DIP Online
Designs Ink
Publishing Article Archive and Reference Library
Articles
by Chris A. Paschke, CPF GCF CMG
"Color Copies: Part 2 - The Rest Of The
Story"
April 1997
Speaking of copiers and their impact on framing, part two of this report
will explore the rest of the story on the remaining assorted items tested for
accuracy, heat and laminate tolerances.
To briefly recap, all available 4-color copiers within the city limits
of a small town were used to duplicate a select grouping of original images. They
were all to be copied on copier paper selected by the operator, on regular
settings, or general copy modes, with no special instructions for the operator
other than to duplicate as closely to the original as possible.
The copiers (not printers) used in the last part of this study remained
the same as for the color, detail and lightfastness portion in the first part. They
included Xerox 5775, Xerox Majestic 5765, Xerox Regal 5790, Ricoh NC 5006,
Kodak 1525+ Coloredge, Canon 350 and Canon CJ17.
ASSORTED ITEM TEST
As noted in "COLOR COPIES...LIGHTFASTNESS TO LAMINATES", March
1997, the project goal was first to determine which copier would most
accurately duplicate an original (the Polaroid) in terms of color and detail
using a controlled paper (20# 100% cotton rag), then establish if the findings
would hold true for assorted commonly framed items. Pieces selected for the
second part of the study included:
1) B/W 1960 studio photo, yellowed w/age
2) Newspaper clipping
3) Contemporary certificate
4) Marriage license, 1947
These were all meant to be hypothetical framing projects. This report
examines test results and gives a bottom line recommendation for framing. The
additional items were all originals and meant to be thought of as brought in by
a customer. If the only surviving copy, it would then require archival
handling, if meant to last. Newspaper clippings will yellow and deteriorate with
time, as will old photos. Since technology has been capable of creating
excellent duplicates, copies are often suggested as alternatives to framing an
original.
THE COPYRIGHT ISSUE AGAIN
Selecting items for part two of the study brought up the copyright issue.
Studio photographs, newspaper clippings, and legal documents are ALL copyright
protected. Most reputable copy/print shops are aware of the legal implications
which surround copying of protected materials, and many will not make a duplicate
under any circumstances. Others may have a release form to be signed by you stating the need for the duplicate,
which might better protect them if ever charged with copyright infringement.
GENERAL IMPRESSIONS
It was anticipated the results of the black and white photograph,
newspaper and certificate copies would follow on a similar scale as the earlier
color Polaroid images. Surprisingly the copiers that rated highest in color,
detail and accuracy for the brightly colored photo (Xerox followed by Canon,
Kodak and Ricoh) did not rank nearly as high when it came to the same
requirements for subtle aged images.
COMPARISON CHART
Although each copier and individual test was rated on a 1-10 chart, the
following chart compiles the results from best
to worst with #1 delivering the most accurate duplicate of the
original. Dashes indicate a lack of test
copy due to copyright conflicts. Xerox consistently ranked in the top three as
far as color and accuracy, with the exception of the certificate test for textured
paper. Kodak and Canon did well with B/W photo reproduction, while Ricoh
registered subtle paper textures best.
Each test will be discussed individually for better understanding of the
chart, then followed by recommendations.
B/W 1960 PHOTO
A B/W fiber-based (silver gelatin) studio portrait from 1960 was selected
for it's aged yellow coloring and gray tones.
Originally considered a black and white, it exhibited a strong cream tone
almost appearing color tinted. Copiers may be set on a variety of copy modes,
such as photo, text, color, auto or a combination of them. The test photo was
copied on both full color mode and b/w photo mode, attempting not to have special
correction settings used. They were all copied onto the copier paper of choice
selected by each individual company, and all were instructed to make it look as
much like the yellowed original as possible.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The color copies all had a tendency to appear rather fuzzy with a color
intensification of yellow, sometimes green. Overall the result was a
disappointment, white highlights were hot and detail was lost. In any event,
the results were generally not good enough to be used as a facsimile for an
original aged photograph. A studio portrait reshot by a professional lab to
match existing yellowed colors would be a suggestion.
Kodak 1525 = in color mode
created a decent B/W print
Xerox 5790 = B/W mode whites
appear hot/ grays pretty good almost photo appearance
Ricoh 5006 = Color mode has
yellowed highlights/faded whites
B/W
mode lost crisps/fake looking
Xerox 5775 = B/W mode washed
out/no good
Color
mode fuzzy and yellowed
Xerox 5765 = Color mode
turns grays yellow-green/not good
Canon 350 = Color mode very fuzzy/yellow-blue
B/W
too dark/grainy/lost detail
Canon CJ17 = No grainy,
hazy, yellow-orange tints
NEWSPAPER W/COLOR PHOTO
Surprise! Newspapers have copyright on their articles. The concept of
"buy more papers if you want more copies" seems the reason. Advise
customers to purchase all the copies necessary for reframing if possible. If it
is out of date or otherwise unavailable, copying is the only answer for
duplicates.
Since newspapers rapidly deteriorate it has been suggested to copy them
for framing. Newspapers are copyrighted material and many print shops will
disallow duplications. They may offer a release to be signed, stating reasons
for the copy and removing the shop from possible future liability. Then they
may proceed with duplication, but not always.
A newspaper article was clipped from August 1996 USA Today for it's
newsprint paper, color photo and need for detail.
A strip of black was placed behind half to prevent ghosting and check for
color change. Since there is the desire
to reproduce items as authentically as possible, appearance of newsprint paper
and colors as well as crispness of photo
image are important during duplication. Copying would be a great solution
if the correct copier and copyright issues could be dealt with.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Copiers fell in all ranges of accuracy, and generally crispness was
sacrificed for color or newsprint appearance.
Ratings were based on the 1-10 scale for color, detail, and overall
accuracy for duplication of the original.
The list below reflects the seven copiers from most like the original to
least. Canon CJ17 and Kodak 1525 were
not reviewed, being disallowed for copyright infringement.
Xerox 5775 = Most true to original colors and ghosting when printed on
full color mode/but grainy photo
Xerox 5765 = Full color mode yellows newspaper/sharper photo
Xerox 5790 = Full color adds green to newspaper/photo OK/very intensified
ghosting/excellent photo color dup
Canon 350 = Full color still
blackens grays/hotter colors than original photo/more ghosting
Ricoh 5006 = Full color washed out newsprint to white/pink tint to
black/red in all colors/no ghosting
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
A gray textured certificate of completion, printed on Gainsborough
Blueweave 80# Text Paper with a visual speckled flannel-like texture was
selected. The printing ink was black with a pale 10% gray screened logo
background running down the left side.
The ball point pen signature will fade by exposure to visible light,
therefore decisions must be made as to whether the certificate should be
exposed to framing. Though glazing with UV protection will prevent the paper
from rapidly fading it will not protect the ink signature from visible light.
Since the customer would obviously want to exhibit the certificate, the problem
is to duplicate the certificate as closely as possible to the original...paper
and all.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The challenge was to see whether a copier was capable of registering the
textural gray paper, the pale 10% screen logo and still produce nice solid
blacks with crisp edges. The results illustrated no copier was able to pick up
the blue-gray paper color even in full color mode. The best duplicate was able
to establish texture, crisp lines and solid darks, but not color.
Printing the copy onto a blank of Gainsborough Blueweave paper rather
than white is a possible solution, but all the copiers duplicated the small
flecked dot pattern to some degree which could fight with the paper. So, is it
worth the headache and confusion to try to protect the ink by copying? Probably
not.
Perhaps the best solution is to advise the customer of the ink fade,
select a UV glazing material and proceed with the framing. You might want to
add a note concerning the signature on the disclaimer or supply information on
the back of the frame for future reference.
MARRIAGE DOCUMENT
My parents' marriage license from St. Edward Church, Chicago 1947, was
selected because of yellow aged paper, green currency border, blue fountain pen
ink and delicate engraved line detailing. The test was to determine the best
copier
for duplication of original colors and detail while maintaining
authenticity in appearance.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The copyrighted document from St. Edwards Church was a problem, even
though it was my deceased parents', many printers did not wish to make
duplicates. The question then arose, should this really be duplicated and
framed or simply saved.
Once copied, the results were fairly extreme in the color and detail
variances between machines. Generally, any of the Xerox machines on full color
mode created an acceptable duplication which would be fine for a shadow box
creation of mementos, photos and documents. Ricoh and Canon intensified the
colors creating a distortion and fuzziness in the border. The Kodak 1525, color
corrected the currency green border to black, according to the operator this
was automatic.
WHICH COPIER FOR WHICH
PROJECT
So what does all this mean? It was hoped to be able to give a suggested
copier for best general duplication for framing purposes. What was discovered
was the selection of a 4-color copier to best duplicate an original varies with
the original. There is no simple answer.
Some machines excel in line duplication while others are more true to
color. Tests can vary within the same
copier line (all Xerox 5775s), the result of different copy papers, toners and
if the copier is due for servicing. All were lightfast.
Get to know copier availability in your area. Conduct a few basic tests
on your own by copying a B/W photo, newspaper and document. Then be prepared to
select the most accurate machine available based upon the requirements of
original color accuracy, copyright infringement, as well as meeting mounting needs
and laminating tolerances. Laminates should still probably not be suggested for
these projects and mounting should remain limited to the lowest temperatures,
cold mounting techniques or hinges.
* A special thanks to Seal Products for allowing the ongoing research of
copiers (and now in 1997 printers), their tolerances and use in art and
framing, by funding this long term project. The chart is available in
TH&LH, 2nd Edition.
END
For more articles on design see the Design Series under Articles by Subject.
Additional information on mounting basics is found
in The Mounting and Laminating
Handbook, Second Edition, 2002,
and The Mounting And Laminating
Handbook, Third Edition, 2008. Creative
Mounting, Wrapping, And Laminating, 2000 will teach you everything you need to know
about getting the most from your dry mount equipment and materials as an
innovative frame designer. All books are available from Designs Ink Publishing through this website.
For live consultations with Chris Paschke, CPF GCF
call Designs Ink, 661.821.2188. A flat fee of $25 will be charged for each new
technical problem. Unlimited calls or emails are allowed for each established
mounting problem.
Chris A Paschke, CPF GCF
Designs
Ink
Designs
Ink Publishing
785 Tucker Road, Suite G-183
Tehachapi, CA
93561
661.821.2188