Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions

Expert advice

Our team shares practical insights to help you make informed decisions and get the most from your print investment.

What should I consider before choosing a print partner?

Choosing a print partner is about finding a team that understands your brand, your timelines, and the outcome you’re trying to achieve, not just price. The right partner will guide you on materials, finishes and production decisions, not just take a print-ready file.
In our experience, the best results come from early collaboration, particularly on projects like school prospectuses and branded publications, where understanding the bigger picture matters.

A strong print partner should feel like an extension of your team, helping you make better decisions, not just producing a job.

What makes a high-quality print outcome?

A high-quality print outcome, results from a combination of paper choice, colour accuracy, print method and finishing working together. It’s not just how something looks on screen, but how it feels, performs and represents your brand once it’s in hand.
In our experience, the biggest impact comes from early decisions, particularly around stock and finishing. Careful choices can significantly elevate the perceived value. OBH’s work with schools shows how tailored materials and finishes help reinforce identity and leave a lasting impression.

Ultimately, quality is defined by how well the finished piece reflects your intent, both visually and tactility.

How do I choose the right paper, stock or finish for my project?

The right paper or finish depends on your purpose, audience and how the piece will be used. Weight, texture and durability all play a role in both brand perception and performance.
For example, a premium school prospectus may suit heavier stocks and subtle embellishments, while a food label needs to perform in real-world conditions like moisture or refrigeration. We can help you select stocks that meet your sustainability requirements, whether that’s recyclable or recycled.
Please note: recycled stock doesn’t always mean it’s better for the environment.

A considered paper choice doesn’t just support your design; it elevates the entire brand experience.

What’s the difference between digital and offset printing and when should I use each?

Digital and offset printing serve different purposes, and the right choice depends on quantity, turnaround and the level of finish required. Digital printing suits shorter runs, quick turnaround and variable content, while offset is well suited to larger volumes where consistency across quantity is important.
In practice, the best results come from matching the print method to the outcome. For example, label variations suit digital print, while large-scale publications benefit from offset consistency.

The best approach is to match the print method to the outcome, not the other way around.

How long does a print project take from concept to delivery?

The timeline for a print project can vary, but as a guide, simpler jobs may take a few days, while more complex or highly finished pieces can take several weeks.
In our experience, projects like school prospectuses or self-published books, run smoothly when timelines are considered early, allowing time for material selection, proofing and production.

Planning ahead gives you more control, not just over timing, but over the quality of the final result.

What impacts the cost of printing?

The cost of printing is influenced by factors such as quantity, paper choice, format, finishing and production method. Each decision contributes to the overall cost, and even small changes can have an impact.
For example, finishes and materials may drive cost in labels, while format and binding are key considerations in publications. We work with clients to prioritise where investment will deliver the most impact, whether that’s shelf presence for a product or perceived value in a printed piece.

Well informed decisions early in the process help ensure your budget is working in the right areas.

How can print enhance brand perception?

Print has a unique ability to shape how a brand is experienced, through touch, weight, texture and finish. Unlike a screen, print engages multiple senses, reinforcing quality, credibility and leaving a lasting impression.
We see this in both premium publications and food and beverage labels. A well-produced prospectus can reinforce a school’s identity long after a visit. While a thoughtfully finished label can help a product stand out on a shelf and communicate value in a crowded market.

Done well, print doesn’t just communicate your message, it strengthens how your brand is felt and remembered.

Can a printing company help with design and production planning?

Yes, an experienced printing partner can help shape both design and production decisions. Early involvement ensures ideas translate effectively into print and helps avoid issues later in the process.
At OBH, our inhouse design team work collaboratively from the start. This integrated approach helps minimise errors, streamline communication and maintain quality across every stage.

The earlier a printer is involved, the more value they can add to the final result.