Ink (material) problems: causes and fixes
12 Ink (material) problems in offset and finishing: symptoms, causes and how to spot them. Step-by-step fixes with your account.
Ink (material) · TPG-056
Crystallization (next ink won't trap)
On reprint or second pass, the new ink slides or won't wet the previous one
Ink (material) · TPG-060
Pigment bleeding
Color migrates into the coating, laminate or neighboring inks; colored halos
Ink (material) · TPG-054
Skinning in the fountain
Dry crust on the fountain ink; generates hickeys
Ink (material) · TPG-055
Ink hanging in the fountain (won't flow)
Ductor turns but ink doesn't feed; density drops
Ink (material) · TPG-057
Poor rub resistance
Ink marks or smears when the finished piece is rubbed
Ink (material) · TPG-061
Wrong shade in mixed Pantone ink
The spot color doesn't match the Pantone guide
Ink (material) · TPG-062
Thickened or expired ink (livering)
Gummy, lumpy or gelled ink in the can
Ink (material) · TPG-063
Loss of color strength
More film needed to reach density; gain shoots up
Ink (material) · TPG-064
Ink too long or too short for the press
Long: stringing and misting. Short: poor transfer and distribution
Ink (material) · TPG-065
Metallic ink dull or rubbing off
Golds/silvers look flat or smear
Ink (material) · TPG-058
Low ink gloss
The print looks flat even though the ink is glossy
Ink (material) · TPG-059
Bronzing
Odd metallic sheen on dark solids, especially blues and blacks