Dot Gain – Measurable, Predictable and Controllable!
April 15, 2015
Dot gain is inevitable in printing on uncoated papers. Monadnock’s high-quality papers, however, have a surface and formation optimized for fidelity in image reproduction. To closely approximate the color, brightness and detail present in your approved color proofs, be sure your printer’s prepress department is experienced at adjusting color curves to compensate for dot gain.
The following suggested reductions to dot size are a starting point, as every combination of ink, plates, blankets and paper gains differently. Each printer should establish his unique profile for optimizing image resolution. These general rules of compensation should be made for each image depending on its quality and the desired effect:
Highlights: 2-3%
Quartertones: 3-5%
Midtones: 15-20%
Three-quartertones: 7-10%
Shadow: 0% (keep dark for contrast)