The parent sheet is 19” x 29” after the deckled edge is removed. If possible design small items to maximize the parent size. Consider designing for 9.25 x 9.5 press sheet instead of 8.5 x 11.

If possible limit ink coverage, so the color and texture of the paper is visible.

Avoid any tight registration.

The more ink colors the more make ready for printing. If possible try to keep design to 2 PMS colors, or design the project so it is only one sided. See note below about make ready.

Avoid small type and fonts that are fine. The texture of the paper makes it difficult to keep type from breaking up.

If your project requires 4 color process make sure the type is black so a build of four color is not required to produce copy.

The paper has a slight variance in color, so it’s best to make sure the design will still work as the sheet color changes throughout the run.

Printing on Seed Paper

The paper should be ran on an offset press that uses a gripper feed system instead of air feed system. The paper varies in weight from sheet to sheet, so inter-leafing or slip-sheet can help on complex projects for feeding. It is best to pre sort the paper for weight inconsistence prior to printing.

The expected run rate is about a 1000 sheet per hour on a small format press.

The paper has unique characteristics within the sheet; sometimes bits of the paper will pull off or have small wrinkles. It’s best to let the end user know that each item may have this appear through out the run and can effect image quality.

Due to the highly absorbent properties of the paper, use a line screen of 150 or lower.

It will also help if the ink is slightly thinned.

The paper prints well on letterpress, but should be limited to 2 color.

The stock is expensive, so make ready should be 90% completed on alternate stock.

Bindery on Seed Paper

For best results make sure there is a sufficient gutter between multiple items up. The paper is un-even and will not register exactly. Embossing and die-cutting work well, but foiling is not recommended.