⏱️ Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Getting to Grips with NCR Pad and Duplicate Printing in London
If you’ve ever needed carbonless copy pads or duplicate forms, you’ll know that getting the print just right can be a bit tricky. Whether it’s for invoices, delivery notes, or order forms, NCR pads remain a staple for many businesses in London and beyond. So, what’s the best way to ensure your NCR pads look professional, function well, and stand up to daily use? Let’s break it down.
At Newstyle Print, we specialise in NCR pad and duplicate printing, helping businesses across London create pads that work hard and look great. In this article, we’ll walk you through some handy tips, share a quick example from our experience, and wrap it up with how we can support your next print project.
Helpful Tips for NCR Pad and Duplicate Printing
1. Understand What NCR Paper Is and Why It Matters
NCR stands for No Carbon Required, which means these pads use special coated paper that transfers writing through pressure—no messy carbon sheets needed. You’ll usually find these in duplicate or triplicate forms where each copy needs to be clear and legible.
Picking the correct grade of NCR paper affects how well the copies come through and how durable your pads are. For example, 56gsm is common for the second copy, while 60gsm or 70gsm might be better for the top sheet, depending on your needs. It’s worth noting that the feel and thickness of the paper can influence writing comfort, which might be overlooked but is surprisingly important for daily use.
2. Decide on the Number of Copies
Most NCR pads come in duplicate or triplicate, but you can go higher if needed. Keep in mind, though, the more copies you add, the lighter the impression on the last copy — sometimes it gets to the point where the last sheet looks almost blank, which defeats the purpose. We often advise clients to test a sample first, so you know the quality before ordering a full batch. In one case, a small London-based courier firm found their quadruple-copy pads just didn’t produce legible last copies, so they scaled back to triplicate and were much happier with the results.
3. Consider the Binding and Pad Finish
How the pads are bound makes a big difference in handling. Glued pads are standard and keep sheets neatly stacked, but if you want something more durable or flexible, wire-o binding might be your friend. Wire-o bound pads allow pages to flip fully, which can be handy if your staff need to keep the pad open flat while writing.
Also, think about the pad cover. A sturdy backing board and a protective cover sheet help preserve the pads and make them easier to write on. Some clients opt for laminated covers, especially if the pads are used outdoors or in rough environments, to prevent damage from spills or general wear and tear.
4. Artwork and Layout Tips
Clear layout is key. Make sure your form fields are well spaced and that the design leaves room for handwriting. We recommend using a 3mm bleed around the edges to avoid any trimming issues. It might seem like a small detail, but an overlooked bleed can cause important elements to be cut off, which looks unprofessional.
At Newstyle Print, we provide a free artwork check to spot any potential problems with resolution, colour, or bleed before printing starts. It’s a little step that saves a lot of headaches — from blurry text to colours that don’t quite match your brand. One client once came to us with artwork that had fonts too small to read comfortably once printed, and catching that early allowed us to suggest adjustments that made a huge difference.
5. Eco-Friendly Options Are Available
If sustainability matters to you, you might be pleased to know we offer NCR pads printed on recycled paper stock. It’s a great way to keep your business eco-conscious while maintaining quality. That said, recycled NCR paper can sometimes feel slightly different in texture or finish, so it’s worth requesting a sample to check it fits your expectations.
6. Plan Your Quantities Carefully
Ordering too few pads might mean running out too soon; too many can tie up budget and storage. Based on our experience with London businesses, a typical order is between 100 and 500 pads, depending on your usage. It’s a balancing act — particularly for smaller businesses that don’t want to commit too much upfront but also want to avoid frequent reorders. A catering company we worked with found ordering 250 pads hit the sweet spot, matching their event schedule without cluttering their storage space.
A Quick Case Example: A London Catering Company’s NCR Pads
One of our regular clients, a bustling London-based catering company, needed duplicate NCR pads for order-taking on events. They wanted pads that were sturdy enough to survive outdoor use, with clear, easy-to-fill fields.
We recommended a 2-part NCR pad with a thick backing board and a laminated cover for durability. After a free artwork check, we adjusted the layout slightly to improve handwriting space, which they appreciated. The fields were made a bit larger and more evenly spaced, which helped their staff fill orders quickly and accurately, even under pressure.
The result? They reported smoother order processing and no complaints about illegible copies. Plus, the pads held up well through busy events. It’s a simple but effective example of how the right print choices make a real difference. They even told us the laminated cover made it easier to keep the pads clean during outdoor festivals, a small detail that made their busy days run just a bit smoother.
Need help with your printing?
We offer free artwork checks, friendly advice, and fast UK delivery.
Wrapping Up: Why Newstyle Print Is Your NCR Pad Partner in London
So, that’s the lowdown on NCR pad and duplicate printing in London. It’s really about knowing the right paper weights, binding styles, and artwork details that suit your business use. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution here — your choice depends on how the pads will be used, how often, and under what conditions.
At Newstyle Print, we’ve worked with hundreds of clients across London, fine-tuning every detail to make sure their NCR pads do exactly what they need. Whether you want recycled options, a specific layout tweak, or advice on quantities, we’re here to help.
If you’d like advice on printing, we’re always happy to help — free artwork check included. It’s a small gesture but one that often means the difference between a project that goes smoothly and one that hits unexpected snags.
⭐ 4.9/5 Google Rating · 10+ Years in Business · Free Delivery UK-Wide
Updated on 12 January 2026
Ready to print? Contact Newstyle Print for a fast quote today.
Call 01572 771377 or email hello@newstyleprint.co.uk
Get a quote »
