What is the difference between RGB and CMYK colour spaces?
All monitors work in the RGB colour model. It is a colour palette created by mixing 3 different light beams - red, green and blue (Red, Green, Blue). The output colour of the monitor is black, so to get other colours we have to add red, green and blue light on top of each other, to brighten it and create the perfect pigment. This is known as additive mixing: after adding up all the colours, we will get the white colour.
CMYK is a colour model used in printing processes – Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, blacK. CMYK inks are combined with each other not by blending together, but by applying in layers, therefore the final effect may have from 0 to 400% colour coverage. In this case, combining the paints causes the colour to become darker and eventually black. This is known as subtractive mixing. Interestingly enough, setting K (black) to 100% does not create the darkest black possible. To receive a “true” black, you need to add other colours from the CMYK model – 60% C, 40% M, 40%Y, and 100% K gives the best result.
The image on the monitor, which uses the RGB colour model, is more vibrant and has a greater colour depth. It is also caused by the fact that the monitor emits light and the paper absorbs it. RGB has a wider range of colours than CMYK. Problems with converting between CMYK and RGB colour models result from the fact that it is impossible to reproduce all the colours you see on a screen in printed ink. As a result, we not only modify but also lose some information about the colour.
Finishing techniques – What is coating?
Coating is a finishing operation in which a printed substrate is covered with a clear film, such as lacquer, or overprint varnish. UV varnish protects the printing from moisture, abrasion, or other potential sources of damage. Glossy varnish enhances the colours and increases the contrast, while the matte varnish reduces light reflections and enhances the readability of the printouts. Varnishing reinforces paper, therefore, substrates with a lower density can also be used.
Currently, spot varnishing becomes an increasingly popular finishing method. It consists in applying varnish only to selected parts of the printed area in order to create unique visual effects. With spot varnish, we can highlight individual graphic elements and focus the attention of recipients on them. In addition to glossy and matte varnishes, we can also choose varnishes with various pigments, such as gold, metallic, pearl or interferential.
Spot varnishing gives the best results when used together with laminating - glossy varnish on matte foil or matte varnish on glossy foil. We laminate the entire sheet with foil, then apply the varnish to the selected areas. This type of finishing gives a very attractive contrast between the matte and glossy areas.
Finishing techniques - what is laminating?
Laminating is one of the most popular print finishing methods. It consists in covering the entire printed surface with a foil. We can choose from glossy, matte, and soft-touch foils.
- The glossy laminate, as the name suggests, is very shiny. The imprint covered with glossy foil is more vivid and intense. Its additional advantage is higher resistance to damage.
- The matte foil, on the other hand, suppresses light reflections and slightly softens the colours. It’s recommended especially for artworks where the readability of graphics is a priority.
- The soft-touch foil can be distinguished by its texture - it is soft and matte, resembling the touch of velvet. Additionally, it has a higher resistance to scratches and finger marks. It is used to laminate business cards, invitations, greeting cards, catalogues or gift boxes to give them an elegant and unique character
Laminating can also be used together with spot varnishing - glossy varnish on a matte foil or matte varnish on a glossy foil. We laminate the entire sheet with foil, then apply the varnish to the selected areas. This finishing gives a very attractive contrast between the matt and glossy areas. The end result looks very elegant, and the elements, that we want to draw attention to, are properly emphasized.
Finishing techniques – Embossing
Embossing is one of the oldest print finishing methods During embossing two dies are pressed together through the substrate to stamp a relief image or pattern in printed material. Often, additional ink or paint is used to colour or accent the stamped image.
There are 3 types of embossing:
- embossing – allows to obtain relief effects, the embossed element is pulled and creates a raised image.
- debossing – It is the process reverse to embossing. The element is pressed into a substrate, allowing you to obtain a sunken image.
- blind embossing – stamping or pressing of a relief image or pattern into the material without using any inks, the embossed image is left as it is.
Can I commission a graphic design?
Yes, just send us an email to: sklep@fortis.net.pl Our graphic designers have extensive experience in creating all kinds of advertising materials. We approach each project individually. We create the graphic design for the needs of a specific solution so that it best reflects our clients’ concepts.
What is Hot stamping?
Hot stamping is a print finishing method in which parts of the print are covered with a special foil, that gives them a characteristic metallic, silver or golden gloss. The hot-stamping foil is transferred to the substrate by means of heat and pressure, using special dies. Hot stamping has become an extremely popular application for refining prints. It makes the product more attractive, rich and elegant. It is used, among others to decorate invitations, high-end boxes, labels, book covers, business cards, vouchers.
Why there is a colour difference between what you see on the monitor and the printed artwork?
The differences in colours between the project you see on the screen and the printouts are a result of several factors. The first is the fact that we view graphic designs on monitors that emit light, while printouts are presented on paper that absorbs light. Therefore, the image on the screen is clearer and has greater colour depth. The printing effect also largely depends on the colour of the substrate (which is not always snow-white) and its absorption level. The same design will look different on newsprint than on thick coated paper.
However, the main reason for the colour differences between the design and the print is the use of different colour spaces. The screens display colours from the RGB colour model, while all printing devices work in the CMYK model. RGB has a wider range of colours than CMYK. On the other hand, some colour shades can look much better after printing than what we see on the monitor. In addition, each of us has a different monitor with different settings, and the image each time adopts the settings of the screen on which it is displayed.
How should I prepare the files for printing?
Accepted formats: .pdf, .psd, .jpg, .ai, .tiff, .eps
Basic rules:
- All colours should be converted to CMYK color model
- All fonts should be converted to curves. If the characters are black, they should be 100% K (black), and if they are grey, they should be in the range between 1% to 99% K.
- The bleeds should be 3 mm on each side. Important graphics should be moved at least 2 mm away from the cutting line.
- If the final product will be die-cut, the dielines should be applied as a vector line in 100% colour of any Pantone with an overprint.
- All bitmaps should be at least 300 DPI resolution and in the CMYK colour model.
Following this specification helps you avoid problems and prepare files so that the printouts best reflect the graphic design.
The bleeds should be 3 mm on each side. Important graphics should be moved at least 2 mm away from the cutting line.
If the final product will be die-cut, the die-cutting lines should be applied as a vector line in 100% color of any Pantone with an overprint.
All bitmaps should be at least 300 DPI resolution and in CMYK color model.
Following this specification helps you avoid problems and prepare files so that the printouts best reflect the graphic design.
Custom-built products. Can I order a product outside of your offer?
Of course! We pride ourselves on our great flexibility in the approach to orders. Contact us. We believe that nothing is impossible.