How to prepare a file for printing coasters/wafer boards?
Project sizes
The project should be prepared according to the selected template available in the calculator after choosing a specific coaster design/size.
Die-cut templates are available in the D&D database and do not need to be attached to the submitted files.
Do not change the proportions, dimensions, or layout of the provided template.
Artwork preparation
The finished project should be prepared as a multi-page PDF file (single- or double-sided print design).
The print area depends on the coaster design. All important project elements, such as text, logos, and key graphic elements, should be placed at least 5mm from the edge of the finished product.
Backgrounds and graphics extending to the edge should be prepared with a 2 mm bleed,
Note
Due to the specific nature of panka board and production tolerances, slight shifts in front/back printing may occur. Therefore, it is not recommended to design frames or borders, as even a shift of +/-1.5mm can affect the final result.
Color
The project should be prepared in the CMYK color space.
Do not leave elements in RGB color space, as converting them to CMYK may cause shade changes.
The total CMYK components in the project should not exceed 200%, unless a test has been performed beforehand.
Excessive ink saturation may cause improper drying, ink bleeding, and loss of edge sharpness in prints or small elements. Therefore, avoid large color areas such as tints and flats.
If you want intense, vivid colors, build them from one or two CMYK components with the highest possible saturation. Adding a third component or black usually reduces color intensity on absorbent substrates.
For example, intense red is best defined as:
C: 0% / M: 100% / Y: 100% / K: 0%
Black color
Black text, thin elements, and other black objects should be prepared as 100% K only, without additional components
C: 0% / M: 0% / Y: 0% / K: 100%
Raster graphics and photos
Raster graphics, photos, and bitmaps should have a resolution of at least 300 dpi.
Enlarging graphics with too low a resolution does not improve their quality and may result in visible pixelation or loss of sharpness in print.
Texts and vector elements
Logos, texts, QR codes, and barcodes are best prepared as vector elements.
All texts should be converted to outlines.
QR codes and barcodes
Codes should be black 100% K on a light background. QR requires a blank margin, i.e., quiet zone, of at least 4 modules on each side.
Color reproduction and substrate influence
Printing is done without the use of white ink. The absorbency of Panka board and its off-white/ecru color affect the final appearance of the print. The monitor emits light, while cardboard reflects it. Therefore, even a correctly prepared project may look slightly different on screen than on the finished coaster.