Nazdar introduces process for predicting colour weathering

Naturally, weather varies across the world – the closer to the equator, the more intense the Sun’s damaging UV rays – and weathering data can now be regionalised to give more accurate predictions based on where the printed image will be used, rather than where it is produced. These types of tests are not necessarily appropriate for inkjet printing. Because the same substrates are used, it has generally been assumed that inkjet-printed images have the same exterior durability as screen printing, but there are more factors at play. It’s possible to achieve a greater ink deposit with screen inks than inkjet and, generally, the thicker the ink deposit, the more durable the ink layer.

As time and technology has moved on, a new prediction method has been developed by Nazdar, called IMAGE. It has combined years of colour management experience with extensive real-time and accelerated weathering data on full tonal ranges of CMYK colours and colour traps, resulting in IMAGE colour profiles that provide an accurate visual prediction of how process colour images will fade. The IMAGE process has significant potential for improvements at various stages of graphics production. Designers can use the profiles to decide on the use of colours in backgrounds, skin tones, foods and more, while IMAGE proofs can be generated to promote durable inks and substrates in sales presentations. Printers can also utilise the predictive software to create an artificially weathered panel when replacing part of a graphic to match the rest. IMAGE gives a realistic view of the future, enabling designers, print businesses and their customers to make an informed choice.