Emma Davis Print Production Specialist at 4OVER4.COM
Emma is our prepress and print production voice, built from the knowledge of our production team, with over 20 years in printing.
Question
How much color variation is normal in offset printing?
Answer
Some color movement is normal and expected in offset printing. The process typically allows for roughly 1-3% variation across a run, which is a characteristic of commercial presses rather than a defect.
- Why it happens: ink density, paper, and press conditions shift slightly during a long run.
- How it is controlled: multiple sets of eyes monitor the press and adjust to keep color consistent.
- What to expect: slight variation between the first and last sheets is standard, and a hard proof helps set expectations.
For projects where exact color match across separate orders matters, ask about running them together or on the same equipment.
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