From Test Tube to Press Blanket: What Affects Color?
This month, I continue my series on what affects color reproduction. In January, I looked at the chemical make-up of ink, and last month, I discussed factors that affect how color is ultimately perceived. This month, I want to talk about how various substrates play a role in the way ink lays down. The google_ad_client = ‘pub-2905054723170537’; // substitute your client_id (pub-number) google_ad_channel = ‘6331884817’; google_ad_output = ‘js’; google_max_num_ads = ‘3’; google_ad_type = ‘text’; google_feedback = ‘on’; substrate on which you print can dramatically affect the color you see. “Stop sign red” printed on coated, glossy stock will look rich, bright, and vivid, while the same color printed on claycoated kraft paper will appear dull, and more of a blood red. Made in the Shade The most important color reproduction characteristic of offset papers is the shade of the sheet. Offset inks are transparent, which allows colors to blend and create millions of additional colors. However, t
