Full Version: Color problems - what else?
From: Linda (LINDAG) [#1]
16 Mar 2006
To: ALL
I recently started having a problem with colors. The screen color shows blue (average blue) but the printed color comes out dark purple. Now the graphic shows the same color blue and prints out that color, only the type and vector images come out purple. I have a similar problem with certain reds. Type and vector images come out a rather brick red and bitmaps come out the pretty red on the screen.
I reloaded the latest ICC profiles, and made sure everything in the color management area was set properly. I then installed a new color cartridge. Still having the same problem. If I convert my text to a bitmap, the color comes out correctly.
Anyone have an idea what is going on here?
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#2]
16 Mar 2006
To: Linda (LINDAG) [#1] 16 Mar 2006
Is this something new in your sublimation experience?
I've noticed that TOG recommends changing vector images to bitmap before printing.
I don't know if this is the correct terminology, but the "color engines" of vector and raster graphics programs are known to produce different colors, even though the RGB or CMYK values are identical.
I use Photoshop (bitmap or raster program) and Adobe Illustrator (vector program).
You'll be able to correlate what I'm about to say to your Photopaint (raster) and Corel Draw (vector) programs.
I normally bring my (raster) logos into AI, add type (vector) and print from AI.
If I like the colors in my logo and want my type to match them, what I do is "select" the type, and use the eyedropper tool to "sample" my desired color(s) from the logo, which automatically changes the letter (vector) color to match the logo (raster or bitmap) color.
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#3]
16 Mar 2006
To: Linda (LINDAG) [#2] 16 Mar 2006
You need to go through the entire color profile setup again and see what may have changed. Different inks use different color profiles AND setups. You need to go through yours again.
Be sure that your graphics package is not set up to display the printer output. That causes a mess with sublimation color.
From: Linda (LINDAG) [#4]
16 Mar 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#2] 17 Mar 2006
David,
In the past it wasn't necessary to change the type to a bitmap to get the correct color. I don't mind changing these over, but do you think it makes the type a bit "fuzzy"? It almost seems like it does - I did this on my last job and the customer was very happy - just the same I prefer a crisp look.
I guess I'm also curious why it would change...
From: Linda (LINDAG) [#5]
16 Mar 2006
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#3] 17 Mar 2006
Harvey,
I can try changing them again. I had tried going through this with the previous cartridge, but not with the new one.
How does something like this just change by itself? Such a mystery...
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#6]
17 Mar 2006
To: Linda (LINDAG) [#5] 17 Mar 2006
I have had settings change at times, and I am the only one to use this computer. How a bit can change in a file and not cause a CRC or other error I am not sure. It may be that the software just ignores the error and goes ahead and uses the bad info, then rewrites the file.
Computers are definitely love/hate items.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#7]
17 Mar 2006
To: Linda (LINDAG) [#4] 17 Mar 2006
Like you, I prefer to print actual vector files. Sometimes with raster images, such as photos, added.
A raster image should retain its clarity, as long as you don't enlarge the image after the conversion.
Have you changed anything else in your process?
Changes in transfer paper and/or substrates can have dramatic effect on color accuracy.
From: Linda (LINDAG) [#8]
17 Mar 2006
To: ALL
I haven't changed paper or anything else.
The only clue I have is that when I pull up the Uniform Fill box, in the models tab under reference: it shows the new and old colors. In the new box on the left is one color and on the right is another. Normally these two colors would be the same with the old color on top. In my case the new color I choose is on the right hand side and the color that prints out is the same as the color in the little box on the left. (but both are the new color) Sometimes they are the same color (as it should be) and in those cases I have no problem with the color.
Thoughts?
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#9]
17 Mar 2006
To: Linda (LINDAG) [#8] 17 Mar 2006
That's sounding more like a computer issue.
Operating without sufficient RAM or hard drive space, can cause some functions of graphics programs to drop in and out of functionality.
Occasionally, a reboot will restore functionality to the program. Not simply a restart, but a complete shut down and reboot.
From: Linda (LINDAG) [#10]
17 Mar 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#9] 17 Mar 2006
Thanks David! I have shut it down and restarted numerous times. But the memory issue is quite possible. I'll check into that.
Thanks to both you and Harvey for helping find a solution to this problem!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!! B-)
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#11]
17 Mar 2006
To: Linda (LINDAG) [#10] 17 Mar 2006
I hope some of those suggestions provide a solution.
Happy to help. :-)
From: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#12]
28 Apr 2006
To: Linda (LINDAG) [#8] 28 Apr 2006
Are you using CorelDraw? It sounds like maybe your raster and vector items are using different color spaces (models). Like maybe the raster is using RGB and the vector is using CMYK (or vise versa). My guess is that's why you see two sets of old/new colors in the models tab.
Try selecting some text or vector art and in the properties docker I think you can change the color model with the tiny arrow/triangle in the top right of the properties.
There might be a color model setting in the program's preferencea that changed and is causing this.
This is just a guess. I'm new to CorelDraw and don't have it open at the moment to look, but it's mixing of color models is something it does that has caused me some confusion.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#13]
28 Apr 2006
To: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#12] 28 Apr 2006
There are inherent differences between identical color values, in the same color modes (RGB/CMYK) between raster and vector art programs.
When it comes to ink jet dye sub, the Sawgrass Sublijet IQ PowerDriver is supposed to compensate for that variance.
I have no experience with the PowerDriver, although that feature of the program was highlighted in a product review, by Stephen Spence, a couple of years ago.
From: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#14]
28 Apr 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#13] 28 Apr 2006
Since she was seeing both colors in the "Models" tab of her software, and it sounded like she wasn't seeing that before, I was guessing it may actually be a color model issue in the graphic software rather than the driver.
But I was just guessing. :-)
From: Linda (LINDAG) [#15]
28 Apr 2006
To: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#14] 28 Apr 2006