For the uninitiated, a press check is all of the following:

• the last, perhaps most important step in the production process,
• your best look at printed color quality,
• and, an event you should attend.

Here’s what you need to know and what to do:

1. Be prepared. Have on hand the original materials (proofs, photos, illustrations) against which the press sheet will be compared. Proper lighting (5000° Kelvin) and a magnifier are essential.
   
   
2. Confirm specifications. Verify that you got what you asked for in terms of paper (brand, color, finish, weight) and ink colors (by comparing the press sample to your color proof or swatch book). Recognize that prepress proofs differ from the printed item in at least two significant ways: the proof may look somewhat different because it’s on glossier, white stock. Also, proof color is created with a dry toner or dye, rather than pigment and varnish. Proofing systems try hard, but don’t always exactly recreate the effect of wet ink printed on paper.
   
   
3. Verify registration. Check to see that the image is properly placed on the sheet and that the different ink colors are properly aligned. To check the register of four-color process printing, look through the magnifier along white margins, the edges of color photos, and where one color butts against another. If you see a line of dots from any of the four colors, then the register is off. Since changes in register can affect the color of separations, be sure everything is in register before approving color.
   
   
4. Check critical elements. Pay special attention to the colors that must match, the fine detailing that must be legible, etc. Keep in mind that every page of printing has key areas and you may have to make some concession in non-critical areas (i.e., the background) to more closely match key areas (i.e., flesh tones). Look for color balance and the proper ink density. Check the placement of elements and proof headlines one last time; especially if any elements were changed after seeing the previous proof.
   
   
5. Inspect for flaws:
   paper dust: specks caused by dust from any one of several sources—dust on paper left by dull cutting blades at the paper mills; printer’s failure to back trim; contaminating flecks of dried ink; the use of too much offset powder; or dust from the plant environment. The solutions may require cleaning material, or supplying fresh materials.
   hickey: a piece of dust trapped in one of the four colors that creates a doughnut-shaped flaw (a light or white ring, with a dark center).
   ghosting: an unwanted variation in color can be caused by insufficient ink coverage, or “ghosting”. The solution is to place ghosting bars on the edge of the sheet to compensate for the amount of color being laid down.
   pin holes: tiny white dots caused either by a bad spot in the film (which should be caught in proofing) or on the plate (which can be touched up, or “needled in” on the plate while still on press).
   
   
6. Finishing details. Be sure that the finished piece functions accurately. Ask that the sheet be folded and trimmed for your inspection.
   
   
7. Sign off. Treat this proof as you do others. Circle errors on the sheet. If the flaws are minor (dirt, hickies) you may sign the sheet and leave. Deciding whether another press check is needed depends on your requirements, and your faith in the printer to meet them.  We at Ink & Ideas are glad to take this responsibility for our contracted client. 

This is your last attempt to produce the perfect printed piece. Remember, it is your responsibility to make sure the job accomplishes its goals. The printer has the responsibility to produce a quality piece—properly and efficiently. When both printer and client are mutually aware of requirements, the outcome is a successful printing project.