commonly asked questions:
Both LP and EP are both abbreviated terms. LP is the abbreviation for "long play" (as in, a long playing record), while EP is the abbreviation for "extended play" (as in, extended playing record). LP is a full record album, while EP typically refers to an record that has more tracks more than a record single (or record single with bonus tracks) but not as many tracks as a full album (LP).
Printed record inner sleeves (without a circular label cut-out window) are similar to single record jackets with the exception that the record sleeve has no spine and is inserted into the record jacket. Paper single record jackets are referred to as outer sleeves. Non-printed sleeves are known as generic record sleeves.
"Direct to board" refers to jackets that are printed directly onto the surface of the packaging. While Old Style® refers to a type of jacket unique to Stoughton Printing Co. Jacket artwork is printed on a sheet which is then glued (or "tipped-on") onto blank packaging stock.
The advantages offset printing is that it produces higher quality printings. Offset printers can print on a wide range of printing surfaces. The cost of printing goes down as the quantity goes up. They can produce a higher volume of print jobs. The advantage of digital printing is the shorter turnaround and cheaper lower volume printing.
Applying a coat is ideal when you wish to protect the printed material while enhancing with an aesthetically pleasing or tactile finish. However, some coatings may be difficult to write on (such as a gloss coating). You may opt not to coat the material if the material alone is beautiful and/or has a tactile quality. Also, some materials may not take well to coating. Be sure to discuss your options and request coating samples from your printer.