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Glossary Of Printing Terms [17]

A A4 Paper Almost identical in size to the North American "letter" paper, A4 paper is part of the A-series if paper sizes dictated by the International Organization for Standardization. A4 paper is 210 x 297 mm, or 8.27 × 11.7 inches
Abrasion A gradual loss of surface material due to rubbing, scraping, or wear. An abrasion may look like a roughened surface, a matte area, or a group of scratches. It may be done intentionally to smooth or clean a surface or it may be unintentional, resulting in damage.
Acetate paper Transparent paper which may be placed in layers over the hard copy of a print or original. The acetate paper allows the designer or artist to indicate changes or instructions, such as different colors. This type of paper is also used to create overhead projector transparencies.
Acid-free Paper Paper that if infused in water yields a neutral or basic pH (7 or slightly greater). It can be made from any cellulose fiber as long as the active acid pulp is eliminated during processing. Acid-free paper addresses the problem of preserving documents and artwork for long periods.
Acid-resist Related to the art practice of etching, acid-resist is a protective coating which is applied to the metal surface prior to the etching process. When the plate is placed in the acid bath, the areas on which the coating have not been scratched away will remain undamaged by the acid. Different types of acid-resist include specialized products, beeswax, and grease pencil.
Acrylic resin A group of related thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic substances
Against the Grain This term relates to cutting or tearing paper or other materials across the length-wise strands of its construction, instead of alongside it. In general, it is more difficult to tear against the grain than with it.
AI (Adobe Illustrator) Adobe Illustrator (AI) is a vector-based graphic design software widely used in laser engraving for creating and editing intricate designs, logos, and graphics. Its powerful tools and features enable users to produce high-quality vector artwork that can be easily imported into laser engraving software for precise engraving onto various materials.
Airbrush A kind of miniature spray paint applicator that consists of a pen-like tool attached to liquid paint. When the trigger is depressed, the airbrush sprays out a thin line of paint which is used in various types of painting and other artwork.
Alteration Any change made by the customer after copy or artwork has been given to the printing company. The change could be in copy, specifications or both. Also called AA, author alteration and customer alteration.
Angles In offset printing, the screen angle is the angle at which the halftones of a separated color is outputted to a lithographic film, hence, printed on final product media.
Anodized plate A type of offset printing press plate that is treated for protection against regular wear and tear. Anodization is a complex process that involves "electrolytic passivation," and increases the layer of natural oxide on the surface of metal.
ANSI The American National Standards Institute. This national group determines the guidelines governing a wide variety of commercially produced goods.
Anti-Offset Spray Powder Sprayed onto the printed paper as it leaves the press, this powder creates a minuscule gap between the sheets which allow them to be stacked, while still allowing them to air dry naturally, and avoiding ink transfer from one sheet to another.
Anti-set-off spray powder In printing, anti-set-off spray powder is used to make an air gap between printed sheets of paper. This enables the ink to dry naturally and therefore avoid the unwanted transfer of ink from one printed sheet to another. The problem can occur with most types of printing.
Antique Paper Antique paper is a paper style offered for printing with an offset press. It has a roughened edge intended to simulate the "deckle edge" of old printed and handwritten papers.
Aqueous Coating This clear coating is applied to the paper by the printing press after the colored inks have been added. The aqueous coating protects against fingerprints and scuffs, adds a high gloss or matte finish, and may guard against fading due to UV light.