Colour Consistency in Print: Ghanaian Printers’ Knowledge and Awareness of Colour Management

Abstract

With the advances print industry, high-quality printout is crucial for the survival of any press house as the creation and retention of loyal customers greatly depend on it. However, the ability to consistently print high-quality materials is one of the greatest challenges in the printing industry over the years due to differences and limitations in various imaging devices as well as software used in colour reproduction workflows. Colour Management system has proven to be the surest way to achieve consistent colour reproductions. However, understanding how devices capture and reproduce colour, as well as, ensuring an accurate, predictable and consistent reproduction of colour requires a change in workflow and efficient utilisation of digital technologies available. In spite of the use of colour management system and available print technologies the ability to print consistent high-quality colour reproduction repeatedly still remains a great challenge for less endowed press houses all over the world. This study employed the survey research design making use of questionnaires and observation to ascertain the awareness and knowledge levels of print technicians on colour management issues in selected print houses in Ghana. The findings revealed that many of the presses have the required imaging devices yet not calibrated, environmental conditions required for effective calibration were not strictly adhered to and there is low level of awareness on the use of colour management system. The study concludes that the sampled press houses still have fair knowledge about effective colour management practices and the use of available print technologies that help presses to consistently produce high-quality prints. The researchers, therefore, recommend that the presses adhere to effective colour management practices and also employ the available print technologies to help improve their colour output consistency and quality to stay competitive.