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Different Types of Finishes

Machine Varnish

A thin, protective coating applied to a printed sheet to reduce marking or scuffing.

Matt x 1 or Matt x 2

Matt laminate AKA Matt cello is a a non-reflective varnish applied to a printed surface to protect it. A matt cello has a slightly granular look and tends to make colours look more vivid.

Gloss x 1 or Gloss x 2

Gloss laminate AKA Gloss cello is a clear, shiny finish that brings out and emphasises colours. It makes images look brighter, adds definition and radiance.

Spot UV Varnish

Spot UV is where a business card is printed, laminated and then certain areas (such as the business name, logo or a patterned background) are highlighted with a gloss varnish. These cards always evoke positive comments. If you mean to impress, this is the way to go. Click here to see how to setup your artwork for a spot varnish.

Roll Fold


Concertina Fold

A method of folding in which each fold opens in the opposite direction to its neighbor, giving a pleated effect.

Half Fold

A method of folding in which the document is folded in the centre, giving a small book effect

Accordian or Z Fold

A term for two or more parallel folds that result in the sheet opening like a fan. Accordion folds are used on products such as brochures and maps.

Saddle stitching

Saddle Stitching refers to a binding process where pages are stapled together through the spine of the book. The machine (which looks a bit like a horse saddle) cuts the wire, forms the staple, drives it through the paper and clinches it from the other side.

The section is stitched a little over half a centimetre from the edge in two or more places, depending on the length of the publication. The stitched section then becomes the spine of the booklet, over which a cover may then be glued. This form of binding is typically used for brochures, small booklets, calendars, pocket-size address books and some magazines.

Saddle stitching is fast and more economical than many other methods. The advantages include reliability, cost effectiveness, and the ability to gain closer access to the gutter of the binding margin.

The staples used in saddle stitching are usually formed from round wire and are generally made of copper, galvanised iron or aluminised iron. The number of pages that can be stitched depends on how thick the paper is. When the document is too large for saddle stitching, it may be side-stitched or side-stapled.