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Graphic Arts FAQ
Other than shade, how do Caress, Dulcet and Astrolite differ?
Many would say that Astrolite is a bright white version of Caress and Dulcet. However, Caress and Dulcet are most often noted for having the best formation of any uncoated paper in the industry. The difference between Caress and Dulcet is one of shade only. Dulcet, with its very neutral shade of white is often the preference of those wanting "true to the original" color. All three grades have been developed and refined to optimize image resolution.
Are the double thick items pasted wire side to wire side, with felt side out on both sides?
Our double thick stock is laminated wire side to wire side, exposing a uniform felt surface on the outsides.
What does it mean that your papers are alkaline pH treated?
Alkaline pH literally refers to the level of hydrogen ion concentration in chemistry. The longevity of a sheet of paper depends on the stability of its chemistry. You want a sheet that won’t react with the environment. A truly “Archival” sheet of paper has an alkaline pH (also referred to as neutral pH or acid free) and is buffered with calcium carbonate (or some other component to stabilize that alkaline level), which protects your paper from discoloration and deterioration over time.
Does your Astrolite Silk require special inks?
Inks behave differently on uncoated paper because of its surface qualities. Selecting a sheet that has a level surface and tight formation will optimize ink holdout and minimize dot gain. No special inks are required on any of our graphic arts papers, however it may take slightly longer to dry on the silk finish due to ink holdout levels. We suggest that shorter lifts and increased drying time be considered.
Are your papers suitable for digital presses?
All our papers are laser and ink jet guaranteed in all weights from 24 lb. Bond to and including 65 lb. Cover. Many SOHO desktop printers can accommodate 80 and 100 lb. Cover, but we recommend you check your printer specifications for sheet specifications and test these weights before general use.
Do you have recommended curves for your paper?
Every combination of ink, plates, blankets, and paper gains differently. Because of these variables we do not have our papers profiled for compensation curves. Each printer should establish his unique profile for optimizing image resolution. General rules of compensation should be made for each image depending on its quality and the desired effect.
However, we do suggest the following:
Compensation Guidelines:
Shadow: 0%
Three-quarter tones: 7-10%
Mid tones: 15-20%
Highlights: 3-5%
How does your paper perform with metallic inks?
Our papers perform well with metallic inks. Consult an ink selector such as the Pantone system to see the effects of metallic inks on uncoated paper.
What type of varnish should I use on your paper?
We advise the use of an in-line press varnish to protect areas of heavy coverage. We find that a satin (roughly 50% gloss and 50% dull) varnish most closely resembles the look of standard printing inks. Varnishes on uncoated paper are very subtle in comparison to coated papers, so creative effects are primarily limited to the use of tinted varnishes as graphic elements. We do not recommend the use of gloss varnish because of the potential for visual mottle or galvanization (despite the tightly formed uniform surface of our grades).
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