Guide to Reviewing Wet Proofs

China Printing Solutions uses both Digital and Wet Proofing pre-press methodology. The “CTF + Wet Proofing” color separation method selected for your job involves traditional color separation to transparent plastic films and temporary printing plates which are used to produce proofs on small presses using real printing inks and the exact paper specified for your job. This not only allows you to determine that color separation and pagination has been executed correctly, but also get a good assessment of how your project will look and feel in its final state. Still, these proofs are only approximations of the final, and will differ from final results due to variations in pressure, registration and other inherent disparity between proofing and printing methods, as well as the effect of coatings and other finishing procedures. The following Do’s and Don’ts are provided for your reference in reviewing your proofs. Of course if you have any concerns or questions, we will be happy to discuss the proofs with you on a case by case basis.
Compare Pros and Cons of Digital and Wet Proofing Methods: Click here.

Do:

• Check all artwork, text and design elements placement and accuracy.
• Notice any typos, image resolution problems or other overlooked errors, this is probably your last chance before we print!
• Ensure you have received proofs for all elements of your job, and that page count and page order are correct.
• Review Paper smoothness, opacity, brightness and other characteristics.
• Evaluate general color and color relationships and tell us your requests.
• Flip through as you would the final and consider the user experience.
• Read the pre-press report and fax your reply as soon as possible.

Don’t:

•  Worry if proofs are slightly blurry (out of register) or if there are random dots of color on the proof.
  This is a typical shortcoming of wet proofs which will not effect the actual printing.
• Expect color to exactly match, wet proofs are only near approximations and tend to run slightly dark or red. Color on press will change a bit.
• Forget to consider the effect of varnishes, binding and other job specifics.