COLOR, COLOR, COLOR (In Printing That Is)!

Over the years in the printing industry, there have been many different ways to represent what a finished printing piece will look like, before printing the entire job. Printers utilized different methods to represent color. Some of you may remember Color Keys or Match Prints. Printers provided those prior to going to press, since once plates are made and the presses inked up – it's too late to make any major changes regarding color. In other words, all the up-front expenses are already incurred and edits are costly.

Today . . . technology is very different but challenges to represent color still remain! The process is as follows. First, a client sees the print-ready file on their computer. Every computer monitor is slightly different, so colors on our clients’ computer screen may appear different from the computers that we have in our pre-press department. (And, computer screens are illuminated with white light which makes images appear brighter than they do in print.) 

The ultimate irony is that computer screen displays are in RGB (Red, Green, and Blue), and printing, offset and digital printing, are done in CMYK! (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black – like the toners in your copiers). We will provide a large Epson proof to our clients to simulate what their job will print like, however we communicate that the proof is a simulation of what the job will appear like, but not a true 100% representation since the proofs are created with toner inks rather than printing press inks.

Our facility has calibrated our monitors to our proof processing, plate processing, and presses, so we can achieve the closest representation for the end product (for techies, that's known in our industry as Gracol 7 Calibration). Sorry to the rest of you if that was too much information!

Stick with me for a little longer... we then factor in the paper qualities and the coating; on uncoated paper, the inks will absorb slightly into the sheet, as uncoated papers are a bit porous and the colors will look a bit more muted. On coated paper, the inks will rest on top of the sheet, which provides a more vibrant and colorful look. Some print jobs will get an additional coating (be it gloss, dull or soft-touch, which is a suede feel) that can also slightly alter the appearance of the finished job. The best way to REALLY know what your job will look like is to schedule a press check to see it as it comes off the press.

In closing . . . have no fear! We are experts regarding color, explanation of proofing differences, paper choices etc. so that we can best guide you to accomplish the look you want!

Adrienne Streeter, Baltimore-born, president and founder of Streeter Printing, Inc., truly has ink in her blood. She grew up in her family's printing business, working in their shop from the age of 14. She later obtained a degree in Commercial Art and in 1980 founded Streeter Printing with her husband, Jack. She and Streeter Printing excel in the creative process, helping clients transition from concept to completion, getting the best results while staying within budget. Their son, Jon Streeter, joined the firm in 2004 after receiving his degree in Communication and Media Management. His education and forward thinking coincided perfectly with the changes required to have the company continually grow and adapt to an evolving communications environment. Employing a staff of 19 industry veterans, offering a vast array of offset and digital printing, Streeter Printing has been serving the local San Diego community for almost 40 years. Their client base includes well known regional, national and international clients due to their stellar reputation and strong commitment to excellence.

Streeter Printing's Certifications:

Small Business Enterprise in the State of CA, Certification # is 2011269. 

Woman-Owned Enterprise with a certification from the CA Public Utilities Commission. Certification # VON: 0BS00030