However, an efficient press inspection involves examining many areas that should be reviewed before color changes are considered. These are stock, corrections to final proofs, and registration. We will review these areas, then offer some solutions to common problems. When the pressman brings you the press sheet, make sure all changes to any text and graphics have been made. If any element on the press sheet appears blurry or fuzzy, check to see if the registration marks are in register.
Register marks show that the printing images are in exact alignment with each other.
The pressman can control registration to some degree and can make incremental adjustments by moving the plate. Proper registration is critical before any adjustments to color can be made. The first sheet that an Art Litho pressman brings to you will be in proper register. The first area on the press sheet that you want to examine is the color bar. Here, you want to make sure that the gray scale is balanced and that dots appear clean and sharp, with no excessive dot gain or slur.