Colour Matching Wide Format Print

How we match colours across different printing processes

Colour matching your wide format print to Litho print, digital print, Pantone colours, CMYK values or even paint is no longer a problem.  Our investment in the AGFA workflow system gives us the ability to spot match your brand colours, paint or standard format printed items such as letterheads, brochures or business cards.  We can even match colours that have been inaccurately printed in the past, to give you continuity. Because we use an AGFA workflow throughout our print sites, they "talk" to each other to ensure closest match printing whatever the press we're printing on.

Spot colour matching between different presses

The spectrometer also takes into account how colour is represented on different substrates and materials.  Whilst this has been a problem in the past, particularly when converting brand colours to wide format substrates, the AGFA solution has enabled us to match colour seamlessly between different presses and materials such as Foamex or PVC.  Not only that, once your colours are approved,  the colour data is saved and named, then applied to every kind of substrate you might possibly want to print to, ready for the next time your brand colour is required.

Spot Colour Matching Case Studies

Case study 1 - Colour Matching Wide Format Print

This is a problem most highlighted when Pantone colours are used in litho printing, and then the converted CMYK values are applied to the wide format print process.  Difficulties matching colours when printing both litho and wide format prints are used for the same project.  This was exactly the problem we had with the two pieces we printed below. [caption id="attachment_568" align="alignleft" width="300"] Typical example of poor colour matching[/caption] [caption id="attachment_571" align="alignleft" width="225"] The difference between Pantone splits and our colour match[/caption]                       The four page document folder was printed to Pantone 295c and then matt laminated.  PVC banners which were part of the same project, then had to be printed CMYK using the Pantone guidelines for the CMYK splits.  The differences between spot colours and the equivalent CMYK values were very obvious. However after a small amount of time a spot colour match was achieved using the workflow spectrometer previously calibrated to all of our stocked substrates. The difference between the two colours is shown in the image on the right. This allowed us to present accurately coloured PVC banners to our customer which were suitably matched to a product printed as a spot colour.  Discussing this early in the process enabled us to match these colour critical products with each other quickly and efficiently.

Case Study 2 - Colour Matching Paint

[caption id="attachment_573" align="alignleft" width="225"] Exact match achieved from paint daub[/caption] When we were asked to match our printed signage to a daub of paint, we knew with confidence that we could match the colours. We were asked to print signage on both Foamex and aluminium composite for a school.  With the majority of the woodwork at the school painted in the dark green colour, and no RAL number to hand, we went about matching to a daub of paint supplied by the school.  The results were excellent, with the press giving colour matches on two very different surfaces. If you have print work which requires accurate colour matching, please get in touch to discuss in more detail. Call 01270 625207 or leave a message on the form below and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible.      

Mike's experience within the Large Format print and display sector is second to none.  Working with some of the biggest brands in the UK and Europe, Mike manages our large format unit in Crewe, Cheshire.  

Litho Printing in Cheshire

Quality is our main focus here at Johnsons and we want your litho printing to be the highest quality possible.

To achieve the quality we only use the best presses available. Our Heidelberg XL75 printing press produces the majority of our commercial work, running at speeds of approximately 15,000 sheets per hour.  Consequently we are set up to deliver the highest quality print, and to meet your deadlines.

Litho Printing Colour Management

The in-line colour management system that sits alongside the press ensures colour consistency.  It also gives rich tones and sharp images giving the best possible CMYK print reproduction.  The Heidelberg presses produce a high quality print product, which give a superior finish and quality from medium to long run printing.  As a result we produce a more consistent colour reproduction and are capable of printing spot colours include metallics.  Furthermore, running our printing presses is a highly experienced and skilled workforce dedicated to producing high quality litho printed product.

Our Litho printing and finishing takes place at our head office premises in Cheshire, alongside our digital printing.  We like to think we can give you the best service anywhere.  So give the team a call to discuss your litho printing in more detail, we'd be delighted to help.  Or you can leave a message in the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Printed hoarding installation for United Utilities in Windermere.

• 3mm ACM Hoarding Boards
• Anti-graffiti Laminate
• Printed using AGFA workflow pre-press software
• Risk Assessment and Method Statements supplied
• Installed with experienced and qualified signage fitters
• Completed within 2 days

Our hoarding printing project start out with a site survey enabling us to create accurate measurements for designers. This is done with Adobe Illustrator so that the designers can see areas that may be hidden, uneven printed hoarding placements and gives our client a good idea of how the hoarding will look once installed. This was produced in collaboration with Parker Design Consultants, see their hoarding pages here.

The site position in Windermere was perfect to communicate to the public how important the work in this area was. After the survey, the hoarding printing was done on our flatbed printing presses in Cheshire. Our workflow software enabled us to colour match the UU brand colours accurately.

Installation Of Hoarding Boards

We provided a Risk Assessment and Method Statements based on our site survey. The printed hoarding used 1220mm x 2440mm ACM hoarding boards and required a lay down area for each section.

We have a professional and experienced hoarding fitting team. Each installation is discussed beforehand and designers use diagrams produced by the site survey to design each length of hoarding graphic. Installation of printed hoarding was made simple by producing the schematic diagram after the site survey. This meant that all hoarding graphics met perfectly and reduced the fitting time.

See more details regarding our printed hoarding here

Creating One Way Vision Windows with Contra Vision

One way vision windows are a simple, cost effective solution using Contra Vision window film. We are specialists in fitting one-way window film across a variety of project types, large or small.  We'll help you choose the right window film to suit your requirements, give qualified advice, and offer the very highest print quality and installation standards. Contra Vision has many different uses.  It's ability to produce stunning graphics on one side and near invisibility on the other always impresses our customers.  Whether you're looking to give privacy to an office whilst still giving visibility from within, or require graphic space without affecting incoming light, our Contra Vision experts can help. This simple fitting was carried out for a temporary office environment that required privacy.  A  self adhesive vinyl graphic would have blocked light and eliminated the view.  And with costs very similar for print and installation, Contra Vision was the obvious choice.  

How Does Contra Vision Work?

Contra Vision uses natural light to perform its trick on the eye.  Holes in the Contra Vision quickly turn glazing into one way vision windows.  The back of the film is usually black and in most cases is fitted to the outside of the windows.  This allows the eye to see "through" the graphic from the inside but will only see the graphic from the outside.  Contra Vision is supplied in many formats including 30%, 40% and 50% of hole versus substrate.  This allows more or less light through, but also affects the image opacity. The most commonly used film is the 40%, and Contra Vision have recently introduced a 40% HD version which has smaller perforations and gives the graphic unequalled print opacity.  Our Sign & Display manager, Jamie Brelsford, will happily talk you through the options.

So There Are Different Kinds of Contra Vision?

There isn't one kind suits all.  A 30% may be more effective than a 50% in some circumstances where the graphic is of most importance.  Though there are films that give solutions to different problems. For instance, this project for a major pharmaceutical company was produced using clear Contra Vision.  And whilst production time is increased, cost of installation was dramatically reduced. [caption id="attachment_989" align="alignleft" width="300"] View from walkways[/caption] Creating one way vision windows usually means applying the window film to the glass from the outside.  In this case the walkways were too high to access cost effectively so we used clear Contra Vision.  Here we printed the graphic in reverse, backed it up with white ink, then printed a flood coat of black. This enabled us to adhere to the inside of the walkways rather than the outside. The result allowed vision through the graphic from the walkways but a very visible graphic from below.

Help and Advice from Johnsons Printers

Johnsons print and install for a range of small and large projects.  Whatever the size of your project, from a small retail window to a complete building wrap, you will receive the very best quality AGFA quality print.  You will be fully supported before and throughout production, and we ensure a safe and professional installation. Give the team a call or leave a message below, and our sign & display team will offer guidance and advice with your project.

Creating window graphics can often open up the many options of window film available.  Your window graphic might be printed and cut to shape or bound by building regulations.  There's a comprehensive range to choose from, and we can help find the best solution for your project.

Window Graphics - Choosing the best window film?

There is a huge range of printed window films available and we hope we can help you choose the most appropriate for you.  We've listed a few solutions below.  You can click through to get more details or give us a call and we can advise or send samples.

Printed Frosted window film

A nice way of adding images to windows, giving privacy without losing the light.  Very often gives a beautifully backlit image and can be seen both sides of the glass. Read more...

One Way Vision Windows

Contra Vision offers privacy, branding and advertising opportunities, to one side of the glass.  Often used for advertising on windows and building wraps rather than a solid vinyl because it doesn't impede visibility from the inside. Read more...

Building regulation window vinyls

Most building regulation window vinyls are simple dots.  This doesn't have to be the case, take a look at some of the more decorative ways to conform with building regulation window manifestations. Read more...

Plotted window graphics

Plotted window vinyl stickers are text or logo's that are cut to shape.  Its a cost effective way to create signage or marketing messages.  Relatively easy to self install and can be printed or plotted from coloured vinyl. Read more...

Easy to Install & Remove window stickers

If you're installing yourself, this is very often the chosen substrate.  It's repositionable and doesn't leave any residue on the windows.   Read More...

Window Clings

Again, easy to remove and easy to apply to windows.  Often used in short term marketing displays or smaller graphic areas such as vehicle windows. Read more...  

Frosted window manifestations

Frosted windows are often used to add privacy or conform with building regulations.  They can perform practical and decorative uses especially when printed.   Read more...