posted
I don't own a digital printer, so I'm abit blind on this topic.
When I submit files to a digital printer source, what's the best method of ensuring the colors I desire translate correctly?
In the past, I've simply submitted the file, then requested they do their magic in attempting to match either a vinyl color or pantone color. (I provide color chart reference or a sample)
Just curious if there's a sure fire way to get it right the first time that I can do on my end of things. Or is endless color tweaking still part of the wonderful world of digital print?
posted
One tip I can give you is to stick to one color pallete. CMYK, RGB or Spot Color. Don't mix color systems in a program like Corel or Illustrator, it's a recipe for disaster. The printer I use prefers CMYK. Most of the time I'll create the art in RGB and convert to CMYK in Photoshop before I send it off. Sometimes I'll request a proof so I can see what needs to be tweaked.
posted
Brent is exactly right. Always send your files to the printer in CMYK. Don't mix RGB and CMYK.
Also, be sure to understand that CMYK has a smaller color gamut than RGB. I strongly suggest getting a "Pantone Solid to Process" chart. You'll see how different a PMS color looks in CMYK and can plan accordingly.
The chart is also good to have on hand in case a client who specifies a PMS color is unhappy thinking you printed the wrong color. You can pull the chart out and show it to them.
posted
Sorry to bust in here Donna, but this may help you also. Normally, what I see on my screen is very close to what I receive when ordering out business cards. I had a problem not long ago getting a certain color right. So, I ordered what I thought was the latest and greatest pantone/cmyk guide. It's the pantone plus series, and the numbers are all different than the old pantone guide I have. It came with some software that I thought would let me create a pallet for Corel, but I haven't figured that out yet. Did I order the wrong pantone guide?
-------------------- Ace Graphics & Printing Camdenton, MO. USA
But I'm not sure I asked my question the right way...
When I take cards to the printer, I never attempt to figure out their method. I select my chosen pantone, they do what's needed and they come out perfect.
When I take in my digital print on vinyl work with the same method, it's always a nightmare for them to match colors. Is it just that different with digital print or is something amiss? I always offer up my work in vector format so the colors are pretty easy to change. Or so I thought...
(the work isn't that technical, we're talking max 3 colors on simple artwork)
The Printer: Unless they are printing CMYK, odds are they are printing with spot colors to match your Pantone colors.
The Digital Printer: This is a different animal altogether. The inks are different therefore requiring a different set of color values. Some digital printers will print CMYK, others will print CcMmYK or even CcMmYKOG.
If you look at a Pantone Solid to Process chart, you're going to have some issues. For example, Pantone 1777 as a solid color looks completely different than the CMYK version. This is one reason why you are having issues with matching colors.
If the digital printer's printer is using CcMmYK or CcMmYKOG, he can come closer to actually matching the Pantone Solid Color.
To make your life easier, ask your digital printer if he is printing CMYK, CcMmYK or CcMmYKOG. Once you know how he is set up, you can design accordingly.
****
Tony, I recommend the Pantone Solid-to-Process chart and Pantone Formula Guide. I wouldn't recommend the Pantone+.
posted
Another thought Donna- when I have a fellow signmaker order prints from me on a regular basis I provide them with a PMS colour chart printed and laminated. That way if they have a certain colour they want they can change their files before I get it. The files may look strange when you send them but the colours will print correctly. Perhaps you could ask them for one. Make sure your digital wholesaler laminates the chart though as lamination changes colours. Particularly the Controltac bundle, it adds a green hue. If you are using a new wholesaler specify your PMS colours. They SHOULD come out properly if you specify what you are after. If not, send them back.
edited to add- the controltac bundles will come out correctly if the printer settings are changed one notch less of both cyan and yellow.
[ June 29, 2011, 05:19 PM: Message edited by: Deri Russell ]
-------------------- Deri Russell Wildwood Signs Hanover, Ontario
You're just jealous 'cause the little voices only talk to me. Posts: 1904 | From: Hanover, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Dec 1998
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posted
It could also be a case of the digital printer not having a proper calibration for the vinyls and inks he's using. It's surprising how many sign people bought digital printers and haven't a clue about color calibration.
-------------------- Kevin Gaffney Artistik Signs Kinnegad County Westmeath Ireland 044-75187 kevingaffney@eircom.net Posts: 628 | From: Ireland | Registered: Oct 2003
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posted
Make or download a large "PMS" swatch color chart. Should be an EPS or ai version. Fine tune it, add to it, blablabl. Now.....take that file to your printer and have them print it in the typical print settings/media they use on the rest of your stuff.
Now you have a reference chart to use and show your customers. They pick the color, you open your file and see what CMYK or RGB mixture was used on that swatch.
The key is your print people need to remain consistent with their RIP settings and media. Your colors should technically always be the same.
We stick to RGB ourselves, per Roland's suggestion due to the larger color gamut.
-------------------- Bruce Evans Crown Graphics Chino, CA graphics@westcoach.net Posts: 910 | From: Chino, CA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I did some work for a client who used Lamar advertising- one of the large billboard companies in this part of the world- to do the actual production- the first 8 or 9 projects were great, then we had one that really looked bad- i met with the art guy at Lamar and he provided me with a printed color chart- I had to re pick some PMS colors because of the limitations of the printers- we've had great success with them ever since...
-------------------- Michael Clanton Clanton Graphics/ Blackberry 19 Studio 1933 Blackberry Conway AR 72034 501-505-6794 clantongraphics@yahoo.com Posts: 1735 | From: Conway Arkansas | Registered: Oct 2001
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