| This is your last
chance to affect the final product. Press checks can
be demanding because they are at the mercy of
production schedules. Often you will have only a few
hours notice of when your job will be on press.
Making changes at this stage can cost hundreds, even
thousands of dollars.
Press checks are
optional and depend on the complexity of your job.
Always discuss a printer's policy on press checks at
the time of quotation (cost per hour for press time,
time limits, delay charges, etc.).
Printed samples
if it's a reprint; printed samples of companion
pieces (your printer should have these in
advance);
Printed samples
of same Pantone colors and photos/illustrations,
purchase order, original illustrations, photos,
transparencies, proofs, mechanicals and comps.
- Scan the entire
sheet first.
- Match against
prepress proof.
- Verify that all
copy and photos are in place, and that all
corrections have been made from previous proofs.
- Verify register.
Examine the copy; check crossovers and backups.
Are there any mechanical errors?
- Is the size
correct? Verify paper stock
.
- Check register
by looking for dots that may be hanging at the
edge of a four-color photo.
- Are screen tints
the right color?
- For process
color, check overall color, neutral colors,
memory colors and contrast range against color
(prepress) proof. Remember to use the correct
lighting conditions.
- Are varnishes in
register? Matte or gloss?
- Look for hickies,
ghosting, scumming, roller marks, broken
type/rules, pinholes and other flaws.
- Check rule-up
for correct fold, trim and alignment of die
cuts.
- Are the seps,
halftones and duotones sharp and clean? Evaluate
the fine details.
- Number each
check sheet. Sign, date and note time on the
final okayed sheet.
- Confirm shipping
instructions and delivery dates. Discuss binding
and finishing to anticipate any problems or
delays. Bring several okayed sheets back with
you.
|
.