S. Coated paper may be glossy or matte finished. This is the type of paper usually used for professional printing of brochures, flyers, yearbooks, etc.
Foldcote – board type of paper that is coated on one side and with white paper backing. This type of paper has a smoother feel compared to the cheaper claycoat paper type.
Claycoat – board type of paper that is coated on one side but with unfinished/gray backing. Cheaper alternative to the foldcote but with a less smooth finish.
Book paper – traditional white paper more opaque than bond paper and good for 2-sided printing, book paper is also characterized by excellent folding qualities and durability. Book paper has a basic size of 25" x 38" and the basis weights range from 22 to 150 lbs. Most book paper can be used on offset presses.
Newsprint - Inexpensive paper made primarily of mechanically ground wood pulp rather than chemical pulp is known as newsprint. Has a shorter lifespan than other papers but is cheap to produce in bulk and is the least expensive paper that can withstand normal printing processes. Newsprint has a basic size of 24" x 36". Typically used for newspapers and may also be used for comic books, some newsletters and trade magazines and buy/sell/trade classified ad weeklies.
Bristol paper – Also known as the common cartolina paper, bristol paper is a heavy weight, stiff paper with a caliper of .006" or higher, bristol board may be made by layering or laminating papers together to the desired thickness. The basic size is 22.5" x 28.5". The name bristol board originates because this type of thick paper, originally made from rags, came from Bristol, England.
Vellum paper – similar to Bristol, this is a common board type of paper, usually white that is commonly used for calling cards and tickets.
Specialty papers– there are a wide variety of special papers available from retail bookstores and local suppliers. These papers vary in design, color, thickness and finish. Special papers are expensive paper types that are usually used for small run or special printed matter such as wedding invitations, high-end calling cards, school transcript of records, government stationery or letterheads of public officials, etc. You can request for swatches or samples of special papers from your professional printer.
Printing effects: foil stamping, embossing, etc
Foil stamping – text or book cover art to be printed with or stamped with gold or silver foil. Can also be foil embossed. Although traditionally gold or silver, color options can vary for foil stamping.
Embossing – printing procedure that means to press an image or text into paper so it lies above the surface.
Debossing - on the other hand, is when the imprinted design causes depressions in the material leaving a depressed (debossed) imprint of the image on the paper or card stock.
Spot UV or 3D lamination refers to the application of UV Coating to a specific area rather than coating the entire surface. In 3D spot UV the ink is cured to matte laminated paper (magazine, catalogue or book covers, posters, high end invitations) to enhance the most important elements of your design. It will make the text or element highlighted by the 3D spot “pop” or stand out similar to the way that traditional embossing or debossing highlighted print jobs in more traditional or old-school print jobs.
Offset printing is a commonly used technique where the inked image is transferred (or "offset") from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface. When used in combination with the lithographic process, which is based on the repulsion of oil and water, the offset technique employs a flat (planographic) image carrier on which the image to be printed obtains ink from ink rollers, while the non-printing area attracts a water-based film (called "fountain solution"), keeping the non-printing areas ink-free.
Development of the offset press came in two versions: in 1875 by Robert Barclay of England for printing on tin, and in 1903 by Ira Washington Rubel of the United States for printing on paper.
Advantages of offset printing compared to other printing methods include:
- Consistent high image quality. Offset printing produces sharp and clean images and type more easily than letterpress printing because the rubber blanket conforms to the texture of the printing surface.
- Quick and easy production of printing plates.
- Longer printing plate life than on direct litho presses because there is no direct contact between the plate and the printing surface. Properly developed plates running in conjunction with optimized inks and fountain solution may exceed run lengths of a million impressions.
- Cost. Offset printing is the cheapest method to produce high quality printing in commercial printing quantities.
What is computer-to-plate (CTP) technology?
Computer-to-plate (CTP) is an imaging technology which helps to transfer a digital image generated in a computer directly to a printing plate. Before CTP, the technology used was computer-to-film (CTF), where the image output was passed to a photographic film, and the output film was then used to make the printing plate. This process is similar to darkroom photography. The CTP technology helps to eliminate all the darkroom processes, and hence is cost effective. CTP is a much faster process compared to film-based printing, so the productivity of printing increases greatly.
What is digital printing?
Digital printing is printing using digital techniques developed for computer printers such as inkjet or laser printers. It is the newest printing process. It includes all processes that use digital imaging to create printed pieces. Desktop printing and publishing use this. The process does not use film. It is a low cost method of printing best suited for short-run, fast-turnaround jobs. It works directly from electronic data without the need for printing plates. This makes the process very quick but the print quality, although a good alternative is not on par with offset printing for some professional print jobs.
What is Plastic Lamination?
Plastic lamination is to bond a plastic film to a printed sheet by means of heat and pressure for protection of the work or to improve the appearance of the work. Usually added to book covers, whether hard or soft bound, to help protect the printed cover. Laminating paper can prevent it from becoming creased, sun damaged, wrinkled, stained, smudged, abraded and/or marked by grease, fingerprints and environmental concerns. Plastic lamination can either be shiny/glossy plastic or matte plastic laminate.
UV Lamination-- Ultra-violet cured coatings can be applied over ink printed on paper and dried by exposure to UV radiation. Due to the normally high solids content of UV coating/varnish the surface of the cured film can be extremely reflective and glossy. 80 text and heavier weights of paper can be UV coated, however, cover weights are preferred. UV can be used on smooth, uncoated papers. UV can be applied on spot locations of the paper or by flooding the page. This coating application can deepen the color of the printed area. Drying is virtually instantaneous when exposed to the correct level of UV light so projects can move quickly into the bindery. Like the other coatings, consult the bindery for projects requiring gluing. Using a strippable coating blanket can eliminate glue issues. New, Innovative coating blanket solutions have been developed recently that allow for this to be done. A printed page with UV coating applied can be very shiny or flattened to a matte finish. A good example of UV coated paper is photo paper sold for home printing projects. UV coatings that are not fully cured can have a slightly sticky feeling.
What is perfect binding?
An unsewn, flat-spined binding of a book made with glue. It is a method of binding using glue to hold the interior sheets of the book together and to a wrap-around heavier paper cover. The quality of the paper, adhesive, and process determine the quality of the binding. Perfect binding is a common binding method for paperback books.
What is saddle stitched binding?
Binding folded sheets or signatures of paper are gathered together, one inside the other, placed over a "saddle", and stitched or stapled along the spine with wire. In layman’s terms, it is binding using staple wires. Most suitable for booklets and magazines.
What is hard binding?
A hardcover or hardbound book has rigid covers and is stitched in the spine. Looking from the top of the spine, the book can be seen to consist of a number of signatures bound together. When the book is opened in the middle of a signature, the binding threads are visible. Hardcover books are typically of octavo size or larger. Unusually large and heavy books are sometimes bound with wire or cable.
What is die-cutting?
Die cutting is a process in manufacturing that cuts uniform shapes from paper, wood, metal and cloth. Die cut machines may be large for industrial purposes, or smaller and less expensive for use by individuals. The die itself is often a blade that has been bent into the desired shape. The blade is secured to a backing and inserted into the machine. When in operation, the die functions much like a cookie cutter, pressing shapes from the material rolling through the machine. Die cut machines may be manually operated or computerized. Usual print jobs that require die cutting are give away fans with customized shapes, specialized book covers or invitations and boxes.
What is a perforation job?
Row of unconnected cuts in a sheet of paper that make it easy to tear off a portion of the sheet, such as for raffle tickets, receipts and office forms. A perforation is done on paper using a specialized perforation machine, usually a Minerva machine with a perforation blade.
What is a numbering job?
Numbering a large amount of paper (such as receipts or raffle tickets) require a numbering machine. This is a machine (usually attached to a Minerva printing machine) used for printing consecutive numbers on paper.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF PAPER FOR PROFESSIONAL PRINTING:
C2S – coated paper that means Coated on two sides of paper, hence the acronym C2S. Coated paper may be glossy or matte finished. This is the type of paper usually used for professional printing of brochures, flyers, yearbooks, etc.
Foldcote – board type of paper that is coated on one side and with white paper backing. This type of paper has a smoother feel compared to the cheaper claycoat paper type.
Claycoat – board type of paper that is coated on one side but with unfinished/gray backing. Cheaper alternative to the foldcote but with a less smooth finish.
Book paper – traditional white paper more opaque than bond paper and good for 2-sided printing, book paper is also characterized by excellent folding qualities and durability. Book paper has a basic size of 25" x 38" and the basis weights range from 22 to 150 lbs. Most book paper can be used on offset presses.
Newsprint - Inexpensive paper made primarily of mechanically ground wood pulp rather than chemical pulp is known as newsprint. Has a shorter lifespan than other papers but is cheap to produce in bulk and is the least expensive paper that can withstand normal printing processes. Newsprint has a basic size of 24" x 36". Typically used for newspapers and may also be used for comic books, some newsletters and trade magazines and buy/sell/trade classified ad weeklies.
Bristol paper – Also known as the common cartolina paper, bristol paper is a heavy weight, stiff paper with a caliper of .006" or higher, bristol board may be made by layering or laminating papers together to the desired thickness. The basic size is 22.5" x 28.5". The name bristol board originates because this type of thick paper, originally made from rags, came from Bristol, England.
Vellum paper – similar to Bristol, this is a common board type of paper, usually white that is commonly used for calling cards and tickets.
Specialty papers– there are a wide variety of special papers available from retail bookstores and local suppliers. These papers vary in design, color, thickness and finish. Special papers are expensive paper types that are usually used for small run or special printed matter such as wedding invitations, high-end calling cards, school transcript of records, government stationery or letterheads of public officials, etc. You can request for swatches or samples of special papers from your professional printer.
Printing effects: foil stamping, embossing, etc
Foil stamping – text or book cover art to be printed with or stamped with gold or silver foil. Can also be foil embossed. Although traditionally gold or silver, color options can vary for foil stamping.
Embossing – printing procedure that means to press an image or text into paper so it lies above the surface.
Debossing - on the other hand, is when the imprinted design causes depressions in the material leaving a depressed (debossed) imprint of the image on the paper or card stock.
Spot UV or 3D lamination refers to the application of UV Coating to a specific area rather than coating the entire surface. In 3D spot UV the ink is cured to matte laminated paper (magazine, catalogue or book covers, posters, high end invitations) to enhance the most important elements of your design. It will make the text or element highlighted by the 3D spot “pop” or stand out similar to the way that traditional embossing or debossing highlighted print jobs in more traditional or old-school print jobs.
