What black color values should I use to avoid printing issues?

Solid pure black across a large area is a common cause of print trouble. When black ink is laid down too heavily it struggles to dry, which can lead to flaking or set-off. The fix is a rich black build that adds a little color underneath the black.

Use these CMYK values for a deep, reliable black:

This mix gives you a rich, even black that dries properly and holds up, especially on large fills and backgrounds.