A note of caution & a big city ?nish
Jo Francis tracks down the solutions to your technical troubles
Q A client has requested that some branded drinks tokens, designed in the style of banknotes, be printed on a stock that feels exactly like real banknotes. Obviously we can’t get actual banknote stock, but can you advise as to any reasonably priced/available commercial stocks that would do the job? We’ve submitted various cotton based stocks, but have not found any that work – and none that are available in 80-90gsm.
Karen Swain, via the Help Line forum at printweek.com
A That’s going to be tricky, for the obvious reason that supplies of pukka banknote paper are tightly controlled. And it sounds like you’ve already tried the sort of commercial stock that would be the closest thing to it. Via the printweek.com forum ‘Print Buyer’ has this suggestion: "I was in a similar situation (as a buyer) a few months ago. In the end we had to change our approach and moved to a piece that looked like a cheque instead. That might be an option for your client too." Alternative ideas are welcome, and in the meantime might your client consider paper that is actually made of recycled banknotes? I bought a writing set from John Lewis ages ago featuring this unusual stock – you can clearly see the shredded pieces of banknotes in it, it’s rather fun. Ellie Poo Paper (www.elliepoopaper.co.uk) sells the paper, unfortunately the image on their website doesn’t really do it justice. It might be worth getting hold of some so you can see for yourself. Here’s a link to the web page: http://bit.ly/bWRQfB. Any other clever ideas for replicating that crisp banknote feel, in a way that won’t cause Inspector Knacker to appear at the door, welcome.
Q I’m trying to find a finisher who can do some crash-lock and four-corner gluing. I’m specifically looking for someone located in the Greater London area.
Sam Kahn, Kahn Printers
A Milfin Trade Finishers in Romford can do crash-lock (01708 377716). Ever-helpful forum members ‘Ivor Binder’ and ‘Rol Roland’ suggested various possible suppliers including NGS Print Finishers in Perivale (020 8813 2121 www.ngsprintfinishers.com), as well as steadfast Packaids (01189 343877 www.packaids.co.uk). Packaids are always extremely helpful, but their Twyford, Berkshire facility may be stretching the location requisite a bit. Another name mentioned was KJ Finishing, but I can’t find any links to that company. As always, any further clues or pointers gratefully received.
