Good holdout keeps the ink film near the surface, giving strong color, high print gloss and sharp dots. It depends on coating pore structure, sizing and surface treatment. Too little holdout leads to dull print and strike-through, while too much slows drying and invites set-off in the delivery pile.
Holdout is too good on the new coating, the ink is still wet at the delivery and we're getting set-off.
Also heard as
- holdout
Related terms
Print gloss
Gloss of the printed ink film on a paper, as distinct from the gloss of the bare sheet.
Snap
Pressroom word for the visual contrast between glossy printed areas and the surrounding paper.
Strike-through
Penetration of ink or its oil vehicle through a sheet far enough to darken or stain the reverse side.
Mottle
Uneven, blotchy appearance in a print or coating, seen as cloudy patches of density or gloss.