Printing Glossary - Letter A

Within the trade, abrasion resistance refers to The extent of scuffing and squeezing that a paper can withstand without becoming useless or worthless. It concerns the properties or grades of the paper stock.

Absorption means Refers to characteristics within a paper that gives it the ability to absorb fluids that are in contact with it. Examples would include water, drinks and all forms of fluids. It concerns the properties or grades of the paper stock. Selection affects stiffness, opacity, and printability.

In print practice, accordion fold means Refers to a particular pattern of folding paper. The name is derived from the shape of the paper when it is unfolded (like an accordion’s). It concerns the properties or grades of the paper stock.

Within the trade, acetate proof refers to Refers to a printing proof that is acetate in nature. This proof is used to make sure that print colors that are anticipated are done on a sheet that is transparent and acetate in its very nature. It is also known as the color overleaf proof. It is a standard concept in printing. Usage varies with process and material.

Acid-free Paper describes Paper manufactured with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and an alkaline reserve (often calcium carbonate) to resist yellowing and deterioration over time. It concerns the properties or grades of the paper stock. Selection affects stiffness, opacity, and printability.

Acidity commonly denotes The level or extent of acid that is found in any paper or its substance when compared with the pH level. Getting a 7 to 14 pH is normally classified to be alkaline while 0 upwards to 7 is acidic in nature. It concerns the properties or grades of the paper stock. Selection affects stiffness, opacity, and printability.

Against the grain can be defined as The right location or position of fiber in the paper. It is important to fold with the grain and not against the grain. It comes highly recommended. It concerns the properties or grades of the paper stock. Selection affects stiffness, opacity, and printability.

Air-dried Paper is Paper that has dried off through the use of hot air. Hot air is blown into the paper with nothing holding back the piece of paper. The end result is a finish that is similar to bond papers. It concerns the properties or grades of the paper stock. Selection affects stiffness, opacity, and printability.

Alcohol means Refer to fluids which the printing press would utilize to make sure that the surface tension of the water is reduced. Alternatives to alcohol would also suffice in this situation. It is equipment used for production or quality control. Calibration is essential for reliable results.

Technically, aluminum describes A press plate made from metal. It is usually used when dealing with offset lithography. It is often used in long or moderate runs. These runs would help lift the image. It is equipment used for production or quality control. Calibration is essential for reliable results.

Announcement Cards describes These refer to matching envelopes paired with cards of paper. You could usually find them when there are weddings or important announcements. It concerns the properties or grades of the paper stock. Selection affects stiffness, opacity, and printability.

Antique finish — Refers to a finish used for papers. You can usually find these finishes in cover papers or books. These finishes would usually come with a tactile surface and can be performed with white colors. It concerns the properties or grades of the paper stock. Selection affects stiffness, opacity, and printability.

In print practice, apron means Refers to space that is created at the edge of a foldout (usually used in binding). You would usually find this on French folds. Their function is to make it possible to fold and tip without disrupting the copy that is being made. It relates to book assembly and durability. It influences section alignment and page longevity.

Archival Paper commonly denotes Refers to A paper that is acid-free and that is resistant to forms of disintegration. Its function is to make paper documents to last longer. It concerns the properties or grades of the paper stock. Selection affects stiffness, opacity, and printability.

Artificial parchment means Paper that has been poorly formed or has a very weak formation. It concerns the properties or grades of the paper stock.

Artwork — used to generally refer to every item or material that is being used, customized or made ready for the process of printing. It is a method of producing printed images. Each process has distinct plate, ink, and substrate demands.

Ascenders: the letters in lower case. This would specifically refer to the tops of those letters. It is a standard concept in printing. Usage varies with process and material.