I do have one more technical question and its about paper shrinkage...we recently had a job done and when we recieved it the size was off by 1/8" or so on each side. We were told that because of the rushed order they were not able to let the paper properly acclimate to the humidity and that it must have shrunk after they cut it.

Is this a legitimate excuse in your opinion? Does paper really shrink so drastically according to climate? And if so, how do we avoid this happening again? Do you recommend increasing cute size to account for shrinkage or is there a suggested amount of time needed to get the paper climate stable?

Whoever is doing the job is telling you the truth. All papers (sulphate - wood cellulose & cotton) are "hygroscopic" meaning they have the ability to take on or give off moisture, with the potential of contracting or expanding.

Since paper mills in most instances have no idea where the paper is shipping or being printed, all during the manufacturing process will add a mill standard % of moisture. To consider making a sheet larger to compensate for the potential of any changes or no change would not be prudent.

That said the best remedy would be, as your printer has stated, to have the paper acclimate to its new environment. One should, on receipt of the paper (whether in cartons or on pallets), open and expose and let the product breathe and adjust to a new environment and climate for at least 24-48 hours. One should never go to press on paper stock as soon as it comes in the door.