--- title: Printing Resources and FAQs | Aloha Print Group description: Find a comprehensive guide to printing resources, including details on paper finishes, paper weights, large format materials, an FAQ section, and more. --- [Skip to Content](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/resources#body) [![Aloha Print Group Logo](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos%20and%20Trademarks/aloha_print_group-logo_color.png?width=230&height=101&name=aloha_print_group-logo_color.png "Aloha Print Group Logo")](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/?hsLang=en) Toggle Menu - [ABOUT](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/about) - [DESIGN](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/design) - [PRODUCTS](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/products) - [RESOURCES](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/resources) - [CONTACT](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/contact) - [Request a quote](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/contact) [Request a quote](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/contact) - [Pay Invoice](https://printreachcentral.com/alohaprintgroup/directpay) - [➤ Upload file](https://spaces.hightail.com/uplink/AlohaPrintGroup) - [Request a quote](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/contact) [Request a quote](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/contact) - [Pay Invoice](https://printreachcentral.com/alohaprintgroup/directpay) - [➤ Upload file](https://spaces.hightail.com/uplink/AlohaPrintGroup) # RESOURCES [Skip Navigation](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/resources#after-page-nav) - [Small Format](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/resources#anchor-1) - [Large Format](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/resources#anchor-2) - [FAQ](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/resources#anchor-3) ## SMALL FORMAT Postcards, brochures, booklets, business cards, and more— our small format printing helps your business stand out. Customize with a wide range of papers, sizes, and finishing options to create marketing materials that make a lasting impression. ### Paper Finishes Explore our finishes below! UNCOATED **Uncoated** is commonly referred to as a “matte” option because it is not coated with any aqueous solution at the mill. This limits the reflectivity of the finish and allows it to be comfortably written on with pen, pencil, or markers. Uncoated stock is carried in a house brand as well as a higher end Cougar brand. Cougar hasasmoother finish than house uncoated paper, adding a more professional touch. COATED **Coated** options are carried in **Gloss & Silk/Satin**. We carry both a house brand and a premium Sappi McCoy brand. The Sappi McCoy stock is a brighter white base with a smoother, more vivid finish. **Gloss** is a high-sheen reflective finish, used commonly in high impact graphics with a lot of saturation. **Silk/Satin** is a semi-gloss & medium sheen reflective finish. This finish is commonly seen in magazine style printing as well as brochures/mailed postcards. SPECIALTY - **NCR Paper:** Used for carbonless forms on 24lb paper. Available in 2, 3, and 4-part. - **Off-White Base (Natural):** A cream/natural off white base stock - **Linen:** An uncoated finish with a woven texture which can be sourced in both white base and natural base in textweight and cardstock. - **Synaps:** A polyester base material, antimicrobial and semi-water resistant. We carry this in 8mil, 10mil, 12mil, and 14 mil thickness. *We do not generally house stock these materials and they are ordered on demand for qualifying orders through local and national paper providers. If you have something special in mind, please don’t hesitate to reach out! *   ### Paper Weights Explore our weights below! 20# / 24# / 28# / 32# TEXT The lighter end of this scale is equivalent to desktop copy paper and is primarily used in B/W volume printing. The 24# through 32# weights are more tailored to color printing with the higher end being a heavier stock and adding a more presentation style quality. 80# / 100# TEXT Thickest text weights, popular for bound books or presentations. 80# (10PT) / 100# (12PT) / 130# (14PT) COVER The lighter end of this scale is generally used in postcard style mailers or as a cover for a magazine style print, with the higher end being more akin to a business card thickness.  ## LARGE FORMAT From banners and signage to window and wall graphics, our large format products are designed to get noticed at trade shows, events, exhibits, and beyond. Whether you need a short-term display or a long-lasting installation, our products deliver maximum impact and keep your brand looking its best. | | Paper | Synaps | Scrim | Vinyl Adhesive | Vinyl Film | Mesh | Canvas | Magnet | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Types | Gloss, Satin, Matte and Bond | Satin/Matte Finish | Gloss or Matte | Gloss or Matte Window Perf Frosted Anti Slip Floor Vinyl | Gloss or Matte Cast & Calendared | Gloss | Poly Blend | Gloss or Matte | | Outdoor? | | | | | | | | | | Ink | Water Solvent | Latex | Latex | Latex | Latex | Latex | Latex | | | Common Uses | Posters, displays, graphics | Banner and display stands, posters, lecture visual | Outdoor displays and signage | Stickers and window, wall and floor graphics | Window, wall and floor graphics | Display banners | Photography, fine art, and display banners | Vehicle decal, signage, and novelty items | | Notes | Rollable poster stock. Can be laminated for longer term displays | Commonly used for retractable banner inserts. | | Most options carried in both a removeable and permanent adhesive variant. | Paired with an appropriate overlaminate Longer term & professional installations. | Wind durable, but mesh pattern can affect visibility | Small stretch tolerance to support rigid framing | Printed on a vinyl adhesive and applied to the magnet substrate. | ## Got Questions? Check out our most frequently asked questions below OR Reach out to our team via email at [orders@alohaprintgroup.com](mailto:orders@alohaprintgroup.com) or call us at (312) 542-1300. ![Atlas_Questions-1](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Atlas_Questions-1.png?width=2000&height=1999&name=Atlas_Questions-1.png "Atlas_Questions-1") ## FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS The most common questions we receive about our production process: ▶ How do I place an order? Email us at **[orders@alohaprintgroup.com](mailto:orders@alohaprintgroup.com)** with your files and project specifications. Our customer service team is equipped to answer any questions you have! If your files are too big to send through email, click the **[Send a File](https://spaces.hightail.com/uplink/AlohaPrintGroup)** link and follow the instructions to upload files to our Hightail server. ▶ I need a quote – how do I get that? Email us the details at **[orders@alohaprintgroup.com](mailto:orders@alohaprintgroup.com)** or give us a call at (312) 542-1300 between **9am – 4:30pm on weekdays.** We would be happy to hear from you! ▶ What printing process is used? Our small format printers use 4 color digital presses that utilize **CMYK** (*Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black*) toner. Our large format printers use both 4 color and 8 color water-based and latex-based inks. The water-based inks are specified for indoor use, where latex inks are suitable for outdoor use. ▶ I have a Pantone color, can you match it? Pantone is a system of standardizing color reproduction. There are a subset of Pantone colors that can be replicated using CMYK values, but there are a wider range of colors which do not have CMYK conversion (such as metallic or fluorescent mixes). Our team can color match provided digital and physical samples. Feel free to inquire should you have a color you'd like us to match. ▶ Can you deliver my project? **Yes!** We use local couriers for the Chicagoland area and offer Fedex or USPS options for deliveries outside city boundaries. Local clients have the option to pick up orders at our office, located on 141 W. Jackson Boulevard in Suite A100A. ▶ Can I pay my invoice online? Yes, click on the **[Pay Invoice](https://printreachcentral.com/alohaprintgroup/directpay)** button above to submit secure payment via credit card or ACH. ## Ready to Get Started? Follow the link below to request a quote! [Request a Quote](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/contact?hsLang=en) [![Aloha Print Group](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/hubfs/Logos%20and%20Trademarks/aloha_print_group-logo_color.svg "Aloha Print Group")](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/?hsLang=en) Chicago Board of Trade Building 141 W. Jackson Blvd. S-A100A Chicago, IL 60604 Monday – Friday,  9am – 4:30pm CT (312) 542-1300 © 2025 Aloha Print Group  ###### Services - [About](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/about) - [Design](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/design) - [Products](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/products) - [Resources](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/resources) - [Contact](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/contact) ###### Quick Links - [Request a Quote](https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/contact) - [Send a File](https://spaces.hightail.com/uplink/AlohaPrintGroup) - [Pay Invoice](https://printreachcentral.com/alohaprintgroup/directpay) ###### Contact Us [orders@alohaprintgroup.com](mailto:orders@alohaprintgroup.com) Need our help? Feel free to reach out! ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "LocalBusiness", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Chicago", "addressRegion" : "IL", "postalCode" : "60604", "streetAddress" : "141 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite A100A" }, "areaServed" : { "@type" : "GeoCircle", "geoMidpoint" : { "@type" : "GeoCoordinates", "latitude" : 41.87847, "longitude" : -87.63291 }, "geoRadius" : "50000" }, "description" : "Full-service commercial print shop in downtown Chicago specializing in high-quality, fast-turnaround printing. Women-owned and in operation since 2002. Offering business cards, brochures, banners, large format, NCR forms, and litigation printing services.", "email" : "orders@alohaprintgroup.com", "geo" : { "@type" : "GeoCoordinates", "latitude" : 41.87847, "longitude" : -87.63291 }, "image" : [ "https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/hubfs/Logos%20and%20Trademarks/aloha_print_group-logo_color.svg" ], "logo" : "https://www.alohaprintgroup.com/hubfs/Logos%20and%20Trademarks/aloha_print_group-logo_color.svg", "name" : "Aloha Print Group", "openingHoursSpecification" : [ { "@type" : "OpeningHoursSpecification", "closes" : "16:30", "dayOfWeek" : [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday" ], "opens" : "09:00" } ], "priceRange" : "$$", "telephone" : "+13125421300", "url" : "https://www.alohaprintgroup.com" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "

Uncoated is commonly referred to as a “matte” option because it is not coated with any aqueous solution at the mill. This limits the reflectivity of the finish and allows it to be comfortably written on with pen, pencil, or markers.

\n

Uncoated stock is carried in a house brand as well as a higher end Cougar brand. Cougar has a smoother finish than house uncoated paper, adding a more professional touch. 

" }, "name" : "UNCOATED" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "

Coated options are carried in Gloss & Silk/Satin. We carry both a house brand and a premium Sappi McCoy brand. The Sappi McCoy stock is a brighter white base with a smoother, more vivid finish.

\n

Gloss is a high-sheen reflective finish, used commonly in high impact graphics with a lot of saturation.

\n

Silk/Satin is a semi-gloss & medium sheen reflective finish. This finish is commonly seen in magazine style printing as well as brochures/mailed postcards.

" }, "name" : "COATED" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "\n

We do not generally house stock these materials and they are ordered on demand for qualifying orders through local and national paper providers. If you have something special in mind, please don’t hesitate to reach out! 

\n

 

" }, "name" : "SPECIALTY" } ] } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "

The lighter end of this scale is equivalent to desktop copy paper and is primarily used in B/W volume printing. The 24# through 32# weights are more tailored to color printing with the higher end being a heavier stock and adding a more presentation style quality.

" }, "name" : "20# / 24# / 28# / 32# TEXT" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Thickest text weights, popular for bound books or presentations." }, "name" : "80# / 100# TEXT" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "

The lighter end of this scale is generally used in postcard style mailers or as a cover for a magazine style print, with the higher end being more akin to a business card thickness. 

" }, "name" : "80# (10PT) / 100# (12PT) / 130# (14PT) COVER" } ] } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "

Email us at orders@alohaprintgroup.com with your files and project specifications. Our customer service team is equipped to answer any questions you have!

\n

If your files are too big to send through email, click the Send a File link and follow the instructions to upload files to our Hightail server.

" }, "name" : "▶ How do I place an order?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "

Email us the details at orders@alohaprintgroup.com or give us a call at (312) 542-1300 between 9am – 4:30pm on weekdays. We would be happy to hear from you!

" }, "name" : "▶ I need a quote – how do I get that?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "

Our small format printers use 4 color digital presses that utilize CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black) toner.

\n

Our large format printers use both 4 color and 8 color water-based and latex-based inks. The water-based inks are specified for indoor use, where latex inks are suitable for outdoor use.

" }, "name" : "▶ What printing process is used?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "

Pantone is a system of standardizing color reproduction. There are a subset of Pantone colors that can be replicated using CMYK values, but there are a wider range of colors which do not have CMYK conversion (such as metallic or fluorescent mixes).

\n

Our team can color match provided digital and physical samples. Feel free to inquire should you have a color you'd like us to match.

" }, "name" : "▶ I have a Pantone color, can you match it?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "

Yes! We use local couriers for the Chicagoland area and offer Fedex or USPS options for deliveries outside city boundaries. Local clients have the option to pick up orders at our office, located on 141 W. Jackson Boulevard in Suite A100A.

" }, "name" : "▶ Can you deliver my project?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "

Yes, click on the Pay Invoice button above to submit secure payment via credit card or ACH.

" }, "name" : "▶ Can I pay my invoice online?" } ] } ```