ANALOG COLOR PROOFING METHODS

Press or "wet" proofs:
• done with real ink and printing stock (i.e., paper on which job will be printed) on a miniature offset press
• most reliable predictor of color
• best for contract proofing
• most expensive proofing method, hence, least often used

Off-press or "photomechanical proofs"
• various methods used
• each requires film
• each uses pigment, not ink
• most can't proof to printing stock
• OK for contract proofing "within reasonable expectations"

Types of photomechanical proofs:
• BLUEPRINTS, a.k.a. "blues," bluelines," Dyluxes: proofs in one color (guess which one) for checking content and imposition only

• OVERLAYS: 4/C dye or pigment for each color appears on clear (transparent) acetate sheets; sheets are taped to register on a white base Example: 3M's (now Imation's) Color Key

• LAMINATE PROOFS: successive layers of 4/C colored dye are laminated to a carrier (base) sheet. Examples: Imation's Matchprint; Fuji's ColorArt; DuPont's WaterProof, which can proof to printing stock

• ADHESIVE POLYMER/DRY POWDER PROOFS: an option for simulating and checking "spot" (non- process) colors with spots of toner; can be added to 4/C of laminate proofs to proof "fifth" (etc.) colors