This is a specific defect primarily seen in gravure and flexographic printing, characterized by microscopic, static-induced tendrils of ink extending from the edges of solid printed areas into the unprinted background. It occurs when static electricity pulls the ink out of the cells before it transfers cleanly to the paper, or when ink viscosity is incorrect. The result is a fuzzy, poorly defined edge that ruins the sharpness of text and fine line work.
We're getting bad whiskering on the black text, so check the static eliminators and see if we need to adjust the solvent mix.
Also heard as
- feathering
Related terms
Slur
A printing defect where the inked image appears blurred or doubled in the direction of paper travel.
Bleed
An extra margin of printed image that extends beyond the final trim size of a page.
Scumming
A lithographic defect where ink adheres to the non-image areas of a printing plate.
Gravure
An intaglio printing process that transfers ink from microscopic cells engraved into a rotating cylinder.