In the world of printing, colour is a powerful tool for communicating ideas, emotions, and messages. Yet, colour consistency can be a challenge, especially with digital printing. Whether you’re printing artwork, greeting cards, or other materials, knowing what to expect can help you achieve the best possible results. At Simply Print, we are committed to helping our clients navigate these nuances for prints that truly resonate.
1. Colour Variability Across Digital Machines
Each digital printer interprets colour a bit differently. While advances in printing technology have helped narrow these differences, no two machines are identical in how they render colours. A greeting card printed on one machine might look slightly different when printed on another. For artists and businesses, this variation can be significant, which is why Simply Print takes careful steps to achieve the closest match possible.
2. The RGB-CMYK Challenge
RGB and CMYK are two very different colour models. RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is the colour format for screens, while CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) is used for printing. Often, RGB colours that appear vibrant on a screen lose some of their intensity when converted to CMYK for printing. This is a common cause of colour variation, as certain shades cannot be directly replicated from one model to another. Bright reds and blues, for example, may appear muted or different when printed. Understanding this can help manage expectations.
3. Why Your Computer Monitor Isn’t Reliable for Colour Accuracy
Many people assume that what they see on their computer monitor will be exactly what they get on paper, but monitors aren’t reliable for colour accuracy. Screen brightness, calibration settings, and even ambient lighting all influence how colours appear. This is why Simply Print always encourages clients to review a printed proof before moving forward with a final print run.
4. The Importance of Proofs for Artistic Work
At Simply Print, we frequently work with artists who are understandably meticulous about colour representation in their work. A slight colour variation could affect the artwork’s mood, balance, or overall impact. We insist on printed proofs to make sure the final product meets the artist’s expectations. This step is invaluable in catching and addressing any colour concerns before the full production run, giving artists confidence in their final prints.
5. Seeing Colour Variations Through Your Customer’s Eyes
One key point to remember is that, as a business, we are not just producing products for our clients—we are also producing for their customers. For instance, a card buyer won’t have the original artwork to compare to the print, so small colour variations may not matter to them. From a customer’s perspective, the product’s overall appeal is what counts. Sometimes, small colour shifts that are a concern to the artist might go unnoticed by the end consumer, who doesn’t have the original piece for reference.
6. When Colour Variations Don’t Matter
In the end, if a colour variation is only noticeable to you, then it may not be significant enough to affect the quality or purpose of the final product. Always consider the customer’s perspective: will they notice, or more importantly, will it affect their experience of the product? Often, minor adjustments that go unnoticed by your client are not worth stressing over.
Final Thoughts
Colour variation in digital printing is a natural occurrence, yet it doesn’t have to be a problem. By understanding these variations, setting clear expectations, and viewing proofs, you can ensure a positive outcome. At Simply Print, we’re dedicated to helping our clients navigate the complexities of colour so they can deliver beautiful, high-quality products to their customers with confidence.
