Your Print Questions, Answered: Ask Print Lord

After decades spent in the trenches of print, one thing is clear: no two print jobs are ever exactly the same, but the questions clients ask? Those are timeless. Whether you’re a startup wrestling with your first batch of business cards, a hospitality pro overhauling your menus, or a marketer prepping for a make-or-break launch, Print Lord knows that straight, jargon-free advice can turn confusion into confidence and prevent costly mistakes. This month, we open the royal mailbag and serve up the definitive answers to the most common (and most crucial) print questions, always with authority, wit, and zero faff.

1. “What’s the most important thing to get right before sending my artwork to print?”

Short answer: File setup. Get your size, bleed, and resolution spot on, and you’re halfway to a flawless job. Always ensure every artwork file matches the finished size plus at least 3mm bleed on all edges. Work in CMYK (not just RGB), use high-resolution images (300 DPI or above), and embed or outline your fonts. The devil is in the details, a missing bleed or dodgy colour setting can turn a masterpiece into a misfire. If in doubt, send it in for a royal once-over. At Print Lord, we check every file before it hits the press. It’s what separates legend from let-down.

2. “How do I choose the right material for my job?”

Start by asking where and how the print will be used. Does it need to survive spilled wine in a busy restaurant? Face the British weather on a building site? Or simply look sharp in a boardroom? Print Lord advises as follows: For menus and high-use hospitality, choose heavier stock (at least 250gsm), possibly laminated for wipe-clean durability. For outdoor use, go with weatherproof PVC, Dibond, or heavy-duty banner material. For business cards or invitations, a tactile, textured card (with optional foil or emboss) sends the right message. Never settle for “standard”, your brand deserves materials as robust, refined, or responsible as your story demands.

3. “Is print really still relevant in a digital world?”

Not just relevant, vital. Print gives your brand weight, substance, and credibility that email alone simply cannot match. Study after study shows that print is remembered longer, trusted more, and acted upon more often than digital. A menu that feels substantial, a business card with tactile finish, these are real-world touchpoints that digital cannot replicate. Print sits on counters, desks, and in hands long after screens have gone dark. And with Print Lord, anything is possible: menus, banners, stickers, uniforms, brochures, you name it. Print isn’t just alive, it’s thriving, especially for brands who want to be remembered, not just noticed.

4. “How much time do I need for a typical print job?”

More than you’d think, but not more than you have, with Print Lord in your corner. Standard print runs (think menus, flyers, signage) usually take 3-5 working days from file approval, while complex, multi-element campaigns or projects involving special finishes (foils, emboss, intricate die-cuts) may require a week or more. Rush jobs? Absolutely, Print Lord is renowned for defying deadlines, but last-minute miracles come with a premium, and a dash of drama. Always flag critical dates upfront, and trust us to advise on what’s feasible, reliable, and drama-free. When time is tight, being proactive is priceless.

5. “What’s the Print Lord difference, why not just use an online print portal?”

It comes down to guardianship, craft, and character. Print Lord does not hide behind faceless automation; every order is handled by real experts who actually care about your brand. We catch mistakes before they cost you, offer advice tailored to your needs, and treat every project as if our crest was on the line. Whether it’s creative specification, troubleshooting artwork, or chasing couriers, our relentless focus on Anything Print, Convenience & Flexibility, and Reliable & Consistent delivery is what makes us legendary. With Print Lord, mediocrity is banished, your brand is protected, and your stress levels stay pleasantly low.

6. “How can I make my print more sustainable?”

Opt for materials bearing FSC® or PEFC™ marks, these show your paper was sourced from responsibly managed forests. Ask for recycled options when suitable, or explore modern eco-materials developed for everything from menus to banners. Print Lord champions responsible sourcing, minimal waste, and honest advice on recycling. Where others greenwash, we deliver evidence and practical options. And don’t forget, print is one of Europe’s most recycled materials, outpacing plastics and glass by a mile.

7. “What is bleed, and why does it matter?”

Bleed is the extra 3mm or so of artwork that extends beyond the finished trim size. It ensures your design prints right to the edge without accidental white borders when the print is cropped. No bleed? Expect awkward slivers and a distinctly amateurish feel. Always design with bleed, even if you’re convinced it’ll “be fine.” Print Lord enforces this rule with royal decree, our reputation (and yours) is on the line.

8. “Can Print Lord help with artwork, or do I need to come fully prepared?”

Absolutely we can help. From Canva rescue missions to full typesetting, Print Lord’s creative allies can step in at any stage. Send what you have, and we’ll advise on fixes, formats, and better options. Half-finished ideas, wobbly layouts, or even hand-drawn sketches have been turned into print masterpieces under our watch. Don’t let artwork anxiety hold you back, guidance comes with the service.

9. “What about colour, why do my prints sometimes look different from my screen?”

Screens use RGB (red, green, blue light), while print uses CMYK inks. Colours that zing on your monitor may print slightly differently if not set up correctly. Always design in CMYK (most pro tools allow this switch) and avoid neon shades or colours that live only on screens. Need to match a Pantone? Print Lord is obsessive about colour accuracy, brand guardianship includes pre-flight checks, proofs, and spot-on palettes every time.

10. “What’s the best way to get started with a tricky job?”

Just call, email, or message Print Lord. No question is too small, and no challenge too odd. Tell us your vision, your pain points, or even your past disasters, we’ll step in, ask the right questions, clarify the brief, and make your project possible. Legendary print doesn’t happen by accident; it happens through partnership, craft, and clear advice, all at your service.

Final Word: Keep Asking, Stay Legendary

Print Lord is your expert ally, brand guardian, and problem-solver in Anything Print. Your questions, concerns, and curiosities are what inspire our relentless service. If yours isn’t answered above, get in touch. We’re here to make the world of print simpler, sharper, and drama-free.

Print Lord. At your service. On brand. On time.