This post is a follow up to our previous video on the new USPS tabbing requirements.

Part of the new requirements is that wafer seals have to now be 1.5″ round on translucent paper. This applies to multi-page, stitched booklet mailers.

This poses a problem for designers because, previously, wafer seals were smaller and clear plastic. The front and back creative of a booklet mailer now has to take into account these larger, translucent wafer seals.

The easiest thing to do is just stay away from using dark colors where the wafer seals are going to be.

Here’s an example of a slim-jim magalog we just produced for a client that has the new wafer seals on it:

You can see the wafer seals top (2) and bottom (1), but the light colors of the creative helps them blend in more. It’s not perfect, but it’s acceptable. Here’s a close up of the top for a better look:

So while we thought these new wafer seal requirements were going to inhibit design, it’s really not that bad. And they open easier than the previous plastic ones too.

If you want to discuss the creative of your next booklet mailer, please contact us.