These are
the major areas of concern when
reviewing press sheets at a press
inspection. Not a comprehensive
list but the most common problems
to be avoided.
- Check
that the
paper is what you ordered.
- Check
your last blueline against
the sheet to make sure
all corrections have been
made and make
sure no images or copy have
been dropped.
- Check
the registration marks
for register, then check the
rest of the sheet with a loupe.
- Check
the page crossovers by folding
the sheet.
The pressman can fold and
trim a press sheet by hand
into a signature to make sure
all matches as intended.
- Check
the proof for pleasing color
(particularly colors of such "memory" elements
as skin and grass).
- Match
the sheet against the last
color proof.
- Check
for broken type or blurry type.
- Check
for uneven color, particularly
in solids. Make sure color
is consistent across the sheet.
Check screens and color builds.
- Check
neutrals for any color cast.
Match the colors of the printed
piece to the colors of any
companion pieces in a marketing
package such as brochures and
envelopes.
- Look
for printing errors such as
slurring, doubling, scumming,
hickeys, ghosting, mottling
of colors, etc.
- Check
everything one final time for
glaring errors and the overall
look of the piece.
- Ask the printer
to number the sheets as pulled
and ask that ink densities be
noted on the sign-off sheet.
Remember that color will still
vary slightly even after you
sign off on the job. Your sign-off
sheet is the goal, the "contract
proof" to which the printer will
run the rest of your job. Keep
a sample of the final sign-off
sheet so you can match it to
the piece once it has been delivered.