Questions and Answers from Wide-Format 101

Ray Weiss, SGIA, discussed the ins-and-outs of wide-format.

After fascinating, in-depth discussions on the ins-and-outs of wide-format printing from SGIA print guru Ray Weiss during PRINTING United's “Wide-Format 101: Strategies for Success” session, color expert Jim Raffel took questions from the audience.

The question that prompted the most conversation focused on how to measure color on printed material that will be laminated. Since laminating material could alter the appearance between the print and lamination process, when is the right time to measure?

“In critical color situations, I basically say we have to laminate before we measure,” Weiss said. “Most lamination, depending on the printer, needs to dry overnight. We find that generally works. If it’s a really critical color, absolutely laminate and make your profile after lamination. Especially in gloss versus matte. That’s an instrumentation question.”

Raffel also referred to his segment on color management. He stressed the importance of understanding the gamut of color your particular equipment possesses, as well as its own capabilities. In addition to measuring with the highest accuracy after lamination, having the right equipment to measure matte and gloss can make a big difference with a finished product.