Why do we have trouble printing crisp, clean colors on the back side of C1S [coated one side] cover and cast coated sheets?
A.: I don t know the chemical reason for this, but it is a fact. For some reason sheetfed ink doesn t like to print up to full density on the reverse side of most C1S cover papers. On some cartons that the parent sheets come in there is a disclaimer stating something to the effect that you shouldn t ever print on the back side of the contents of that carton. I guess you are supposed to buy the C2S version for better results. The next time you re near a post card rack, take a look at some of the different cards. You ll most likely see that any printing done on the back is light coverage, and most times it looks like gray ink was used. In your case, if you must print on the uncoated side, the addition of a little binding varnish will usually permit a heavier ink film to be run and keep more of the ink film on the surface, but be careful of the potential for setoff if running heavy coverage. Also, bear in mind that the front, or coated, side is extremely porous and prone to chalking of th
