Printing with higher screen rulings can expand this color space even more by applying more ink to the printed piece. This combination of higher ink densities and sharper dots also allows for much higher print contrast than can be achieved with conventional lithography. In addition, printing without water or fountain solution yields higher levels of print quality on uncoated and recycled papers. This is achieved through a reduction moisture induced paper linting and better ink holdout through less ink absorption. These qualities generally eliminate the need for multiple color passes and touch plates.
Registration is improved because paper stretch caused by fountain solution is eliminated.
Non-absorbent substrates such as plastics, metal and synthetic papers have traditionally presented problems for conventional offset. Because there is no water take-off, water tends to track back up into the inker causing a higher degree of emulsification and adding to fluctuations in print consistency. The waterless process offers a greater degree of control in printing on these substrates. Finally, through the elimination of the need for ink and water balance, the largest variable is removed from the printing process. As a result, printing without water offers a much higher degree of color consistency throughout the pressrun.