By looking through this linen tester we could distinguish whether is was printed using 4 colour or formula process. The reason we can tell this is because when printed using the 4 colour process we can see the DPI in it because 4 colour uses 4 plates that slightly offset each dot which enables us to see and optically mix the colours. But if it's printed using a formula process all that is visible through the linen tester is a smooth solid colour.
- Formula is raw mixed pigment used for one colour or two colour process
- 4 colour is optical mix using CMYK
We then put our new knowledge and skill into looking at 4 plates that had been printed in CMYK and then the final print when they have all come together. This showed use the process as well as how all the plates come together to create the final piece.
It's amazing looking at the processes because on one plate it can be completely white but on the final print it could be full of colour. This is because that coloured isn't needed to optically mix into the desired colour.
This process also illustrated the costs of mass printing in the really world because you pay per plate, therefore to achieve the final print seen one must pay for four whole plates.
Computer software can also deceive you because it could look 100% black, but in actual fact it's a mix of 2 colours meaning you would have to pay for two plates when in fact you only need one plate. Therefore you should always check the CMYK palette and sliders before getting mass printed or it could end up costing double which could prove costly when working to a clients budget.