Tracing Paper Technical Guide

 

Storage

 All paper should be kept in the original unopened packaging away from doors and windows where exposure to humidity or excessive heat or cold could occur. It is necessary to acclimatise the paper in its original packaging to prepress room conditions for a minimum of 24 hours prior to printing and longer in cold conditions.

 

Photocopying

 Generally there is no problem using tracing paper for photocopying. It is made to a moisture content of 7%, which is necessary to counteract its hygroscopy and thus to avoid buckling. A white woodfree paper especially made for photocopying would have a moisture content of 3-4%.

 

Prepress

 Ideally, press room RH should be between 40% and 60% with a temperature of approximately 70 degrees F. Cartons and packages should be unwrapped just prior to printing and all paper should remain covered with plastic throughout all phases of the job. Never leave tracing uncovered. Curl problems can occur when the humidity or temperature has changed significantly within the previous 24 hours. Tracing should be reacclimatised to adjust to each change. The paper must be wrapped or covered between all stages of press and bindery operations.

 

Inks

Tracing is extremely dense and non porous, and it is recommended that all inks be 100% oxidising as with printing plastics and foils. Tracing paper will not absorb ink. Small lifts and airing are also recommended.

 

Offset Litho Printing

We recommend minimum water and maintaining a fount solution of 5-6%. Avoid alcohol substitutes and excess water, as they will slow the drying process. Excess water will not be removed or absorbed from the blanket. If drying becomes difficult, deliver sheets in small lifts and hand wind if necessary.

 

Set-off Spray

 Use coated spray powder of normal fineness (less than 1 mil). Varnishing powder is not recommended. Cure in small lifts airing frequently.

 

Varnish

Varnish only after ink is dry and consult your varnish supplier.

 

Cutting

Tracing papers are very dense and can chip a newly sharpened blade if grinding marks remain in the sharpened edge. A polished 23 degree angle guillotine blade is ideal for trimming and cutting the product.

 

Folding and scoring

 Tracing folds and scores beautifully. A rounded channel score is recommended to prevent cracking. A minimum width of 2.5 times the caliper of the paper to be scored plus 8/1000 is recommended. A strip of moisture may be applied along the inside fold line to facilitate folding and scoring.

 

Embossing

 Avoid sharp tools.

 

Finishing and Binding

 Tracing saddle stitches/staples, perfect binds and can be converted into envelopes. Hot melt glues are recommended. Do not use aqueous based glues. When the job is completed, wrap completely in plastic/waterproof wrap or packaging material. Pre-testing all operations is recommended prior to production.

 

Final Word

 Pre-testing all operations is recommended prior to production.

 

R. K. Burt & Company Ltd.

 
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