Solve CMYK Color Changes on Uncoated Paper Surface

You might have experienced confusion when choosing a CMYK color combination from a previously-printed glossy brochure to match that same color on a new project that prints on uncoated paper. The color usually turns out differently when switching paper surfaces, from coated to uncoated paper.
Ouch!
That's why Tintbooks makes both Coated and Uncoated CMYK Color Guides. In fact, each Tintbook Uncoated Volume demonstrates side-by-side examples of how the same CMYK formula differs when printed on Coated vs. Uncoated paper. These printed examples are invaluable for explaining color choices to your client.
A variety of commonly-used uncoated paper samples are also compared, each printed with the same CMYK combinations.
You will discover how color changes e.g., from a smooth to felt finish.
Paper shades and surfaces affect final printed color results. You can't see these variations on a digital proof. Work with your Uncoated Tintbook to achieve accurate matches between the many paper substrates that are available.

Simple CMYK Color = Tintbook

Welcome to the new Tintbooks Web Site. Here you will find your way through color decisions for print design. Join thousands of designers and printers today - purchase your own set of Tintbooks!

Fix CMYK Color Problems BEFORE You Print

Printers and Graphic Designers stay out of color confusion working with Tintbooks. As design technology becomes mobile, there are more ways than ever to view color on a digital device. If you expect precise color results from your Computer Monitor or Smartphone screen, your finished print job won't achieve accurate color results.
Tintbook is designed to work with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Quark XPress. Get the color results you expect from Tintbook CMYK Guides!

CMYK Pastel Color Formulas are Unique

Spring has arrived. Pastel shades reflect the colors of Spring. Be careful when creating CMYK Pastels for print projects, because viewing conditions will be especially critical before going to press.  Pastels on either your computer monitor or printer proofs cannot accurately reflect the 3% dot used to create most pastel CMYK screen tint formulas used in 4-color process printing.

 You should also consider the surrounding colors and the effect they will have on your selection. Tintbooks demonstrate on section divider pages the way that adjacent colors can affect how dark or light a color appears.

Tintbooks devote separate sections for pastel color formulas for CMYK. Those Tintbook formula values range from 3% to 15% and include hundreds of pastel color combinations. It is rare that you will have the budget to spec a spot PMS pastel color, so use your Tintbook Color Guide before you commit to a CMYK formula to assure the best selection is made.

Enjoy Spring! The season prepares us for Summer when the world is in full bloom.

GDUSA Names Tintbooks in Top 100 Design Friendly Companies 2012

Graphic Design USA Magazine has been an outstanding resource for news and education in the graphic design world since 1963. Tintbooks is honored to be included once again as a Top 100 Designer Friendly Company for 2012. GDUSA Top 100 Designer Friendly Companies 2012

Valentine's Day Red!

Here's a simple Valentine's Day Color Red 3-color MYK formula you can create for 4-color process printing:

100% Yellow

100% Magenta

 10%  Black

It's an easy Tintbooks' formula that will save you from paying extra to print a custom ink color
Happy Valentine's Day!

Finishes to Shine! *Sparkle* (Subdue) ~ Soothe ~ Color...

Colors change dramatically by adding custom coating to your printing projects. Whether you choose a varnish, aqueous coating (AQ is the common term) or UV coating, the effect will enhance the appearance of your finished piece. Coatings protect against fingerprints, scuff marks and ink offset. Commonly used for packaging, covers on catalogues and magazines, and 1-sheet posters or flyers, each coating produces a different look. All coatings are available in gloss, dull or satin finish.

The most-used method for coating is varnish, which can cover the entire surface of a printed sheet, or selected for spot locations.

Coat the entire press sheet using gloss varnish to produce a shiny result. Choose spot gloss varnish to isolate a photograph or select a headline or chart for impact. Gloss varnish will produce more vivid color. The image pops off the page.

Conversely, if text is more significant, choosing a dull varnish reduces glare to make the piece easier to read. Dull varnish softens the affect of your color. You might spec a dull spot varnish for large blocks of type, or to create a subtle background.

Designers often combine spot gloss and dull vanishes to produce a 2-dimensional appearance. The press sheet can be run-in line, or for higher intensity, run the press sheet through separately as a “dry pass.”

Choose satin varnish for a silky, smooth finish with reduced glare. Satin varnish creates a textural finish.

Aqueous coating is a water-based finish, which means it is environmentally safer. Another benefit to adding AQ to your printing job is that the AQ process eliminates drying time. That allows the press sheets to go into bindery quicker, which can enhance meeting deadlines.

UV coating is usually a buy-out process because the coating is produced on special equipment. While UV adds more to the cost of a print job, the result is more protection and deeper intensity than with either varnish or AQ.

Even more creative finishes are available if you have the time and budget. Tinted varnishes and lamination are other examples that you can discuss with your printer. Coatings are a great way to enhance your work, but always be mindful of color changes that can occur.