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Paper Store 24/7 Translucent Inkjet Naturally Translucent Printing and Handling Hints

Translucent Vellum Papers are easy to print on when following these simple hints. It is recommended to pre-test all printing procedures prior to press time to ensure the desired results are achieved.

INK JET: This is designed with a special coating for ink jet printing. Always print on the coated side. Normally this is shipped as the top side in the package as you receive it. If you don’t know for sure which side is coated, wet your fingers slightly and lightly rub the paper on both sides. The coated side will feel slimy and the uncoated side will feel dry.

INKS: Normally this paper should not be offset printed. But if you do print offset, print on the uncoated side and reverse the art so it reads from the top side and follow these instructions: Use low (0-5% VOC), oil-based inks for conven- tional offset printing. Ink with higher than recommended solvent content may cause ink set difficulties. Inks should be formulated to dry purely through oxidation. In-plant ink formulation is not recommended. Ask your ink manufacturer about Translucent Vellum Inkjet products specifically. Samples for ink tests can be obtained from The Paper Mill Store .com. Pre-test any unfamiliar procedures and ensure that proper ink formulations are utilized.

HANDLING: Keep Translucent Vellum Inkjet products wrapped until the moment of printing. Pressroom conditions should be as close as possible to 68 degrees and 45-60% relative . Should you experience a curl problem, it is most likely humidity related. Print in small lifts. Frequent airing of lifts is also recommended. If the bindery has a different climate than the pressroom, allow the paper to acclimate to those conditions.

FOUNTAIN SOLUTION: The ink-water balance should be run at an ABSOLUTE MINIMUM to allow ink to dry. The pH should not be below 4.0. Adding up to 10% alcohol is suggested. Given the non-porous property of Translucent Vellum Inkjet products, excess water will NOT be absorbed or removed from the blanket. Any excess water will slow drying. Solid or multiple color bars can be used to assist in removing water and aid in set time.

OFFSET SPRAY: If the job requires offset spray, use coated spray of normal fineness.

VARNISH: Pre-test Translucent Vellum Inkjet products for compatibility. Do not use aqueous coatings. Apply 100% VOC free after the underlying ink is dry. A clear over-print varnish can be used to seal the sheet and reduce curling when Translucent Vellum Inkjet is used as a cover, wrap, free-hanging application, or when very heavy ink coverage is applied to one side of the paper. Consult your varnish supplier and pre-test.

CUTTING: Do not use a newly sharpened blade when cutting Translucent Vellum Inkjet products. A newly sharpened blade may chip. A slightly dull but clean-edged blade with a 23º-bevel angle is ideal.

FOLDING AND SCORING: Always fold, score and bind with the grain direction. Start with a 2 point rounded channel score. The matrix channel should start at 2.5 times the caliper of the sheet, plus 0.028”, usually 0.040” or 0.050”. It may be necessary to apply a strip of moisture along the inside fold line to facilitate folding. Do not use sharp tools when folding and scoring. Always pre-test any procedures prior to production.

Hints by The Paper Mill Store .com Note: The above recommendations are “hints” based on our knowledge and experience. The Paper Mill Store .com and its affiliates do not accept responsibility for omissions or pressroom errors.

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We use 100% wind power through the purchase of wind power credits. Please print on recycled paper. Revised March 2011.