Business Details
Your Trusted Printing Partner in Richmond, VA
Carter Printing has been a trusted name in the printing industry since our inception, rooted in a legacy of innovation and craftsmanship. Founded as Carter Mat Service in the early years of newspaper printing, we evolved with technological advancements, transitioning into Carter Composition Company in 1968 before becoming the full-service printing provider known today. Our family-run business combines decades of experience with state-of-the-art equipment, including digital presses, offset presses, and an in-house bindery, to deliver high-quality print solutions for diverse clients across the Mid-Atlantic region.We specialize in transforming creative visions into tangible products, from books and brochures to custom die-cut materials and large-format graphics. Our commitment to customer service, technical expertise, and adaptability ensures that we meet the evolving needs of every project, no matter its scale or complexity. With SWAM certification affirming our dedication to excellence, we continue to uphold the values of reliability, transparency, and community that have defined us for generations.
Services
Offset Printing
Digital Printing
Bindery Services
Die Cutting
Folding
Fulfillment
Coating
Wide Format Printing
Perfect Binding
Variable Data Printing
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of combined family expertise in printing and bindery services.
- Our in-house bindery handles complex custom finishing projects with precision.
- We utilize advanced offset and digital presses for high-quality, scalable production.
- Our SWAM certification demonstrates commitment to industry standards and excellence.
- We specialize in batch shipping and fulfillment solutions for cost-effective distribution.
Associations and certifications
- SWAM
Services
Offset Printing
Our offset printing services utilize advanced 6-color presses with aqueous coating capabilities to produce high-volume, precise print runs. This method ensures consistent color accuracy and sharp detail for large-scale projects like books, magazines, and commercial brochures. Clients benefit from cost-effective, professional-grade results suited for both short and long production runs.
Digital Printing
Digital printing solutions accommodate quick turnaround times and variable data applications using Ricoh Pro C7210X and C9110 presses. This service supports specialty substrates like vinyl and magnet stock, enabling personalized marketing materials, short-run catalogs, and on-demand printing with vibrant color reproduction and flexible formatting options.
Bindery Services
Our in-house bindery offers perfect binding, coil binding, and saddle stitching for books, manuals, and reports. Advanced systems like the Wohlenberg City e 6000 ensure precise gluing, trimming, and finishing for projects ranging from 2.75 x 4.5 to 12 x 12.188 dimensions, providing durable, professional results for both small and large volumes.
Die Cutting
Die cutting transforms printed materials into unique 3D shapes using precision tools like the Sanwa TRP-1060 SEII and PMC high-volume cutters. This service enables creative packaging, custom stickers, and intricate designs for marketing collateral, retail displays, and specialty items, adding tactile appeal and brand distinction to printed pieces.
Wide Format Printing
The Roland TrueVIS VG2-640 wide-format printer produces large-scale graphics up to 64 inches wide with white ink capabilities for vibrant, durable decals, banners, and signage. Ideal for vehicle wraps, trade show displays, and outdoor advertising, this service combines high-speed production with UV-resistant, fade-proof finishes for long-lasting visual impact.
People
Russell Carter
President
Russell Carter began his career in the bindery and has worked in nearly every department at CPC, from Customer Service to Prepress. As President, he oversees press operations and manages two of his sons, who also work in the factory, continuing the family legacy of hands-on leadership.
Patrick Fitzpatrick
Plant Manager
Patrick Fitzpatrick became Plant Manager in 2015 after joining Carter Printing in 2013. With extensive experience in print operations, he ensures efficient production workflows and quality control across all departments, maintaining the company's reputation for reliability and precision.
Wayne Carter
Former Vice President
Wayne Carter, son of founder Linwood Carter, played a pivotal role in modernizing the business by introducing photo-typesetting technology in the 1970s. His focus on customer service and innovation helped transition the company from Carter Composition to Carter Printing, establishing its current identity.
Daniel Kelliher
Retired Vice President
Daniel Kelliher joined Carter Printing in 1979 as the first full-time price estimator and rose to Plant Manager in 1985 and Vice President in 1991. His expertise in cost analysis and operational management significantly contributed to the company's growth and efficiency during his tenure.
Questions
What payment methods does Carter Printing accept?
We accept cash, checks, money orders, and major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover) with a 3% fee for card payments.
Do you offer payment terms for large projects?
Yes, we provide Net 30 payment terms upon credit application approval to accommodate budgeting needs.
Is Carter Printing SWAM certified?
Yes, we hold SWAM certification with identification number 10342, affirming our commitment to quality standards.
What file formats are preferred for print jobs?
We recommend submitting files as PDFs with a 1/8 bleed for optimal printing results.
Why do printed images sometimes look different from screen previews?
Ensure images are 300 dpi (not web-optimized 72-96 dpi) and use CMYK color mode for accurate print reproduction.
What paper options are available for my project?
We offer various paper stocks, including #80 for standard books and #100 for thicker, premium finishes. Contact us for specific recommendations.
