This article outlines techniques for maximizing the quality of your printed posters. It delves into the nuances of paper selection, and resolution considerations, and provides insights into the printing technologies employed by Gelato.
Paper Selection
Selecting the right paper is crucial for achieving your desired look and feel. Let's explore the characteristics of different paper types:
Archival Paper
Known for its longevity due to the absence of brightening agents. It exhibits a natural, slightly yellow hue, which can lend a warmer tone to artwork, particularly noticeable in pale pastels and neutral grays.
At 250gsm / 100lb, it is the heaviest and bulkiest option.
It's important to note that coverage may be limited, and texture can vary. Colors outside the standard CMYK range, such as neons, are automatically converted to CMYK values.
Premium Coated Paper
This paper yields prints that closely resemble the vibrancy of your RGB preview, boasting a smooth satin finish.
Similar to Archival paper, neon, and out-of-gamut colors are converted to CMYK.
Premium Uncoated Paper
Opting for this paper may result in slightly less vibrant colors compared to coated options, producing a matte finish.
As with the other paper types, neon and out-of-gamut colors are converted to CMYK.
File Preparation
Before sending your artwork for printing, ensure your files meet these guidelines for optimal results:
Resolution: Aim for a minimum resolution of 150 dpi at the final print size, with 300 dpi being ideal for the sharpest output.
File Format and Color Space: For the most accurate color reproduction, provide files in pre-converted CMYK PDF/X4 format with a "GRACoL2006_Coated1v2.icc" output intent.
RGB Workflow: If working in RGB, tag your image files with an sRGB profile. When exporting, save them as PDF/X4 files with a "GRACoL2006_Coated1v2.icc" output intent to maintain color fidelity.
Understanding Printing Technologies
Gelato utilizes various printing technologies based on the dimensions of your poster:
Digital Printing
Employed for posters smaller than A3, this method utilizes HP Indigo technology, known for its high-quality output. Digital prints are characterized by a structured dot pattern at 175 lines per inch, making them well-suited for achieving uniform flat colors and crisp edges.
Wide-Format Inkjet Printing
For posters exceeding B2 size, Gelato employs Canon Colorado technology. This inkjet printing method utilizes a dither pattern, typically between 720 and 1,200 dots per inch, to create smooth blends and gradients. Using a wider range of inks, usually six, this technology can reproduce a larger color gamut compared to digital printing.
Mixed Technology
Posters falling between A3 and B2 in size may be produced using either digital or inkjet technology, depending on the equipment available at your local production hub.
Ink Gloss Variation
The glossiness of your prints can be influenced by the specific wide-format inkjet technology used:
UV-cured ECO Solvent Devices
Prints produced using this technology typically exhibit a more pronounced sheen, resulting in a glossier finish.
Aqueous Ink Technology
In contrast to UV-cured methods, aqueous ink technology often yields a less glossy, more subtle finish.
Substrate Impact on Color
The choice of substrate, in simpler terms, the paper type, plays a crucial role in how the printed colors ultimately appear. Consider the substrate as the "fifth color" in the printing process, subtly influencing the final output. Below are visual comparisons showcasing how the same file can look different when printed on various substrates: Uncoated Stock (left), Archival Stock (center), and Coated Stock (right).
Examples
The tone in the Pink Oval: Observe how the uncoated substrate results in a considerably paler output with a narrower tonal range in comparison to the prints on coated stock.
Skin Shades in the Blue Ovals: Notice the warmer tones produced by the archival paper, particularly in the skin tones, compared to the coated stock. This warmth is attributed to the inherent color of the archival paper itself.