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