What Print Customers Always Wanted to Ask (But Didn’t Know How)

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by print lingo or unsure about how to prepare your packaging artwork, you’re not alone. At International PaperBox, we get asked a lot of great questions—some more often than others. So we’ve compiled answers to a few of the top ones we hear from customers, designers, and curious minds alike.

Whether you're launching a new product or fine-tuning your packaging, these insights will help you better navigate the world of folding cartons and custom packaging.

1. Pantone Color vs. Process Color – What’s the Difference?

This is one of the most common questions we hear—and for good reason! Color matters when it comes to your packaging.

• Pantone (Spot Color): These are pre-mixed inks created to achieve exact color consistency. Think of it as "what you see is what you get" – perfect for matching brand colors with precision across different runs and substrates.

• Process Color (CMYK): This uses a combination of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black to create a wide range of colors. While it’s incredibly versatile and efficient, some specific hues (especially bright oranges, greens, or metallics) may be harder to replicate exactly.

  
  

When to Use What?

If your packaging relies on brand-specific colors (like a signature red or a corporate blue), Pantone is your best bet. For more complex images like photographs, gradients, or full-color illustrations, CMYK is often preferred.

Pro Tip: Not sure which is righ for your job? Our prepress team can help recommend the best approach to keep your colors consistent and on-brand.

2. What Are "Strike Through" Effects in Packaging?

Great question—and it’s a fun one!

Strike Through is a specialty printing technique where a dull (matte) varnish is applied to the entire sheet, and a spot gloss UV coating is applied on top of selected areas. When cured, the gloss pops dramatically off the matte background, creating a contrast of textures and shine.

Why use it?

• Adds dimension and tactile appeal

• Emphasizes logos, graphics, or product images

• Elevates perceived value and shelf impact

Where does it work best?

Strike through is especially powerful in the beauty, nutraceutical, and premium food sectors—anywhere that presentation matters just as much as the product itself.

3. How Should My Designer Set Up Die Lines in the Artwork?

This is a critical area where mistakes often happen. The #1 mistake we see? Artwork sitting too close to the die line.

Why That’s a Problem:

Even the best print equipment has some “bounce” during production. Speed, artwork complexity, machine capacity, and sheet size all impact how precisely cuts and folds align. If artwork (especially text or borders) is placed too close to the cut line, it can shift and result in crooked placement, misalignment, or design elements being cut off.

How to Avoid This:

• Know the Tolerances: Ask us for our recommended spacing for your specific project. We’re happy to help!

• Keep Safe Zones in Mind: Maintain at least 1/8" (or more depending on the project) between your artwork and the die line to prevent cutting errors.

• Use Layers Wisely: Keep dielines, bleeds, artwork, and foil/embossing on separate layers to ensure clarity in production.

• Choose a Partner Who Cares: Work with a vendor (like us!) who not only catches these issues early but takes the time to walk you through the corrections.

4. Should I Use Embossing, Foil, or Spot UV?

We get this one a lot! These print enhancements can elevate your folding cartons from standard to standout—but each serves a unique purpose:

• Foil: Reflective, metallic effect that adds instant luxury.

• Embossing: Raised surface detail, perfect for logos or decorative accents.

• Spot UV: High-gloss coating applied to specific areas—ideal for contrast and visual interest.

Tip: You can combine techniques (like foil + emboss) for maximum impact. Ask us to show samples—we’ll help you choose the right finish for your product and budget.

5. Is Paperboard Packaging Really Sustainable?

Short answer: Yes! And we’re doing everything we can to make it even more so.

• Paperboard is recyclable and made from renewable resources.

• International PaperBox offers recycled paperboard options upon request.

• All waste paper is recycled, and we follow strict standards for ink and chemical disposal.

Learn more about our sustainability practices here.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask!

If you’ve ever hesitated to ask your printer a question, don’t! We love talking shop, helping clients get the best results, and sharing what we’ve learned from decades in the industry.

Your packaging is a powerful extension of your brand—and getting the details right makes all the difference.

Got a question we didn’t answer?

Give us a call at 801-486-5911 or contact us at www.ipaperbox.com — our team is here to help.