Frequently Asked Questions |

Frequently Asked Questions

Artwork & Files

What types of art proofs are available for my project?

A digital PDF proof is sent to every customer for approval.
A printed proof is available upon request and does incur an additional fee.

How well will a pre-press proof match what I see on my monitor?

As with any proof unless it is a press proof printed using the same process and on the same paper as your finished piece – a proof will not be a 100% match to the finished product.
Our PDF proofs are intended to be used to proof accuracy of content and should not be used to proof color accuracy.

What file formats can you work with?

Save art as native Illustrator files, EPS, or PDF – using the “Press Quality” preset or Photoshop files as PSD, EPS, JPG, or TIF files.

What is the best way to prepare and provide artwork/graphics?

ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR: (vector based artwork preferred)
Save art as native Illustrator files, EPS, or PDF – using the “Press Quality” preset. Convert type to outlines or provide fonts along with your files. If you have linked Tiff files from Photoshop in your art, provide images. Placed images in Illustrator files must be at least 300 dpi or higher in resolution.
PHOTOSHOP: (do not use Photoshop for typesetting)
Save art as PSD, EPS, JPG, or TIF files. Files should be CMYK and built at 300 dpi or higher in resolution.

What is the difference between RGB, CMYK and spot colors?

RGB color is a color format used for digital viewing on a computer monitor or television set. It is not a process used for printing purposes.
CMYK is a color process used in printing where the end color is derived by laying down 4 colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. These are the inks used on a printing press to produce a full color application.
A spot color is obtained by using a pre-mixed ink formulation to obtain a specific color. Spot colors are used to represent simple graphics or text.

How do I get a barcode if I need a barcode label printed?

If you are in need of a barcode for your product, contact the Uniform Product Code Council. This can often times be done online in a relatively short period of time and for a very reasonable cost.

How do I know if my custom artwork will print?

For custom artwork designed by a third party, provide us the artwork either by emailing it or uploading it and our design staff will evaluate the file and inform you if the file is usable or if the art needs modifications prior to final output.

Production

What are color separations?

Color separations are the individual color files or plates used in printing.

What is Corner Radius?

The amount of curve a corner has. The larger the corner radius is, the greater the curve.

Does white count as a printing color?

White can be represented in one of two ways: white can be represented as the material color or can be represented as an ink color on a clear material. When printing on a white material, we do not charge when the color white is represented. When printing on a clear material, we do charge for the use of white ink.

What different types of adhesives are available for producing my label projects?

Cold temperature, high temperature, wash away, direct and indirect food contact, oil resistant, ultra clear, block out, pharmaceutical, UV resistant and specialty.

What options are available for material finishes?

Papers, films, over-laminates and varnishes can produce several finishes which include: matte, semi-gloss, gloss and high-gloss.

How do you produce and manage your inventory of ink?

We use a computerized weighing system with ink formulas stored in it to produce all of the colors found in the Pantone Matching System (PMS). The PMS colors are formulated for maximum accuracy as it relates to the printing method. Our in-house ink technician can also create custom inks to meet your needs.

What sizes of labels do you offer?

We have a diverse selection of standard dies to meet a variety of sizes.
If we do not have your exact size in-house we are able to order dies to meet your specifications.

Does my order go through a quality control check prior to shipping out?

Every order must pass our 15-point control checklist on press. Once the order has been printed it must pass our 8-point control checklist and a 100% visual inspection through our Inspection Department. When the order arrives in shipping another control check takes place to verify order accuracy prior to shipping.

How do I know if my order will be good quality?

Our press operators use verification tools to maintain consistent printing results such as, video inspection equipment that uses viewing monitors to display magnified images of the printing surfaces. Ink densities are maintained on press with the use of densitometers. The readings are documented and referenced for color consistency during the press run.

What is a densitometer?

A photoelectric instrument that measures the optical density of images and colors.

Customer Service, Order Processing and Shipping

What other products do you offer besides labels?

Visit the Label Products section of our website to view the wide variety of custom and stock labels and tags we offer.

Is there a cost savings for re-ordering?

Each job has initial costs associated with it when it is produced for the first time.
If a job is re-ordered with no changes, these one-time costs are not incurred again – resulting in a cost savings.
If a job is re-ordered with changes, additional plates and dies may be required for your re-order.

Will the quantity shipped be exactly what I order?

We follow the industry standard of +/- 10% of order quantity.

What are the charges for shipping/handling and what options are available?

Shipping and handling charges do apply for your shipments and will be evaluated on a per-shipment basis.

What is your lead-time on order?

For new orders our lead-time is 10 business days from art approval. For re-orders our lead-time is 10 business days. BLP Labels has always worked closely with clients to meet fast turn around times.

Do you have order minimums?

Our digital and flexographic capabilities allow us to run as little as one (1) piece for a prototype run or a multi-million quantity print run.

What are my ordering options?

We work with you to assist with your printing forecasts. We have blanket and stock order options for just-in-time delivery and cost control.