National Mail Graphics

National Mail Graphics Corporation 300 Old Mill Lane Exton, PA 19341

(610) 524-1600
sales@nmgcorp.com

Envelope Printing

Glossary

Glossary of Envelope Terminology

Here are some of the most widely used terms in the envelope industry. It is recommended you familiarize yourself with these terms so that you may better understand their connection with envelopes.

BARONIAL

A style of envelope that has a large pointed seal flap. This style envelope is usually close to being square; however, the flap and paper used are the most distinguishing features. The most common present usage is for greeting cards or social stationery. The name Baronial is derived from "baron" which signifies a high social standing.

BUSINESS REPLY or RETURN ENVELOPE

These two envelopes can be any style or size. The distinct difference between them is - "Who pays the postage?" Business REPLY is referred to as the envelope that has a pre-printed First-Class Permit and return address on it and the original sender pays for its return. The Business RETURN has a pre-printed return address but the individual returning the envelope must apply postage. The most commonly used envelopes for either purpose are the commercial style 6 1/4, 6 3/4, or 9. Another frequently used-style is the remittance flap (Collection) style.

CATALOG

All envelopes with the "open end" flap are called catalog.

CENTER SEAM

Is the permanent seam that is located approximately in the center of the envelope running from the bottom fold and seam up through the envelope and terminates at the throat.

COMMERCIAL STYLE

These are the most common business style envelopes. They are "open side" of diagonal or side seam construction. Applies to a wide range of sizes from 6 1/4 through 14 - both regulars and window envelopes.

COUNTED DOWN

A term applied to envelopes when their flaps are folded down against the back of the envelope. Most envelopes are packed in boxes in this fashion. It is opposed to flaps extended.

CUT OUT

The term applied to an envelope having a panel or panels cut out of the face or back or both and not having a covering over the panels.

DIAGONAL SEAM

A seam running diagonally from the bottom fold and corner upward toward the throat of the envelope.

FLAPS EXTENDED

This term is used to describe a condition of leaving the seal flaps in a vertical position (not folded down).

FLAPS FOLDED DOWN

A term applied to envelopes when their flaps are folded down against the back of the envelope. Most envelopes re packed in boxes in this fashion. It is oppose to flaps extended.

LATEX SEAL

It is a self-sealing adhesive that requires NO moisture. Two gum surfaces are required to create a bond when they are brought together.

OPEN END

A style of envelope on which the opening is on the shorter side. All open end envelopes are called catalog or coin envelopes.

OPEN SIDE

A style of envelope on which the opening is on the longer side. All commercials are open side.

REGULAR

A style of Commercial, Official or Bankers Flap envelope which does NOT have a window panel cut in it.

REMITTANCE

A large style seal flap of approximately the same size and shape of the envelope itself.

SEAL GUM

There are two types Both are used on the seal flaps of the envelopes. RE-MOISTENING type which requires moisture to achieve a seal.

NON-RE-MOISTENING

type which requires two surfaces of gum and no water to achieve a seal.

SIDE SEAM

Is an envelope seam that runs almost parallel to the side fold.

SIDE SEAM OVER

The term applied to the side seam when it folds UNDER the back flap.

SPOT-LITE

Any style envelope having a panel or panels cut out of its face and/or back which permits viewing a portion of the contents. These panels may or may not be covered. Spot-lites are sometimes known as windows, outlooks or cutouts.

SQUARE FLAP

A style of flap with straight edges and rectangular corners. These are used on A-Style envelopes and square envelopes.

WALLET FLAP

A large style seal flap of approximately the same size and shape of the envelope itself.

Envelope Printing