Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps involved in printing?
In order to provide you with our quality, value and service, we start by providing you with an accurate quote for your printing needs. Every job is different, so if we can see a printed sample, that helps us out a lot. We can also take your rough ideas and make them reality with our graphic design services. We also have the ability to scan high quality, high resolution images from your originals.
You will then work with our graphic designer to make sure that your design is perfect to your standards. Once your proof(s) are approved, printing will commence.

After your job is printed, it is sent to our bindery section where it is cut, bound, laminated, or any other finishing techniques that are necessary.

What happens if I approve my proof and then need to make a change?
Final approval of your proof will automatically commence the printing process. You are obligated to the job at this point unless you are lucky enough to catch us before printing!

How do I send you my artwork?
You can email your artwork directly to us at sunshinecoast@minutemanpress.com or use the File Transfer tab at the top of the website to easily send us your files. If your files are too large for emailing, we can arrange to receive the files via a CD or a USB stick.

What are your artwork specifications?
Please use the Artwork Specs tab at the top of the web page to view the specifications we require for submitting artwork. Our graphic designer can be contacted at any time to help you with your artwork.

What if another printer has my artwork?
If you have paid another printer to produce artwork for you, by right you should have access to the files. If you have not paid them for the artwork, then they may retain rights to the graphics. We here at Minuteman Press will be glad to approach a printer on your behalf to obtain necessary files for printing.
What is the difference between Digital and Offset printing?

Digital is a printing process where toner is used. The toner prints on and stays on top of the paper surface. Offset printing is a method using inks. The ink soaks into the paper surface.

Offset is most commonly used, for example, on letterheads where the final printed letterhead sheets are to be put through another printer that utilises heat in its process (laser printers etc.) When digitally printed letterheads are put through another printer, the heat of that printer will release the toner from the paper and your printing job will become adhered to your printer rollers.

What is a “full bleed”?
A bleed is where the image or graphics extend to the edge of a printed sheet, without leaving a border. Graphics can bleed on all edges or just a few. If the graphics or images are to bleed, then a minimum of 3 mm must be added to the edges for room to trim the job.

What are crop marks?
Crop marks are placed on the corners of a file to designate where the finishing cutting will occur. This is mainly used on printed items that bleed off the edge of the paper.

What are the different paper surfaces available?
Papers used by Minuteman Press come in a gloss or satin finish. Satin finish is a matte surface that is suitable for writing. If you choose a specialty paper for printing, other surfaces may be available. We at Minuteman Press have a wide selection of fine printing papers to add a bit of sparkle to your printing job.
What are the different paper weights available?

Every job is different and we will print your job on the appropriate paper to suit your needs. Paper is graded by GSM which stands for “grams per square meter.” The larger the gsm number, the thicker the paper. Business cards are printed on papers anywhere from 300 to 400 gsm and flyers are printed usually on 120 to 250 gsm. Regular copy paper is usually 80 gsm.

What are the common paper sizes?
Business Cards 99mmx55mm
A0           841mmx1189mm
A1           594mmx841mm
A2           420mmx594mm
A3           420mmx297mm
A4           297mmx210mm
A5           210mmx148mm
DL           99mmx210mm
Compliment Slips 210mmx99mm

Are there any special requirements for printing items that will be going through the Australia Post?
If your printing job is to be going through the Australia Post (for example envelopes) you must adhere to the Australia Post specifications for printing. Please visit the Australia Post website www.australiapost.com.au for a complete list of current specifications.

What is NCR paper?
NCR (No Carbon Required) paper is the biodegradable, stain-free carbonless paper developed by the NCR Corporation. This paper is used most commonly for Business forms such as invoice or receipt books and pads. The back of the first sheet is coated with a micro-encapsulated dye. The top of the middle sheet is coated with clay that quickly reacts with the dye to form a permanent mark. The back of the middle sheet is also coated with the dye. The lowermost sheet is coated on the top surface with the clay and no coating on the back side. When you write on the sheets, the pressure from the point of the writing instrument causes the micro-capsules to break and spill their dye.

Do you offer any kind of volume discounts?
For projects where high volumes are required, please contact us for a price. Discounts are available for large orders.

How much do you charge for graphic design?
Usually as a part of each order, 15 minutes of graphic design is included. Otherwise, graphic design will incur a $60 per hour rate.