Envelope Printing - Everything You Never Knew You'd Have To Know - Part 1

 

We started to write articles called "Frequently Asked Question About Envelopes", but soon ran into problems. How will the customer know what questions to ask if they don't have any knowledge about envelopes? We found another way to approach the envelope world.

a5 hard back envelope

Part 1 - All About Envelopes

This article will outline the essential information that you need before ordering printed envelopes. It also includes a list of options you might be offered. We can help if you're new to ordering envelopes for your boss and don't want you to appear like a fool. We can also help if stationery is a last-minute concern for you after starting your own business.

Your sales representative may assume that you are an envelope expert like her and begin to list different types of envelopes, stock types, window sizes, etc. Don't despair. These are the basics of envelopes.

What sizes are standard?

#10 - This is the standard size envelope for mailings. All bills that arrive in the mail are carefully wrapped in this envelope. Folded 8.5x11 stationery. These can be folded with 8.5 x 11 stationery. (9.125x4.5)

#9 - Also known as a "reply envelope". It fits inside a #10 envelope so that the recipient can reply to it (and pay their bills). (8.875 X 8.375)

#7 - Also known as a "check" or "check" envelope. It is large enough to send money.

Remittance envelopes - To request donations. These envelopes are used by charities, churches, and alumni groups. They come in three sizes depending on the amount of information you want to print (or how much begging it is that you need). These are sent to the recipient in a larger envelope like a #10 and then the generous contributors return them to you as a reply.

Bangtails, Teller Helpers and Drive Ups - This last one might sound funny but they are all designed for banks. These flaps can be used to hold money or make deposits. Depending on the printer, sizes may vary. You should know what size you need if you work in a bank.

Coins - These little guys are used by banks to deposit coins. However, many jewelers, locksmiths and others who need to keep track or manage small things have them printed.

Key cards or credit cards - These are the cool little envelopes that can hold your hotel key, or gift card.

Florist - These are used mainly by florists to complement arrangements. They can also be used to gift cards in a cute way!

Baronials – These envelopes look like small greeting card envelopes, but are shorter and more rectangular than a #10. These envelopes are used for announcements and when you desire a more elegant appearance (hence their elegant name). You can choose from a variety of sizes.

Big Envelopes: 6 X 9, 9 X 12, 10 X 13, and so on. They can be used to send documents and printed material. They come in a variety of sturdy stock to ensure that they won't rip when you stuff them with your goodies.

Large suppliers can fold custom envelopes. Custom - Many printers have relationships with these large suppliers. Your printer may be able to make special envelopes for you if you have a unique piece of printed material or your customers are fond of the unusual.

Where is That Pesky Flap?

After you've chosen the right envelope for you, Flap orientation is now a must. Flap orientation is not a time when your envelope flaps learn their surroundings. It's a name you give to the end that you place the flap. The standard length of most envelopes (like #10s or #9s) will be the long one. This is the same as the type you use every day. However, large envelopes can be opened in either the short or long dimension. You will be asked if you are ordering large envelopes.

"Do you prefer an open side or open end?" Or "Do you want Booklet or Catalog?"

You will then say, "What!" These are two different ways to ask the same question. Let's see what this all means.

The flap is located on the long side of Open Side (Booklet), envelopes. If you examine the envelope with the flap at its top, it will be in "landscape," as your inkjet printer would call it.

The flap is located on the short side of Open End (Catalog), envelopes. If you examine the envelope with the flap at its top, you will see it in portrait orientation.

A helpful tip: If you mix these definitions it can lead to a costly re-design of your envelopes. Many printers will require you to sign off on the manufacturing or "folding" of your envelopes before you have submitted any artwork. You can make a small envelope drawing on a post it and stick it to your computer monitor. Even professionals can get lost when they are looking at specs all day.

More tricky questions: Paper Stock?

Stock refers to the type of paper that your envelopes will be made from. The most common sizes are available in standard finishes. However, if you need something more, there are options.

Wove Paper – This is the standard in which most envelopes are made. This paper is cheap and comes in many colors from bright white to sky blue to canary yellow. You can get it in several weights, but the strongest is not wove. It's not called "woven" because it isn't woven. The paper industry simply wanted to create its own term. It's also fun to say "white weave" ten times as fast.

Rag Paper and Rag Mixes: Rag paper is a finer, more luxurious cotton paper that you'd use for invitations, announcements or basic stationery if your company has a creative or high-end image. To cut costs, you can mix rag with wove. Rag has the best color reproduction. It comes in many colors, including natural ones like grey and oatmeal.

Tyvek – This plastic from Gods can be found everywhere, from construction sites to the operating room. It also makes water-resistant envelopes that are extremely durable. You can mail your 10-pound product catalog or print a keycard holder that still displays your logo after several trips to your hotel pool. Tyvek can be recycled.

Kraft - Kraft paper is a great choice if you want durability, but don't have the budget to spend a lot. Kraft (or manila paper) is used in larger envelopes and comes in a variety of heavyweights.

You have many stock options, har har. Ask your rep if there are any unusual requests.

How do I close my envelopes?

You'll need to fill your envelopes once you have them. You need to seal your envelopes properly so that your mail doesn't go off-track.

Gum - Standard seal. A gum arabic that must be moistened in order to stay closed.

Peel and Seal -Reserve a toothpick or a sponge and then use peel and seal envelopes. To seal envelopes for long distances, you need to remove the plastic backing.

Reusable Closures: For interoffice envelopes and driver logs. So you can reuse your envelopes until they break, order button and string closures.