press check 101
TRANSCRIPT
“It’s always our goal to deliver a printed project you’re
proud of with extreme levels of service.”Andy Shulman, President, Standard Press
Press Check 101
Successful Press Checks
When you want to press check a job, we want to:
Fully understand your expectations.
Respect your time.
Produce a job that makes you 100% happy.
To do that, we need your help.
Before The Press Check
Help us do a great job for you.
Communicate your expectations and the vision for the piece.
Plan for crossovers.
Consider if you should substitute a PMS color for a screen build.
Think about how paper, paper finishes and coatings (varnish and aqueous) will impact on the final look of the piece. If you have any concerns or question, talk to us.
The Impact of Paper
When choosing a paper, consider the following:
The shade of the substrate impacts separations.
The higher the grade of paper, the smoother the surface and the sharper the print.
The finish (gloss, dull, silk, matte, uncoated) impacts the final look.
PMS colors look different on different types of paper and different paper finishes.
We’re always happy to do
an ink drawdown.
Your Proof
Before you go to the press check:
Be certain you’re satisfied with the final proof.
If a new project must match previous printings, be sure the proof matches prior jobs.
Color can be adjusted on press but the skilled craftsmen at Standard Press team can reduce the time it takes to do a press check when the proof is an accurate visual reference.
Proofread
Confirm all corrections are made.
Take the time to look at the job with the same critical eye you used when looking at the proof.
Look at the sheet to be sure nothing re-flowed or was left off when the plates were made.
Verify that the final dylux proof accurately represents how the job will look when finished. Foil stamping, die-cutting, embossing, perforations and drilling should all be indicated.
The First Sheet
Look at the sheet overall.
Slowly scan the press sheet. Does the color look good overall?
Do you see any problem areas that stand out? Any marks or hickies?
Does the sheet look like it’s in register? Does type look crisp?
Be sure the paper you specified is the paper being printed.
Are PMS colors matching?
Do solids look good?
Does the varnish or coating look smooth?
Marking Corrections
Start with sheet number one.
Compare the sheet to your proof.
Unless you’re a color expert, offer general rather than specific color adjustments, such as “this is too red,” or “this white area looks a little yellow.”
Prominently circle areas of concern. If you’re circling in an area where it’s hard to see your mark, draw a line out to the white area on the sheet so the pressman sees your marking.
Check four-color process tints.
Check flesh tones.
Look at cross-overs and matching between forms.
Checking Additional Sheets
Compare each additional sheet with the previous one.
Are the changes you’re making taking you in the right direction?
Is the job still in register?
Check to see if the changes you made impacted any other critical areas due to the layout of the signature.
Don’t be afraid to cut or fold sheets to compare colors.
Check again to be sure cross-overs match.
Be sure PMS colors continue to match.
At Standard Press, you view your sheet under optimal lighting conditions.
When You’re Ready to Sign Off
Check the sheet overall one last time.
Look for hickeys or marks. Circle them.
Is there an area where you would like the pressman to pay special attention? Make a note on the sign-off sheet.
Take your time. We want you to feel comfortable with your decision.
Tell us how many sheets you would
like and you’re ready
to go!
Who is Standard Press?
•Founded in 1932 by Harry Shulman with $139 and a customer-driven philosophy.
•Atlanta’s oldest printing company.
•We are still family-run and committed to our founding philosophy.
•Our diverse equipment mix allows us to be the single source supplier on a majority of projects.
•We are here to meet the needs of our clientsand exceed their expectations.
CUSTOMER-FIRST SERVICE. DELIVERED.
We’re a Resource:
We provide knowledge.
We can help you find ways to save time and money while increasing value.
We’ll help you plan projects every step of the way, using our expertise to guide you seamlessly through the process.
We’re a Partner:
We help at every stage.
We pay attention to details.
We insure your jobs look great and deliver on time.
We care about your jobs because they are our jobs too.
We’re Responsive:
Speed-to-market expertise
and 24/7 production.
Get answers quickly.
Turn estimates quickly.
Get more done in a day.
Let’s Start Something Together
STANDARD PRESS AND YOU
Peace of Mind. Delivered.
For more information and an equipment list, please contact:
Andy Shulman, President
(404) 351-6780
Our Contact Information