Dampening – Printing Terms Glossary

A necessary part of the offset printing process whereby rollers distribute a solution to the plate, which covers the non-printing area of the plate, repelling ink in those fields. Some newer presses use a waterless ink technology, which does not use dampening.

 

Color bars – Printing Terms Glossary

A color trial strip that is printed on the waste part of a press sheet. It assists a press operator to monitor and assure the quality of the printed material relative to ink density, registration as well as dot gain. It can include a Star Target as well, which is designed to detect inking and press problems.