What Should Know On Custom Catalogs?

 

 

 

 

What is customized catalogue?

 

Normally we define it as a catalog customized according to the client's requirements. Through the design given by customers, we provide catalog printing services in the way of--the layout, surface treatment, pages, binding style and other elements. For example, in terms of layout, we can design unique page structures to highlight key products or services. As for surface treatment, options like glossy lamination for vibrant visuals or matte lamination for a sophisticated look can be chosen. The number of pages can be adjusted based on the amount of content the client wants to include. Binding styles such as perfect binding for a sleek finish or saddle stitching for a more traditional look are also custom. All these elements are tailored to meet the client's specific needs, ensuring that the final catalog not only looks professional but also effectively communicates the client's message and resonates with their target audience.

 

What aspects are the customization of the catalogue?

 

(1) First of all,the most important issue is the design from clients,This is the basic of our preparation.We can't preceding any procedures without it.Therefore, we must check the lay-out size,manuscript cutting line, color pattern, font samples.etc in advance to ensure that the design meets printing standards.

 

(2) Secondly,enter the color match stage: The more design clearly,the less color difference will be. According to the color of the manuscript given by the client and each different paper materials,decide on spot color or four-color printing accordingly,which have a stake in quotation.

 

(3) Choosing different materials and different grams of paper materials according to different usage scenarios of customers.At the normally circumstance,we used 250g coated paper in cover and 157g coated paper in pages.Because if the paper needs to be laminated, then its weight must be more than 157g coated paper.Under normal circumstances, we only laminate the cover but not the interior pages, unless the client has specific needs, as well as affect the cost.

 

(There are some different paper materials we usually used in custom catalogue)

 

Coated paper	105g	128g	157g	200g	250g	300g	/
Matt paper	80g	105g	128g	157g	200g	250g	300g
Offset paper	70g	80g	100g	120g	140g	/	/
Color difference	80g	100g	120g	/	/	/	/

 

(4) There are some surface treatment in catalogue's cover.Their existence result in some logos on the cover of the catalog to have gold/silver glossy or matt, relief, bumps, Thereby enhancing the visual appeal of the product.And it has resulted in a touch feeling feedback.Here are some reference we did for checking:

A. hot stamping: Hot stamping is a process that done separately.there are many different color to choose.including pink,blue,green .etc normally used.The choice of gold stamping color does not affect the cost, but the use of gold stamping will impact the price.

 

B. UV-spot: UV-spot creates a full, layered effect by applying transparent ink to the customer's selected printing area, curing it after being irradiated with a specific Ultraviolet device.

 

C. embossed: Usually, the embossing effect is achieved through the embossing process. After the cover is laminated, a special mold is used to press specific areas of the cover under high pressure. This makes the paper shape into the raised parts of the mold, creating a 3D relief effect that boosts both the visual and tactile feel.

 

In addition,the cover of the catalog which can achieve different special effects through printing techniques, it can also choose various art paper materials for its inner pages. These papers feature different surface textures, such as: water wave patterns, straight line patterns, grid patterns, and diamond patterns, among others.however,it can't be lamination.

 

The binding style of customized catalogue

 

There are totally 6 binding styles of customized catalog.For saddle stitch binding,perfect binding,spril binding,sew in perfect binding,hard cover and Hardcover butterfly pair framed,Here are some details of it:

 

A. saddle stitch binding: this bind style must below or equal 32 pages. The number of pagers is a multiple of 4 before it can be stapled, but the minimum number of binding is 8 pages.

 

B. perfect binding: In around 40 pages ~ 150 pages,the number of pagers is a multiple of 2

 

C. spril binding: spril binding is a common way of binding catalogs, by punching holes on the edges of the pages, using metal or plastic rings to connect the pages through the holes, which is easy to read and firmly binded, and is often used in manuals catalogs, etc

D. sew in perfect binding: about 200 pages,needs to be a multiple of 4. if the pages less than 2 pages, the inner page of the cover can be white,This binding method is relatively strong and not easy to fall apart.And glue binding is a multiple of 2 pages.

 

E. hard cover: Default 157g coated paper mounted gray board, gray board thickness normally in about 1.5-2mm.The hardcover can also be locked with wires, plugged cloth or bookmark strips.

 

F. Hardcover butterfly pair framed: This is a high-end catalog binding method. It folds the pages in half, frames them like butterfly wings, and puts them into the hardcover cover. This binding method makes the catalog book smooth to read, the pages are flat, and the appearance is exquisite, and it is often used in high-end product catalogs or picture books.

 

The printing methods&colors of customized catalog.

 

<1> printing methods: there are one side printing or double side printing normally.Both of they are same cost,but The most commonly used is second one.This is because it makes full use of paper, displaying more content. Although single-sided printing only prints on one side, the costs do not decrease due to factors such as printing equipment and paper costs, and are the same as those of double-sided printing.

 

<2> printing colors: We usually use spot color printing and four-color printing two setups. Spot color is a individual color mode, which is one ink color printed caused.Spot color will be brighter and more colorful.Except for spot colors, other colors are derived from the combination of four colors.(Plus:The catalog printed in spot colors has a smaller color difference and is less prone to color fading/four-color printing can achieve gradient effect.)

 

What is the surface treatment of customized catalog?

The surface treatment of a customized catalog can greatly influence its look and feel. Glossy lamination gives a shiny, vibrant finish that enhances colors and makes images pop, ideal for catalogs with lots of visuals. Matte lamination offers a smooth, non-reflective surface, providing a more sophisticated and professional look, perfect for text-heavy catalogs. Tactile lamination adds a unique texture, giving a premium feel, but it costs a bit more. While glossy and matte lamination have similar costs, choosing any lamination over none can significantly increase the catalog's production cost. However, the enhanced durability and visual appeal it brings can justify the investment, especially for high-end or frequently handled catalogs.

 

In summary, customized catalogs involve intricate details from design to finish. Each element, from size and quantity to materials and printing tech, impacts cost and quality. Tailored to client needs, these catalogs enhance brand communication and engagement.