Top 5 Printing Mistakes to Avoid and How OnTime Print Can Help

Printing mistakes can ruin even the best designs, costing you time and money.
Whether you’re creating flyers, business cards, or posters, avoiding common pitfalls ensures your materials make the right impact.

Here are the top five printing mistakes to avoid and how OnTime Print ensures you get it right the first time.

Printing mistakes can ruin even the best designs, costing you time and money.
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Using Low-Resolution Images

Nothing ruins a design faster than blurry or pixelated images.

Low-resolution graphics might look fine on screen but lose clarity when printed. Always use high-resolution images (300 DPI or higher) to ensure your prints are sharp and professional.

Pro Tip: Check your images before sending them to print. If you’re unsure, consult a professional printer who can help assess the quality.

How OnTime Print Helps: We inspect every file to ensure images meet the required resolution, saving you from disappointing results.

Overloading the Design

A cluttered design can overwhelm your audience and dilute your message. Too much text, graphics, or logos crammed into one space distracts from your key points. Simplicity often delivers the most effective communication.

Pro Tip: Prioritise your content. Use bold headlines, concise text, and enough white space to keep your design clean and easy to read.

How OnTime Print Helps: If your layout feels overcrowded, our team can help you refine your design, ensuring it’s both impactful and professional.

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Neglecting Colour Accuracy

Colours that look vibrant on screen may appear dull in print if not prepared correctly. This happens when designs are created in RGB (ideal for screens) instead of CMYK (required for printing). Inaccurate colour settings can result in materials that don’t match your brand.

Pro Tip: Always design in CMYK mode if you’re creating materials for print. If you’re unsure, ask your printer to review your files before production.

How OnTime Print Helps: With advanced colour calibration technology, we ensure your colours are consistent and true to your brand.

Choosing the Wrong Paper or Finish

The paper and finish you choose can make or break your materials. A flimsy flyer or business card sends the wrong message, while the right combination of paper and finish elevates your design. For example, glossy finishes highlight images, while matte offers a sleek, modern look.

Pro Tip: Consider the purpose of your materials. High-impact pieces like brochures benefit from thick, glossy paper, while everyday items like flyers may work best with a simple matte finish.

How OnTime Print Helps: Our team helps you choose the best paper and finish to fit both your project’s goals and budget.

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Skipping Proofing

Typos, alignment errors, or incorrect details can cost you a lot of money in reprints. Skipping the proofing stage is one of the easiest mistakes to avoid—but also one of the most common.

Pro Tip: Always proofread your materials before printing. Better yet, have someone else review them for a fresh perspective.

How OnTime Print Helps: We provide a detailed proof for you to review before printing, giving you peace of mind and a chance to make final tweaks.

Partner with OnTime Print for Flawless Results
At OnTime Print, we understand the importance of getting it right the first time. With over 20 years of experience, we’ve helped businesses avoid costly mistakes and create stunning marketing materials that stand out. From ensuring colour accuracy to recommending the perfect finish, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to elevate your print game? Get a quote today and let’s create something exceptional together!