Print imperfections can be upsetting for graphic designers. In fact, a common issue is the inconsistency of black tones between computer screens and paper prints. When it comes to printing, there are different types of black that can be used depending on the project's requirements. The two most common types of black used in printing are Standard Black and Rich Black. And, although they may look identical on screen, these colours have fundamentally different properties when it comes to actual print output.

Standard Black, also known as "True Black" or "100% Black," is a basic black colour that is made up of one ink: black. It is used in printing for text and line graphics as it provides crisp, clear and legible results. For instance, when printing a book or a brochure with predominantly text, it's best to use Standard Black to ensure that the text is easy to read. The CMYK values for Standard Black are 0, 0, 0, 100.

Rich Black is a mixture of 100% black ink and additional colours like cyan, magenta, and yellow. It's used to create a darker, richer black than standard black, giving a more vibrant and intense look to printed materials. It's often used in large areas of solid black, such as backgrounds, images, and logos. The CMYK values for Rich Black can vary, but a common recipe is 60, 40, 40, 100.

Choosing the right black for your prints can be a tough call—Standard Black or Rich Black? For text and thin-line graphics, stick to Standard Black. It's crisp and clear; perfect for readers! But if you're printing large blocks of colour or background, opt for Rich Black. Its bolder look makes an impressive statement with additional depth that Standard Black lacks. But not sure when to steer away from using Rich Black?

• Small text or Text-heavy documents
  When printing small text, Standard Black is the best option. Using Rich Black can cause the text to appear blurry or difficult to read, making it difficult for readers to understand.
• Thin or fine lines
  Fine lines and small details require precise registration and sharpness. Using Rich Black can make these details appear blurry or smudged, ruining the overall look of the design.
• Printing on uncoated paper
  Uncoated paper absorbs ink differently than coated paper, which can result in a muddy or blurry appearance when using Rich Black.

The usage of Standard Black and Rich Black lies in their application. While Standard Black is perfect for text and line graphics, Rich Black is ideal for creating larger solid areas or background colours—just be sure not to overuse them! Too much can lead to saturation, smudging, or ghosting issues. If you need help deciding which type best suits your project needs, then don't hesitate—Print Sunday is here (at only a few clicks away!) to make life easier.