Ghosting

Ghosting in printing refers to a defect where faint images or text appear unintentionally on a print, resembling a shadow or echo of the intended design. This can occur due to various issues such as improper ink transfer, equipment malfunction, or paper inconsistencies.

Synonym

Printing Shadow

Examples

1. Offset Printing: A slight, unintended duplicate of an image appears next to the original, often due to the ink not fully transferring.
2. Digital Printing: Light, ghost-like text appears in areas where it wasn’t intended, usually from previous prints still faintly present on the transfer drum.

Recommendations

• Maintain Equipment: Regularly clean and service printing equipment to prevent residual ink from causing ghosting.
• Control Ink Flow: Adjust ink levels and ensure proper drying to avoid excess ink that can lead to ghosting.
• Check Paper Quality: Use high-quality paper that’s suitable for your printing method to minimize the risk of ghosting.