How Long Folded Leaflet Printing Takes

Folded leaflets look like one of the simplest print products, but a job goes through several stages before it is boxed up and sent to you. Knowing what to expect at each stage will help you plan a mailing, event or product launch without any last-minute hiccups.

Artwork checks and proof approval

In preparation for printing, your files are checked for low resolution images, missing bleed, text too close to fold or trim, and colours set up for screen rather than print. If any errors are found with your files, these are highlighted and need to be sorted before printing can commence. Once your files have been checked, you will receive a proof of how your folded leaflets will look before they are printed. This stage can take a few hours or a couple of days depending on how quickly you and others can check and sign off your printer’s proofs.

For folding, the designer should leave the inner panel of the tri-fold a little narrower than the outer 2 panels, so it will fold in neatly. If all three panels are the same width, the printer will ask for a change, which adds a round of proofing.

Print production

For a standard quantity, the print run generally takes one to two working days once scheduled, but the actual time your print takes to produce will depend on current press time, paper choice, number of colours and quantity ordered. Digital printing suits small quantities and rapid turnaround, whereas litho printing is more cost effective for larger quantities but has more set-up involved.

For background on how the UK print industry works, the trade body is a good starting point: UK print industry standards.

Drying and curing

As litho printed sheets come off the press they need time to dry before they can be folded. This can take several hours depending on the amount of ink, number of colours, and whether the stock is gloss or silk. Sheets with heavy ink coverage are often left overnight to prevent ink transfer to the adjacent sheet when folded. Digital print sheets and sealed or laminated print sheets can usually proceed to the finishing department sooner.

If you want Folded Leaflet Printers Gloucester, wheatleyprinters.co.uk/printing-services/marketing-materials/folded-leaflet-printers/gloucester/ is a good place to start.

Folding and finishing

Simple half folds on normal runs are generally finished within a day. More complex folds like gate folds, roll folds and z-folds can take longer because of the setting up and testing of the folding machine to ensure that the panels are all square. Also thicker papers need to be creased before they can be folded, otherwise the fibres in the paper will crack along the fold and the ink will break up. This extra pass through the machine to crease the paper adds a little to the total folding time.

Delivery or collection

Local leaflet printing jobs are usually completed within 3-5 working days from approval of the artwork. If you are local, collection is usually the quickest option. For a tight deadline, ask the printer for their current lead time before you finalise the artwork, as this can vary from week to week.

How to avoid delays

• Supply print-ready PDF artwork with bleed, crop marks and fonts embedded.
• Check fold positions on a printed mock-up before sending the file.
• Get every piece of text, price and date signed off before you order.
• Approve proofs quickly, and have one named person responsible for sign-off.
• Tell the printer your real deadline, including any time needed for posting or handing out.

Late artwork or last-minute text changes are two of the most common reasons why print jobs are late. Confirming all the content prior to placing the order is the best way to ensure that a leaflet job is completed on time.

If your project goes beyond leaflets, our look at printing books, catalogues and annual reports covers larger print jobs.