Understanding Color

Several factors significantly influence how color is perceived in images. These factors include the use of RGB and CMYK color models, the calibration of monitors, the lighting conditions, the materials used for the product, and the specific printing processes applied to the product. 

• Color Gamut
  
  • RGB vs. CMYK: Most digital screens, such as monitors and smartphones, use the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color model. This model is additive, which means it combines different intensities of light to create colors. In contrast, printing typically uses the CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) color model. This model is subtractive, meaning that colors are produced by subtracting varying amounts of these inks from white paper. 
• Color Gamut 
  • RGB color space typically has a wider gamut than CMYK, meaning that some colors visible on a screen may not be reproduced accurately in print, resulting in differences in color appearance.
• Monitor Calibration
  • Monitors can be calibrated in various ways, and many consumer monitors come with factory settings that may not accurately display true colors. If you view images on an uncalibrated monitor, the colors you see may not accurately represent how those colors will appear when printed.
  • Color Profiles
    • Different devices require specific color profiles, or ICC profiles, to translate colors accurately. Discrepancies can arise if the computer or monitor uses a profile different from the printing system's.
• Lighting Conditions
• Viewing Environment
• • The lighting used to view prints greatly affects color perception. For example, colors can seem warmer or cooler depending on the type of light, such as fluorescent, incandescent, or natural light.
  • Paper Type
    • The type of paper used for printing can also affect color appearance. Glossy papers may enhance vibrancy, while matte finishes tend to dull colors.
  • Printing Process
    • Photo Prints: Silver Halide Photographic Prints are composed of three layers of gelatin, each containing an emulsion of silver halide (used as a light-sensitive material). The photo paper is exposed to light, and the image is infused into the paper through a chemical process.
    • Metal Prints & Products: The sublimation process involves printing on Johnson Plastics sublimation paper. The printed paper is then taped to the Metal substrate and heat pressed at 400 degrees. The dye from the paper is heated into a gas, which then penetrates the enamel substrate. 
    • Framed Prints: Each framed photo is printed on our Epson Premium Photo Lustre Paper 260.
    • Canvas Prints: The Epson SureColor P9570 is a 44" wide printer for Canvas Prints. The P9570s use Epson's Ultrachrome inks, adding orange, green, and violet inks, which provide photo prints with a wider color gamut of up to 15%. Additionally, compared to the Epson 9890, which utilized light and light black, the P9570 printers use Gray and Light Gray, allowing for more realistic black and white prints. 
    • Wood Products such as USBs, Boxes, and Magnets: UV printing cures ink on the surface using UV light. During the printing process, we do not utilize white ink. Therefore, the natural wood grain or metal finish will replace any light-colored (highlight) areas used in any image. 
    • Gallery Blocks and Cubes: Made from Fuji Crystal Archive Digital Pro II Glossy photo paper that gets wrapped around the wood. UV laminated surface leaves the product durable and scratch resistant.
  • Printer Calibration
    • Printers need to be calibrated accurately for proper color reproduction. Differences in printer settings, ink levels, and maintenance can also impact the final output.
  • Color Management Practices
    • Soft Proofing
      • Conducting a soft proof, which simulates print output on-screen, helps anticipate how colors will appear when printed. This process involves using software that can emulate the printer's profile.