Tech Tip Tuesday: How Do You Achieve Good Color Matching With InkJet Printing?

Good color matching can best be achieved through the use of color profiling software. This software allows for the creation of color profiles which capture the bias imposed by the substrate color and porosity, print resolution, as well as ink set limitations on printable color gamut. A color profile is generated by printing an “objective” color target made up multiple known color patches of absolute values, then reading the printed results with a spectrophotometer and calculating the differences or “Delta E”. The larger the number of patches printed and read the more accurate the profile. The underlying substrate color’s effect on accurate color ought not be underestimated as even a white undercoat beneath the CMYK ink may not fully defeat the shift in color. A good substrate-specific color profile can eliminate the need for the tedious exercise of multiple rounds of color correction using Photoshop or other photo editing software. Finally, periodic calibration should be performed in order to maintain good accurate color density and gradation.