Capabilities
- Process
- ‡ Scents
- ‡ Quantities & Sizes
- ‡ Accessories, Packaging & Assembly
- ‡ Printing
- ‡ Lead Times
- ‡ Mailing Considerations
- ‡ Environmental Options
- ‡ Policies
Process
Our scented coating is water-based and is applied after a piece has been printed. For most items we prefer to scent the piece already cut to its finished size. For business cards and other small pieces, it's best to scent them multiple-up on a larger sheet (up to 11"x18"), and cut to size after scent application.
We are happy to produce scented papers in many ways. You can:
- Print your project and then send to us for scent application
- Send us your artwork and we will print and scent your project
- Select from our gallery pre-designed items
- Work with our in-house graphic designers to create custom designs for you
Paper weight is an important consideration, and we recommend a cover stock weight of at least 80# or 10pt C1S (scented on the uncoated side only). Text weight stocks that are 100% cotton or 100# will also usually produce good results. These heavier papers are sturdy enough to accept the coating without wrinkling or curling. We cannot scent copy paper or tissue paper. We would be happy to test additional papers for your specific project.
Paper textures and coatings will also play an important role in the look of your final piece. A textured paper tends to "hide" the scent coating within the texture. The scent will be less noticeable to the eye and to the touch as compared with smooth paper. Additionally, uncoated paper will partially absorb the scent making it less noticeable to the eye and to the touch as compared with a matte finish. We regularly work with all of the textures and finishes above, and have great results with all of them. Your paper choice will be based on how you want your final piece to look and feel. Aqueous coatings, varnishes and high gloss coatings do not work well with our process.
It's important to note that scented paper should not be put through laser printers, copiers, or any heat transfer equipment. This method will not produce good results, and the fragrance oils can damage the equipment. Some clients have successfully inkjet printed addresses on the un-scented side. If your project requires post-printing, we will be happy to send you samples to test print.
Scents
We can readily provide over 150 scents and keep the most popular scents on hand in order to provide fresh samples in a timely way. Practically any scent you can imagine is possible.
The scent is a water-based coating that includes cosmetic-grade or food-grade fragrance oils. There have been no known reports of allergic reactions. The scented coating has been used extensively for the last 40 years (our application process is new). A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) can be provided upon request.
Our scents can last for several years! Because we scent the entire paper surface, the scent will remain strong indefinitely. The scent is released by friction (touching, shearing motion) and will not evaporate. Repetetive friction will cause the scent to slowly fade. Storing your stock in a dry, stable area will give you the best results for long-term storage (although the scents are very heat and cold resistant). This allows you to take advantage of large quantity discount pricing, and store your product until ready to use.
Scent is very subjective and scent strength varies among scents. Some are naturally strong, such as Coffee or Peppermint, and others are naturally light, such as Marshmallow or Coconut. You'll want to keep this in mind when choosing a scent for your project. Please request a scent sample to evaluate.
Custom scents and blends can be created using a variety of methods:
- We can blend existing scents to create a custom blend (i.e. Jasmine Sweetgrass). Recommended for small or large quantity projects.
- You can supply 4-6 ounces of fragrance oil for testing. Please contact us for oil specifications.
- You can specify the type of scent you are looking for, and we will work with fragrance companies to produce it. Due to the cost of having a fragrance company create a custom scent, this is recommended for large quantity projects.
- You can supply an existing item (such as a food or juice) and we will have the scent-custom blended for the best possible match. Due to the cost of having a fragrance company create a custom scent, this is recommended for large quantity projects.
Quantities and Sizes
Our minimum order quantity for new customers is 140,000 square inches. This translates to approximately:
- 2,600 6" x 9" Oversized Postcards
- 4,000 5" x 7" Greeting Cards
- 7,000 4" x 5" Postcards
- 10,000 2" x 7" Bookmarks
- 18,500 Standard Business Cards
We will often reduce our minimum quantities for greeting cards during the winter holiday season and for existing customers.
Our equipment is designed to handle up to 11" x 18" paper. We are able to scent larger items such as posters, in small quantities (please inquire for details).
Accessories, Packaging and Assembly
We can easily provide many accessories and assembly services.
Printing
We offer a variety of printing services.
Mailing Considerations
Plan to enclose your scented piece if it will be mailed, as the USPS can refuse to mail exposed pieces. Good options are envelopes and plastic bags, or to place the scented item inside a catalog or magazine. Enclosing your piece will also protect the scent from the rigors of the mail system. If you'd like to mail an un-enclosed piece, you will want to discuss your specific piece with the post office from which it will be mailed.
Lead Times
Lead times vary based upon order quantities and our schedule. Our raw materials are usually ready for production within a week; however, plan to allow additional time for custom scents. Please leave enough time to plan your project and produce a small test run of 5-20 pieces. We insist upon a small test run to assure that we produce the product that you are expecting. We generally charge a small fee for test runs over 20 pieces.
Environmental Options
Many environmentally friendly options are available. Ask us about recycled paper made with 30% or even 100% post consumer waste. We can even recommend papers produced using wind-generated power. Ask your printer about environmentally friendly inks. When considering envelope and bag options, it's important to know that Glassine envelopes are made from wood pulp, are acid free and are recyclable. Vellum envelopes are made from 100% wood fiber, are chlorine free, pH neutral and are recyclable. The materials in our scents are all cosmetic grade and/or food grade.
Policies
The following policies keep our business running smoothly, and ensure your jobs are completed on time - looking and smelling fantastic!
- Proofs: We are adamant about creating a quality product. In order to make certain that our clients receive the product that they are expecting, we insist upon approved proofs. There are often misunderstandings about the scenting process and what the finished product will look like or smell like. Finished goods can vary based upon paper weight, printing process, scent selected, and several other variables. Proofs will highlight any misunderstandings and make certain that the finished product meets your expectations.
- Beginning a Job: We do not begin jobs or order raw materials until your payment clears.
- Invoices: Our terms are prepayment for all new customers. We may extend terms to repeat customers.
- Financing: For jobs where we coordinate additional services such as printing, packaging, international shipping, etc., we may ask that you remit payment directly to the companies providing the services. We do not offer financing for these services, although the providing company may.
- Refunds: Because all of our products are created at time of order, we are unable to accept returns or issue refunds (This is why we insist upon proofs).
