5 Cardinal Rules of Presentation Folder Quality

No one makes a good impression with cheap, shoddy marketing materials. When you’re looking to print presentation folders, you almost certainly want them to be high quality. But finding impeccable, professional-looking folders isn’t always as easy as it sounds.

We critique movies, books, food, and even celebrity fashion on a regular basis. But there’s not a lot of reference out there for those who want to judge the quality of presentation folders. So how, precisely, can you tell if a folder is high quality?

When measuring folder stock thickness, one "point" equals one thousandth of an inch.

Here are a few specific factors to keep an eye out for.

1. Stock

   A folder’s material is integral to its overall look as well as durability. When choosing a folder stock, be sure to consider thickness and weight. It’s fairly easy to recognize flimsy folders; a presentation folder with thin stock will “droop” when held in one hand. A strong folder stock can hold its own against simple gravity and helps to make a solid, professional impression. You also might not want a stock that’s too heavy; heavier coated folder stocks can sometimes “crack” when scored or folded.

   In the U.S., folder stock thickness is usually measured in “points.” Each point equals one thousandth of an inch, so a 10-point folder would be 0.01 inches thick. The strongest stocks tend to be 12 points or thicker. This is usually a good number to aim for when searching online for quality presentation folders.

2. Reinforced edges and rounded corners

   The edges of a folder tend to be high-stress areas. With lower-quality folders, this stress can manifest itself as unsightly wear and tear. In particular, folders with sharp, square corners tend to look a bit ragged and dog-eared after extended use; rounded corners help to prevent this.

   Presentation folders can also be carefully folded and glued in a process that essentially “doubles up” the edges. This reinforces them, making them sturdier and more resistant to damage.

   Folders with reinforced edges and rounded corners last longer and get fewer creases and tears overall; both are essential marks of high quality.

   

   Presentation folders with rounded corners tend to be more durable and long-lasting.

3. Coating finishes

   We’ve talked about coating finishes for presentation folders before; they’re undeniably a major factor in making your folders attractive and long-lasting. While uncoated folders are generally cheaper, they’re less durable and rather bland-looking.

   There are several coating varieties to choose from. Some, like lamination, are designed to make presentation folders sturdy and long-lasting. Others, like UV coating, create a glossy shine that can improve the look of colors in your design.

   Other coatings can actually affect a folder’s texture. Different types of aqueous coating styles, such as satin or soft-touch, can make your presentation folders feel like elegant velvet or suede leather. It’s a relatively inexpensive effect, but it gives your folders the feel of premium quality.

4. 

   Make sure that your presentation folder is both skillfully designed and professionally printed.

   Printing quality

   When it comes to high quality presentation folders, not all printing is created equal. A printer with bad quality could mean poor ink opacity, uncorrected registration errors, or other visible flaws in your finished product. Before ordering, you might want to ask for printing samples; these examples help you ensure that the printer’s quality is up to par. If you’re planning to create embossed folders or foil folders, make sure that the printing company you’re using is able to achieve those effects.

   You should also consider whether to use 4-color process or spot color printing. Four-color process is more expensive, but makes it possible to achieve a multicolored design.

5. Glue

   If you notice your folders starting to fall apart or bits of visible dried liquid at the seams, you’ve got an issue with glue quality. Sometimes a printer may not use enough glue when printing presentation folders, or use weak glue that doesn’t adhere properly. Others may use too much glue or place it off-kilter, so that the front and back cover end up sticking to one another.

   Again, you may want to request a sample to ensure that your printer uses high quality glue and professional gluing procedures.

Conclusion

A folder is effectively the sum of its parts. When judging whether presentation folders are high quality, just look at their individual elements. Every detail counts in the business world, so use these guidelines to ensure that your folders are up to par.

Posted in Folder Designs, Print Design, Printing Technology