An off-shade reel fails its color spec even if every strength and surface property is fine, and it is downgraded, sold as seconds or repulped as broke. Common causes are pulp brightness swings, dye pump trouble, filler changes and white water still carrying dye from the previous grade. The opposite, on shade, means the readings sit inside the tolerance box.
Two reels off shade after the grade change, tag them on hold until QA decides.
Also heard as
- off-color
- out of shade
Related terms
Shade
The exact color of a paper grade measured against its approved standard, for whites as well as tinted sheets.
Broke
Paper made on the machine that will not be sold as is, and is repulped and fed back into the stock.
Grade change
Switching a paper machine from one product to another while it keeps running.
Chasing shade
Making repeated dye or brightener adjustments to pull the paper's color back onto target after an upset.