Scum dots & noise from pixels with 1-2% dot density

[silversurfer]

Originally Posted by Prepressamess

unnn how can nothing turn into something. Please explain how a 0%(nothing) can change to a 1 % (lowest possible dot).

She's not saying her 0% was turning into a 1%, she's saying her 1% was reproducing as a 8%(or something like that), which can happen with flexo printing. Did you even look at the graphic?

As a printer, I would say it's my job to reproduce the customer's artwork as accurately as possible. So if I received artwork that had a 1% background, I most likely would not fix it unless instructed to do so. However, I would make sure that the proof showed the 1%, or I would note it on the proof.

A 1% screen on my press would barely even be visible unless we were using a very bright white stock. But it is measureable with a densitometer. So if I was printing your 1% screen with a measured 1-2% density, I would say you have no cause for complaint because the reproduction is accurate. If that 1% screen is reproducing as 10% however, that's a different story.

If your printer is telling you that there's no need for a hardcopy proof, then I think they (or the salesperson at any rate) have taken on some responsibility for the final result. We proof every job, regardless of whether the customer sees the proof or not (we make the salesperson sign off). [/quote]

[David]

I work for a printer, and we proof every job we do. You may never see these proofs, but we do them anyway.
If you want a soft proof, we will do that in addition to a hard proof.
The hard proof not only shows us what the piece is, but it also shows us that we are matching what you sent us. And this hard proof also goes out to the press room so they can match what you sent us.


simple as pie.


Now, a really quality conscious printer, will take the time to evaluate your files and tell you before hand of any concerns they have and what they think your piece will look like when ink hits paper. And it'll look great when it comes off press and you will once again be a happy designer.

but...
there is a cost involved in this.

If you're ever in the neighborhood, drop by and I'll give you a nickel tour and explain the differences between printing and really great printing.

[Mungo]

A method I use to find all the 1% bits in an image is to make a curves adjustment layer and drag the highlight end right up. Everything gets really dark but the scum dot areas show up on the monitor and you can get rid of them. I always put the noise filter over soft edges too which also breaks the hard edge you sometimes get when it drops off to 0% and the splothchiness is less noticeable on the plate.