Overdeinked

Overdeinked is a term used to describe a piece of paper or other substrate that has received too much ink during the printing process. This can lead to a variety of problems, including smudging, bleeding, and poor image quality. The amount of ink that is considered "too much" can vary depending on the type of paper, the printing technology used, and the desired outcome. However, generally speaking, overinking occurs when the ink saturates the fibers of the paper, making it unable to absorb any more.

One of the primary causes of overinking is improper ink density settings in the printing software or on the printing press. If the ink density is set too high, the printer will lay down more ink than the paper can handle. Another cause can be using the wrong type of ink for the specific paper being used. Some inks are designed for absorbent papers, while others are formulated for non-absorbent surfaces. Using an ink that is too viscous or has a high pigment load on an absorbent paper can easily lead to overinking.

The consequences of overinking can range from minor aesthetic issues to complete print failure. Smudging occurs when wet ink is easily disturbed, leading to blurred lines and colors. Bleeding happens when ink spreads beyond the intended boundaries, often seeping into adjacent areas or through the paper. In severe cases, overinking can cause the paper to warp or become brittle, rendering the printed material unusable. To avoid overinking, it is important to use appropriate ink densities, select the correct ink and paper combination, and ensure proper drying times between print passes.