I have a request, and I know that this is the right bunch to ask!!!

I work for a small, family owned printing and copying company. We do A LOT of color copies for people, and the number of scrapping customers seems to be growing!! A lot of my scrapping customers don’t always understand why, at times, we can’t copy or print their layouts. I also have friends that I always have to explain these things to. So I'm putting together a list of "Printing Tips" (that will more than likely wind up a booklet). Here's my problem.... I have worked with large format printers, color copiers, even offset printing presses for 13 years now, unless I am asked a specific question, I really don’t know what to include.... its all second nature to me.

I have the basics done, but I know there are SO many things I am overlooking!! So could you share your printing "horror stories" or any other tips, suggestions and ideas you may have?? Ask me questions.... make me think...I AM HAVING A MENTAL BLOCK!!!!!! LOL

I just started this project this afternoon, and I'd like to finish it in about a week or 2.

Thanks in advance...I already know y'all will be very helpful!!

juli

Can you post soem of what you already have so we have an idea of what else you are looking for?

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DUH!!! BIG RED TRUCK!!! Sorry, I should have thought of that!

This is what I have typed so far...right now most if it is still on index cards. This is basically on paper scrapping, since printing digital LOs is a LOT easier. I am working on the DLO section now.

juli


Copying Hand Scrapped Layouts

Photo copying hand-scrapped layouts can be extremely difficult. These are the some of most common problems ***ociated with 12 x 12, and even smaller, paper scrapped layouts.

Most color laser copiers can only copy 11½ to 11¾ by 17½ to 17¾ depending on the model. Unfortunately, a 12 x 12 layout will have some of the edges cut off. Even when reducing the image to fit on an 11 x 17 paper, the edge will get cut off, the scanner on the copier can not see that edge of the paper. There is nothing that can be done about this.

3 dimensional layouts are also hard to copy. When an image doesn’t lie flat on the copy gl***, what ever isn’t touching the gl*** can copy out of focus. This can be a big problem considering that most of the time the photograph is what doesn’t touch the gl***.

Beads that are strung on wire or fibers, embellishments that that hang and swing freely can rotate or the positioning may be off. Unless these items are tacked down with tape or a dot of glue, they may not look right.

Layouts that have metallic embellishments, mirrors, glitter and wire are the most difficult since they reflect light. Sometimes they turn out white and fuzzy.

Keep in mind that a lot of the embellishments used CAN scratch the gl*** copy board on a copier, and be quite expensive to replace.

There is 12-inch paper and most copiers can accommodate this size. Just keep in mind. By default, the copier will leave a white border around all 4 edges of the paper. There is nothing that can be does about this.

Your colors may not match your original layout 100%. Colors can be adjusted to match, but be prepared to be asked to pay for ALL copies made. Copy shops usually lease their equipment, and the meter on the machine doesn’t know a good copy from bad. If it takes 4 copies to get the color right, you may have to pay for all 4 copies. Ask before copying, this policy may vary from shop to shop.

Not all layouts will cause the all of problems listed above, with the exception of size. Smaller layouts can actually copy quite beautifully, as long as the paper its being copied to is larger than the layout.

Here is my suggestion...

Take a photo of your layout. This way all of the embellishments will remain in focus, you can include the entire layout. Then you can resize to fit on a standard sized paper (8½ x 11, 11 x 17). Most copy shops can crop a photograph without damaging your original photo. Digital pictures are even easier to manipulate, and you can even bring them in on a disk and print directly from that. Ask your local copy shop, there may be some extra fees involved for cropping or printing from disk; but it may be well worth it to get the quality prints you are looking for.