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Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive by Ron Joseph March, 2007 Color Matching for Silk Screening Q: Is the screen mesh critical in being able to match the color chips in the 595 Standard? I have always assumed that when you select a color (I.E. 10049, Maroon) that a supplier would match that color chip regardless of the size of the mesh being used. A: What screen mesh are you referring to? Please give me more details ... Q2: Is the screen mesh critical in being able to match the color chips in the 595 Standard? I have always assumed that when you select a color (I.E. 10049, Maroon) that a supplier would match that color chip regardless of the size of the mesh being used. We use 235 mesh screens in our Silkscreen process. Basically it is the number of holes per square inch. In this case, 235 holes per square inch. Our shop use's this process to make decals on polyesther paper. I have had one company tell me that they cannot match the 595 Spec unless they know the size mesh we use. I found this hard to believe because you are matching to a color chip, not to what you will be using it on. Granted, you could have a slightly different shade depending what your use is. But the color should look like the color chip you request before shipment. I'm trying to determine if the screen would have any impact on color. If you need more information, please let me know. P.S. We ordered some 10049 Maroon from a vendor and we determined that what was actually in the can was 10032 Brown. We believe that the vendor was using the mesh size as an excuse in order to avoid admitting that a mistake was made. In the past, we have never ordered 595 Inks from any vendor where we had to specify screen mesh size. A: I have no idea why the vendor told you this and I agree with your assumption; namely that the color should not be different. If you were using a very low gloss coating/ink then perhaps the mesh size would affect the apparent color, because diffusion of reflected light from the coated surface might change depending on the application. In this case the perceived color (as seen by a human observer) might be different, but the true color (as measured on a spectrophotometer that excludes the spectral component) would be expected to be the same. Here is a simple test that will confirm or contradict your assumption. Using a spatula or paint brush, apply the coating to a smooth surface, such as polished glass. Apply sufficient coating to totally obliterate the background. This is critical. The background color must not show through or influence the final color. Now compare the color on the glass with the Federal Standard 595B color. If the two don't match then you have proven your point. Regards, Ron Joseph
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