Device link software or service

[bhm8hwcm]

I presently print gang run business cards and postcards on a coated #2 sheet and am considering printing gang runs on Mohawk Options 100% recycled cover stock.

Files are generally supplied to me setup for coated stocks and so I would like to convert imposed press sheets for printing on the uncoated stocks. Though colors will obviously change I would like to try to get as close as possible to coated as this is what most people will be wanting I believe.

I would like to do some testing so was wondering if anybody new of some inexpensive software for conversions or if there is a service to create the profile...I believe I need a device link profile?

I have fingerprinted my press for dot gains for coated and uncoated so I can produce curves that will give me the dot gain I want, but I believe I need special software to do actual colour transformations to get colours closer. I don't think doing simple 'convert to profiles' in Photoshop will suffice...am I correct?

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks.

[gordo]

A device link profile is typically used to preserve color appearance while changing the separation parameters that form the image. I don't think a DVL will provide you with any benefit.
You say that you would like to try to get as close as possible to coated. The best way, IMHO, is to use tone reproduction curves for your plate imaging (which you are already doing) as well as targeting a higher solid ink density for uncoated paper.

best, gordon p

[mazengh]

Converting files from the coated color space to the uncoated color space with the uncoated dot gain curves on the rip should be enough to print close to coated, just don't forget the paper white factor.... it has to conform to the spec of the white required by the color space profile for the uncoated stock.

[meddington]

Hi Gordo

A device link profile is typically used to preserve color appearance while changing the separation parameters that form the image. I don't think a DVL will provide you with any benefit.

Why not? Seems that in addition to addressing the differences in TAC, a DVL would optimize CMYK based on the different characteristics introduced by the paper. I certainly wouldn't preclude tone repro. curves or targeting higher densities as the initial steps, but DVL's could be of some benefit for those looking for more accuracy.

[gordo]

Hi Gordo
Why not? Seems that in addition to addressing the differences in TAC, a DVL would optimize CMYK based on the different characteristics introduced by the paper. I certainly wouldn't preclude tone repro. curves or targeting higher densities as the initial steps, but DVL's could be of some benefit for those looking for more accuracy.

Yes, I think you're right, however, for the application (post cards) I'm not sure that using a DVL is going to provide any real benefit over the much simpler strategy of increasing SIDs and using a tone rep curve. The DVL will be expensive and add some complexity to the workflow. Upping SIDs and using a curve is simple and cheap.

best, gordon p

[meddington]

The DVL will be expensive and add some complexity to the workflow. Upping SIDs and using a curve is simple and cheap.

Agreed, and if there is still a need for more color accuracy from images, converting from a coated to uncoated profile in Photoshop (sans DVL) might be sufficient for conversion. So to the OP, I suppose, start simple, and work up from there if needed.

[bhm8hwcm]

Hi thanks everybody for the helpful information.

Have a couple of more questions.

In the past when running uncoated we have not converted to an uncoated color space. I have a waterless DI press and we have linearized the plates and then set up curves for the dot gain we would like to achieve on uncoated stocks. But as mentioned we were still pretty much printing jobs that were setup for SWOP v2. I recently did some testing and we ran a job by converting the colorspace to a FOGRA 29 uncoated profile which seemed to work pretty good. Is this a good profile to start with or would you recommend others? and if recommended something else...why?

With regards to running higher SIDs any thoughts on what I should be aiming for on the uncoated? At the same time, though I have not implemented G7, I understand part of this approach is aiming for LAB values which would be affected by SID I believe. Would this then make it difficult to match color on proofs?

I guess the other issue I must consider is what am I striving for...punchy color on uncoated or trying to match a 'proofing standard'. With gang runs we try to run to a standard for repeatability.

thanks again for the input.