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Glossary
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Skew. Slant of printed lines in reference to the edge of the paper; due to paper moving through the
printer in something other than a straight path.
Smoothness. The degree of smoothness of the print material. If the paper is too rough, the toner
does not fuse to the paper properly, resulting in poor print quality. If the paper is too smooth, it can
cause paper feeding problems in the printer. Smoothness is measured in Sheffield points; lower
values indicate smoother paper.
Splatter. The appearance of black specks around a printed image. Generally related to printing on
stock that is too heavy or has a surface that repels toner.
Stacking. How well the paper stacks in the output bin.
Stringers. Small bits of adhesive found on top of a pressure sensitive material at the die-cut and
perforated areas. Stringers are indications of a dull blade and are related to the shear strength of the
adhesive.
Stripped edge matrix. Labels with a portion of the area around the outer edge of the cut sheet
removed.
Supercalendering. A process where paper passes through heated, polished steel and compressed
cotton rolls that “iron” the material to a high gloss, polished finish.
Talkers. Printed or handwritten signs used to advertise specials or to draw attention to a particular
product.
Tenting. The creasing of perforated material when it is flexed.
Thermography. A printing process that raises the ink image or design above the surface of the base
material. Also known as electro-thermography.
Ties. Small areas along perforations or die-cuts in the face material of a label (pressure sensitive
material), or in card stock, which are not cut through. Ties help stabilize the form and prevent tearing
at the perforations and die-cuts.
Toner. The material that adheres to the paper or print material to create the printed image.
Total strip matrix. Labels that have the unneeded portion of the die-cut stock around the labels,
including a portion between the labels, removed to make it easier to peel labels from the backing.
Vellum finish. A finish with a rough surface similar to eggshell and antique finishes. A vellum finish
is relatively absorbent, providing good ink penetration.
Wash boarding. Waviness in the stock that gives a rippled appearance to the material; generally
moisture related.
Zone coating. Placing adhesive in selected areas only. Allows no adhesive areas along edge of
labels. Also known as patterned adhesive, pattern coated, dry lap, separator, strip coated.