Print glossary
The print world is full of jargon. Here are the terms we use most often — bleed, coatings, stocks, finishes, sign materials — explained in plain English.
Aqueous coating
A water-based protective coating applied to printed paper. Subtler than UV gloss but still adds water and scuff resistance. Used on most premium postcards and brochures.
Bleed
The portion of artwork that extends beyond the final trim edge — typically 0.125 inches on each side. Prevents white edges if the cut shifts slightly.
CMYK
The four-color printing process: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black). All print files should be set up in CMYK color mode; RGB will be auto-converted but colors may shift.
Coroplast
Corrugated plastic — a lightweight, water-resistant material used for yard signs and short-term outdoor signage. Twin-walled construction makes it stiff and stake-mountable.
Die-cut
A cutting process where a custom-shaped blade trims printed material to a non-rectangular shape. Used for custom-shape stickers, hang tags, and shaped business cards.
DPI (dots per inch)
The resolution of a printable image. 300 DPI is the minimum for crisp print at the final size; lower-resolution images will look pixelated.
EDDM
Every Door Direct Mail — a USPS service for sending mail to every address in a chosen ZIP without a mailing list. Used for local neighborhood marketing.
Foil printing
A finish technique that adds a metallic foil layer (gold, silver, holographic) to printed paper. On Promo Pop, available as Akuafoil, Foil Worx, and Raised Foil treatments.
Gatorfoam
A premium rigid foam-board with sealed surfaces. Stiffer and more dent-resistant than standard foam board. Used for indoor display signs that need to look polished.
Grommet
A metal reinforcement ring punched through a banner. Provides a clean, rust-resistant attachment point for rope, zip ties, or bungees.
GSM
Grams per square meter — a measure of paper weight. Higher GSM = heavier, sturdier paper. 300 GSM is typical for business cards; 100 GSM for everyday flyers.
Lamination
A thin plastic film bonded to printed paper. Adds protection and a tactile finish. Silk lamination has a smooth, soft-touch feel; Suede lamination is velvety.
Pantone (PMS)
A standardized color matching system. Used for brand-critical colors that need to match exactly across print runs. Most CMYK conversions approximate but don't match Pantone perfectly.
Pole pocket
A sleeve sewn into the top or bottom of a banner that holds a pole or rod. Used for trade-show table-banners and pull-up displays.
SEG (silicone-edge graphic)
A trade-show display system where the fabric graphic has a silicone strip sewn into its edge that tucks into a slim aluminum frame. Frameless, flush look.
Spot UV
A glossy UV coating applied only to specific design areas (usually a logo or accent). Creates a tactile, raised-feel highlight against the surrounding matte stock.
Tension fabric display
A trade-show display where stretchy fabric is pulled tight over a tube frame. Lightweight, wrinkle-free, and packs into a small travel case.
Turnaround
The production time between order and ship — separate from shipping time. Promo Pop turnaround is 2–4 business days for most print products, plus 1–5 BD ground shipping.
UV gloss
A high-gloss coating cured with ultraviolet light. Produces a hard, shiny, scratch-resistant surface. Available as a full-page coating or as Spot UV for targeted highlights.