Author: Sarah Haines

10 Printing Terms That’ll Make Your Next Press Check a Breeze from Start to Finish

Printing comes with a unique language that can sound more like a blend of medical jargon and engineering lingo than part of a creative process. If you’ve ever nodded along in a meeting while wondering what a “turn bar” is or whether “corona treatment” requires a trip to urgent care, this blog is for you. 

We’re breaking down a few frequently misunderstood printing terms to help you feel more confident in your next press check or packaging brainstorm. 

Corona Treatment (No, It’s Not a Medical Procedure) 

What it means: 
Corona treatment is a surface modification process used on non-porous substrates like films. It increases the material’s surface energy so that inks adhere better. 

Why it matters: 
Without it, your ink may bead up or flake off. It’s a critical step, especially in shrink sleeves. 

Trapping  

What it means: 
In printing, trapping involves creating a slight overlap between adjacent colors or elements to avoid visible gaps due to minor registration shifts on press. 

Why it matters: 
That tiny overlap can be the difference between a crisp label and one that looks misaligned. 

Stepping 

What it means: 
Stepping is the process of duplicating your design multiple times across the width of a printing plate or digital layout to match die-cutting and substrate width.  

Why it matters: 
Stepping maximizes efficiency and material usage while aligning with tooling and die lines. 

Spot Color vs. Process Color  

Spot Color: 
These are pre-mixed, solid inks (think Pantone or PMS colors) used for precise brand color consistency. 

Process Color: 
This uses a combination of CMYK inks to create a wide range of colors or images via blending. 

Common confusion: 
Designers may assume CMYK can replicate brand colors perfectly, but there are limits. Spot colors offer tighter control, which is especially important for logos and critical brand elements. 

Distortion  

What it means: 
In shrink sleeve printing, distortion refers to manipulating artwork in the prepress phase so that, once the film shrinks to fit a container, the design looks normal. 

Why it matters: 
If you don’t pre-distort the artwork, your logo might end up warped or unreadable after application. 

Anilox Roller vs. Plate Cylinder 

Anilox Roller: 
A ceramic roller that meters and delivers a precise amount of ink via engraved cells. 

Plate Cylinder: 
Holds the actual printing plate that transfers the inked image to the substrate. 

Common confusion: 
Many assume the anilox does the printing. It doesn’t; it’s the inky middleman. 

Turn Bar  

What it means: 
A device used in web (roll-to-roll) printing that flips the material over or changes its direction while it’s moving through the press, without cutting or stopping the web. It allows you to print on both sides of the material (front and back) in a single pass.

Why it matters: 
It’s not part of the print station itself, which means it’s often forgotten, but it’s essential for two-sided and adhesive side printing. 

Surface Varnish (shrink sleeves) 

What it means: 
On shrink sleeves, typically all ink is printed on the subsurface of the film, meaning it’s reverse printed so that it is on the inside of the sleeve. When surface varnish is applied to the outside of the sleeve, it adds a tactile finish like matte, grit, or a raised texture effect. 

Why it matters: 
Surface varnish is the part your customer sees and touches. It’s a key element of shelf appeal. 

Understanding these terms isn’t just for printers—it empowers designers, marketers, and brand owners to make smarter decisions about packaging. The more you know, the better you can communicate your vision and get the results your brand deserves. 

Need help translating your brand into print? We speak fluent “printer”, so you don’t have to. 

Celebrating 120 Years of Steinhauser: A Legacy of Excellence and Growth 

For 120 years, Steinhauser has been more than just a printing company—we’ve been a family, a partner, and a proud member of the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky community. Since our founding in 1905, our business has navigated economic shifts, embraced technological advancements, and remained committed to quality. Being a privately held company has allowed us the freedom to stay true to our values, make strategic long-term investments, and focus on what truly matters—our employees, customers, and community. As we mark this incredible milestone, we’re taking a moment to reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate how far we’ve come, and look ahead with excitement for what’s next. 

120 Years of Innovation and Progress 

Before we became a leader in label printing, Albert Steinhauser built the business on a foundation of precision and quality—one of his notable achievements being the printing of government bonds, which helped shape the company we are today. 

What’s been the secret to our success for more than a century? It all comes down to our people, our passion, and our commitment to always evolving. We’ve never been content standing still. Wilbur Steinhauser, the second-generation owner, used his creative marketing skills to advance the company forward. Steinhauser quickly became known for specialty finishing and a trusted trade partner in the commercial printing sector under his leadership. Wilbur also took the initial step into printing packaging by supplying soap end bands for the Andrew Jergens Company. 

Robert Steinhauser, third-generation owner, made investments to grow business with offset printing as well as strategically investing in waterless offset technology to support in-mold needs of existing customers. Tara Halpin and Trevor Steinhauser continued the family legacy as fourth-generation owners by also embracing innovation—investing in cutting-edge digital and UV flexographic printing technology to provide our customers with prime label solutions. By staying true to our values while adapting to industry changes, we’ve built long-lasting relationships with customers and suppliers, positioning us for continued growth and innovation. 

Beyond technology, it’s our leadership and team that truly drives us forward. Smooth generational transitions and a culture rooted in integrity, collaboration, and mentorship have been the backbone of our longevity. Our employees don’t just work here—they grow here. With 50% of our management team being women, we’re proud to foster diverse and dynamic leadership that reflects the strength of our company. 

Sustainable Growth and a Bright Future 

Listening to our customers’ needs and supporting their growth as a trusted supply chain partner is at the forefront of our strategy. By investing in new technology, we continue to expand our capabilities, offering high-quality label solutions while improving efficiency and reducing waste. We proudly serve a diverse customer base across Beverage, Spirits, Personal Care, and Household markets, including global brands—demonstrating how a locally rooted business can have a far-reaching impact. 

A Legacy of Community Commitment 

Success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about leaving a long-lasting impression. At Steinhauser, we believe in giving back to the community that has supported us for generations. That’s why kindness and generosity are ingrained in our culture. 

Over the years, Steinhauser leaders have also actively contributed to the region’s development through board memberships and civic engagement. Our third-generation owner, Robert Steinhauser, dedicated his time and expertise to organizations such as the Brighton Center, Wood Hudson Cancer Research, Evergreen Cemetery, and the Lions Club of Ft. Thomas. Today, our fourth-generation leader, Tara Halpin, carries on this tradition by serving on the BENKY Economic Development Board, the Project Development Board for the Campbell County Courthouse, and the Southern Advisory Committee of the local GMA Region Board. As a long-time member of the Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC) Ohio River Valley, we’re also passionate about uplifting women-led businesses. 

Through quarterly employee-led initiatives, we rally together to raise funds and collect goods for local nonprofits such as Brighton Center, Henry Hosea House, Emergency Shelter of NKY, and St. Paul’s Food Pantry. Our Annual Pancake Breakfast, a cherished tradition, brings employees together over a morning feast while generating donations to support local charities. We’re also passionate about education and workforce development, engaging in career fairs and giving Newport High School students hands-on experience in manufacturing. Whether it’s supporting community projects like ReNewport or participating in the Greater Cincinnati Buddy Walk, we’re always looking for ways to make a difference. 

Looking Ahead  

As we celebrate 120 years, we can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. We’re incredibly proud of the legacy we’ve built, the amazing people who have been part of this journey, and the bright future that lies ahead. This milestone is a celebration of our commitment to innovation, our hardworking team, and the incredible community that has supported us along the way. To our employees, customers, and community—thank you for being part of the Steinhauser journey. Here’s to another century of growth, connection, and making a lasting impact!