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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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We respond to commonly asked questions . Topics covered: Macintosh versus Windows, CMYK, Archival materials, and Metamerism.
» Is the Macintosh really better?
» Are the profiles that ship with products better than custom profiles?
» Why do some output devices prefer CMYK?
» How does an inkjet printer work?
» How does a dye sublimation printer work?
» Are there differences in the inks used in the printers?
» What is Metamerism?
» Are papers surfaces only glossy?
» To what does Archival refer?
» What can be done to keep my prints from fading?
Q: Is the Macintosh really better?
A: This is one of those topics that continues even today. Walk into a prepress house and a wide variety of applications
will be running on both Macintosh and Windows machines. The barriers are closing. But, we still give the edge to the Macintosh
for having better tools.
As far as our articles go there are no real differences except with a few keyboard strokes. On Macintosh the COMMAND key is
generally used while in a Windows world the CONTROL key is pressed. Sometimes a Macintosh keystroke uses the OPTION key and in
Windows it’s the ALT key. That’s basically it with few exceptions. We used a Macintosh in order to create our screen grabs.
Windows will be the same, just in a slightly different cosmetically designed window.
Q: Are the profiles that ship with products better than custom profiles?
A: In our opinion, yes. We admit it. We’re custom profile junkies. But, if the profiles that ship on a CD-ROM work for
you then by all means feel free to implement them. Because manufacturers frequently update their profiles be sure to check their
web sites. But, if you’re not easily intimidated then by all means learn how to create your own.
Q: Why do some output devices prefer CMYK?
A: While most inkjet printers will use either Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black (or even an additional two colors to
extend the gamut), most printers prefer an RGB file for output. One reason is that RGB by nature usually has a wider color gamut.
The other reason is that most such desktop printers are driven by QuickDraw (Mac) or GDI print drivers and these drivers do not
support CMYK files. If CMYK files are sent to such a printer driver, an unknown (and usually quite poor) CMYK to RGB conversion
will take place since these drivers require RGB files only. So when one simply wants the best looking output from an inkjet printer,
send RGB data, ideally an RGB file that has been optimized for this printer using an ICC profile.
If a user wishes to send CMYK data to an inkjet, the only logical reason would be to simulate another CMYK device on this inkjet.
A CMYK file may be destined for a Contract Proof, such as a 3M Matchprint which the user wants to first simulate this based on
their own inkjet device. Then CMYK data will need to be sent to the printer. Since QuickDraw and GDI drivers do not accept CMYK
data, some kind of RIP (Raster Image Processing) using hardware or software is going to be needed to do the translation.
For more information visit www.colordome.com/art/psycho/05psy03.htm.
Q: How does an inkjet printer work?
A: Inkjet technology works by spraying special inks through small tiny nozzles. Dots of ink hit the paper creating images.
A wide variety of papers are made specifically for inkjet output.
Q: How does a dye sublimation printer work?
A: Dye sublimation printers create images by using a ribbon technology. The ribbon consists of three colors, Cyan, Magenta,
and Yellow while others add a fourth color being Black. The ribbon is heated created a gas that adheres to the papers surface.
Sublimation is a term for a condition where a solid is transformed to a gaseous state without first moving to a liquid state.
In terms of longevity, Dye Sublimation can be considered relatively archive if a clear laminate layer is used when printing. Some
dye sub printers provide the option for such "Extra Life" lamination in the ribbon however, this can increase the cost per print.
Paper selections are more limited when compared to those of an inkjet printer.
Q: Are there differences in the inks used in the printers?
A: In some cases, yes. Each company makes claims that theirs are better than the competitions’. However, there are differences
that include faithful color reproduction, how long they last, printer compatibility, and cost. When it comes to printing two basic
well drawn lines exist: dye-based and pigment-based. The dye-based are more popular if only because they are capable of producing
the brightest colors. They work best with papers that absorb ink easily. Pigmented inks are actually a combination of dye and pigment
and are not currently capable of producing the colors many photographers prefer. They also tend to have more of a metamerism problem.
To combat this prints are often output keeping in mind the type of illumination under which they will be displayed in order to show
colors as faithfully as possible. But, they are said to last longer thereby falling into an archival category. Most users claim these
inks work best with high gloss papers.
Q: What is Metamerism?
A: This refers to a situation where two colors will appear to look alike or match each other under one set of conditions but
do not under another. Metamerism is generally experienced when viewing two samples under different light sources. Colors are more
apt to match when viewed in daylight or under daylight balanced lights. On the other hand, these same colors are more prone to be
different under tungsten-filament or possibly other forms of illumination.
Q: Are papers surfaces only glossy?
A: Substrates or materials on which images can be printed come in a wide variety of coated and uncoated materials. Most are
paper cotton-based products that contain surfaces ranging from glossy, gel-coated to matte. Others come from plastic-based materials
producing a smooth soft sheen to a high gloss. Fine archival paper materials can basically hold up as long as the inks used on them
do too. But, it doesn’t just end here. These days the artistic community has been producing images on foils and metals, translucent
materials as well as wood.
Q: To what does Archival refer?
A: For us Archival is anything that last in excess of 100 years without any perceptible deterioration. Interestingly enough
some archivists claim that the term refers to anything that will last approximately 500 years or longer if properly made. Simply
take what you hear with a grain of salt. Under the right conditions there is nothing that can last forever. There is absolutely no
way that we can truly estimate everything that has an affect on the longevity of your prints. Most materials haven’t even been
around long enough for us to test in a day to day environment. Much of the data that is available is subjective, meaning that the
tests may simulate storage and viewing conditions, but in no means can we absolutely predict the future.
Q: What can be done to keep my prints from fading?
A: Use the highest quality of materials. These include purity of the substrate, inks, boxes, folders, and raw materials. At
the time of manufacture acid-free products will have a neutral pH of around 7.0. Properly store your work in areas that avoid
excessive heat, light, and humidity. Handle your work with care.
Avoid materials, such as newspaper, containing Lignin. This is a compound found in plants used to manufacture paper and most
commonly found in newspapers. Also, avoid PVC-based plastics. Mylar, polypropylene, and polyethelene are considered safe.
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