Digital Prints

I have one more thing to do before making the final prints. Using the same settings as my
approved test, I go back to the file, reload a sheet of 13 × 19-inch paper, and I make
another print. I use the traditional printmaking term—bon à tirer, which means “good to
print” in French—and write it on the final proof as a reminder. (If you use an outside
printmaker, they will undoubtedly ask you to similarly sign off on the approved test print
so they can use it as a guide against which all the final prints must conform.)
I’m ready to go.
Step 11: Make the Final Print(s)
Final prints require more planning. Test prints are disposable (or make great gift cards),
but depending on how many of the real thing you’ll now be printing at once, you need to
think through this last step before you start:
■ How long do the prints need to dry before they can be stacked or stored? (I’ll let them air
dry for several hours; glossy paper can take up to 24 hours or more. The HP paper with
the grainy back takes less.)
■ How many are you doing and how will you store them? Do you have an envelope or box
that’s big enough? (The original box the paper came is the perfect storage container.)
■ How will you keep the prints from being damaged or soiled while handling? Do you have
a clean worktable? Do you have cotton photo-darkroom gloves to wear? Do you have a
good way—compressed air, for example—to clean off surface dust or dirt?
■ Do you need to do any coating, spraying, or other type of finishing of the prints? How,
when, and where will that be done?
■ Are you signing and numbering the prints? When? How?
These are just some of the obvious questions that need answers; you will undoubtedly have
more. In my case, since I’m only making one print for framing (and one extra as a backup),
I have my drying table, acid-free glassine cover sheets (available at any art supply store),
empty paper storage box, and gloves ready.
With everything in place, I re-open my final
digital file, inspect and load the paper, do a
quick check of the HP ink status icons on the
front panel (see Figure 8.24) to make sure I
have enough ink remaining for the job, verify
all my settings, and hit the Print button.
As soon as the print comes out of the printer,
I pick it up at the edges and carefully inspect
it. It’s perfect, and it goes to the drying area
to lay flat while I return to the computer and
print a backup copy.
A few hours later, I blow off any accumulated
dust, and separate the two prints with
slip sheets of glassine. To protect the
edges as well as the prints in general,
Chapter 8 ■ Making a Great Inkjet Print 275
Figure 8.24 The six icons on the
130’s front panel refer to the amount of
ink in each of the ink cartridges. If any
are flashing, they need to be replaced.