How to prepare a file for printing coasters/wafers?
Project dimensions
The project must be prepared according to the selected template available in the calculator after choosing the specific coaster design/dimension.
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 design must be prepared as a multi-page PDF file. (single- or double-sided print design).
The print area depends on the coaster design. All essential design elements, such as text, logos and important graphic elements, must be placed at least 5mm from the edge of the finished product.
Backgrounds and graphics extending to the edge must be prepared with a 2 mm bleed,
Note
Due to the characteristics of Panka board and production tolerances, slight front-to-back print misregistration may occur. For this reason, designing frames or borders is not recommended, as even a +/-1,5mm shift may affect the final result.
Colour
The design must be prepared in the CMYK colour space.
Do not leave elements in the RGB colour space, as conversion to CMYK may cause colour shifts.
The total CMYK ink coverage in the design should not exceed 200%, unless a test has been carried out beforehand.
Excessively high ink coverage may result in improper drying, print spreading, and loss of edge sharpness in prints or fine elements. For this reason, large solid colour areas, such as tints and solids, should be avoided.
If you require intense, vivid colours, build them using one or two CMYK components with the highest possible saturation. Adding a third component or black usually reduces colour intensity on absorbent substrates.
For example, intense red is best defined as:
C: 0% / M: 100% / Y: 100% / K: 0%
Black
Black text, fine elements and other black objects must be prepared using 100% K only, without additional components
C: 0% / M: 0% / Y: 0% / K: 100%
Raster graphics and photographs
Raster graphics, photographs and bitmaps should have a resolution of at least 300 dpi.
Enlarging graphics with insufficient resolution does not improve their quality and may result in visible pixelation or loss of sharpness in print.
Text and vector elements
Logos, text, QR codes and barcodes should preferably be prepared as vector elements.
All text must be converted to outlines.
QR codes and barcodes
Codes should be black, 100% K, on a light background. QR codes require a blank margin, known as a quiet zone, of at least 4 modules on each side.
Colour reproduction and substrate influence
Printing is carried out without the use of white ink. The absorbency of Panka board and its off-white/ecru colour affect the final appearance of the print. A monitor emits light, whereas cardboard reflects it. Therefore, even a correctly prepared design may look slightly different on screen than on the finished coaster.
