Cascade Print Media, Author at Cascade Print Media

Choosing the Right Image for Your Print Job

Marketing, Print Marketing, Signs, Tips and Tricks

How will you know if the logo image you have placed on your business card file is going to print clearly, rather than blurred or grainy around the edges?

The first thing you can check is the DPI, or Dots Per Inch. This is a measurement of how tightly the printer lays down ink in a 1 inch square. With a high DPI, details are sharp and colors are rich in contrast. 300 DPI is considered the standard for most print jobs, but can be higher the larger the format is.

Resolution also plays a major role in how well an image will appear in print. This is the pixel dimensions of an image on-screen. The closer it is in size to your project’s cut size, the more accurately it will print. It is always better to start with a large image and scale it down for print than it is to start with a small image and blow it up for print!

When choosing an image file type for your print job, there are many factors at play! Should it be a .jpeg or .png? Whether it’s a logo, photograph, or other digital asset, our team of experts can help you make a selection tailored to your specific print needs.

Learn More

(253) 472-5500

3321 South Lawrence St.
Tacoma, WA 98409

info@cascadeprintmedia.com

Ways to Maximize Business Cards

Marketing, Tips and Tricks

Business cards are an excellent tool to have at your disposal. Having all your important information in one easy to share format is fantastic. However their shape and size make them perfect for a wide variety of uses that go beyond just a contact card and we are going to show just a few of the many ways the shape can be utilized to grow your brand.

Membership and Loyalty Cards

If your business has a membership program then having exclusive cards is an excellent way to make your clients feel special and help you stand out from the competition. With a slight tweak to the graphics and these same cards can be used as loyalty cards encouraging repeat business by allowing employees to stamp or punch the cards as needed. Standard sized cards are the perfect shape to easily slip into a wallet or purse and Cascade Print Media offers a range of heavier paper stocks to help them last longer along with different finishes and stock choices depending on their use.

photo of person putting thank you card in a product marketing box

Product Inserts

If your product has special instructions or care needs, using a custom card to create an insert is an excellent way to go. QR codes are easy to add, taking your customers directly to the respective product page. Whether tucked inside an online order, added to a bag during checkout or simply handed out as needed, these cards are a perfect way to keep your clients informed about their new purchases.

More Choices Still

Other great uses for cards include appointment reminders for businesses such as dentists or salons. The shape and size also lend themselves well for use as custom jewelry display cards or pin backers.

photo of person holding various printed materials

You can of course mix and match any of the above options. Maybe a thank you card on the front side with back side containing care instructions and a QR code linking to a webpage. With custom art the possibilities are endless. Contact Cascade Print Media today and let us show you some of the many options to help fit your vision and business needs.

Learn More

(253) 472-5500

3321 South Lawrence St.
Tacoma, WA 98409

info@cascadeprintmedia.com

Varnishes and How They Work

Marketing, Print Marketing

Varnish is a clear coating that is applied during the printing process that coats the sheet and protects the pieces against scuffing, fingerprints and helps enhance the colors for a more vibrant overall appearance. It is important to note that varnish can cause issues if you are mailing or later imprinting information on your piece, in this case you will use a knockout, where varnish is not coated in the areas of future imprinting.

Gloss varnish – this varnish is applied to help colors pop, it can be used over the entire sheet, or in specific areas to help images and colors be more vibrant. Although gloss is eye-catching, be aware that in bright lights or in the sun, it can cause glare making your product hard to read.

Satin Varnish – this is a mixture of both matte and gloss varnish, it provides a lighter coating, reduces glare but still allows protection against fingerprints and scuffing.

Matte Varnish – this coating eliminates glare yet still provides protection to your material. Matte varnish is best used with materials with a lot of text making it easier for the audience to read. Matte varnish is often used for menu’s, instructions manuals and other readable materials.

Strike-through Matte – This coating is used to protect your sheet but also provide extra shine to images to help promote your product. The matte varnish is applied to the entire sheet except in areas where the gloss is used for a more impactful effect like images of products or taglines to catch the eye of your consumer.

Not sure where to start with varnish on your next project? We are happy to help! We will walk you through the process, give suggestions and can sometime provide samples for you to compare.

Learn More

(253) 472-5500

3321 South Lawrence St.
Tacoma, WA 98409

info@cascadeprintmedia.com

Storefronts That Speak – Turning Windows into Marketing Powerhouses

Marketing

Let’s be honest: blank windows are boring. But with the right graphics? They become silent salespeople working 24/7.

Whether you want to create privacy in your office space, advertise a seasonal promo, or just make your brand pop from the sidewalk, custom window graphics are one of the most versatile (and cost-effective) tools in your marketing kit.

Ways to turn glass into gold:

Branding + Privacy in One:
Frosted vinyl is one of our top requests for good reason. It offers a clean, modern look while giving employees and customers a bit more privacy—especially in storefronts and offices with a lot of foot traffic.

Temporary promos with major pop:
Hosting a summer sale? Running a new campaign? Removable window clings and decals make it easy to swap out messages by season or event. It’s the perfect solution for retail, restaurants, and service providers.

Full-coverage graphics for full impact:
Want to go all in? We’ve done full window wraps that span across multiple panes, showcasing everything from lifestyle imagery to bold brand colors. It turns your storefront into a billboard—without the billboard pricing.

Design that fits your vibe:
We’ll help you strike the right tone—whether it’s minimalist and classy, playful and bold, or clean and professional. Plus, we handle measurements, production, and install so you can skip the DIY headache.

Your windows have a job to do. Let’s make sure they’re working for you—not just letting in sunlight.

Contact us to learn the best way to make your windows speak, without breaking the budget

Learn More

(253) 472-5500

3321 South Lawrence St.
Tacoma, WA 98409

info@cascadeprintmedia.com

Go Big or Go Home: Oversized Signage

Marketing

If you’re trying to get noticed in a sea of booths, buildings, or brand noise, subtle signage isn’t going to cut it. That’s where oversized banners and pop-up displays shine—literally and figuratively.

At Cascade, we help clients create show-stopping signage that doesn’t just fill a space—it owns it.

Why size matters (and how to make it work for you):

More space = more impact.
Oversized banners are ideal for tradeshows, sporting events, storefront promotions, and open houses. Whether they’re hanging above the crowd or stretching across a fence line, they demand attention in ways smaller signs simply can’t.

Materials that match your mission.
Not all banners are created equal. Mesh works great for outdoor installs where wind is a factor. Vinyl is durable and budget-friendly. Fabric adds an elevated, high-end look for indoor displays. (Don’t worry—we’ll walk you through what works best.)

Easy to install, even easier to reuse.
Pop-up banners and step-and-repeats are a hit for events because they’re portable, lightweight, and reusable. Just roll them up and go.

Design for distance.
If you can’t read it from across the parking lot, it’s not doing its job. We recommend high contrast, minimal text, and large logos. Our design team can handle the heavy lifting there, too.

Oversized signage doesn’t have to mean oversized stress. We’ll help you pick the right product, prep the artwork, and even handle the install if you need it. All you have to do? Show up and steal the spotlight.

Learn More

(253) 472-5500

3321 South Lawrence St.
Tacoma, WA 98409

info@cascadeprintmedia.com

Choosing the Right Image for Your Print Job

Ways to Maximize Business Cards

Varnishes and How They Work

Storefronts That Speak – Turning Windows into Marketing Powerhouses

Go Big or Go Home: Oversized Signage

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