At Benchmark Imaging, we do not recommend PDF “soft proofs.” Why? Because we are as fussy about the color on your replacement panels as you are.
Proofing color on monitors using PDF files is problematic because color will appear not only differently on different monitors, but can appear substantially different from printed material.
The way color is reflected on printed images has a lot to do with the material or substrate on which the image is printed.
When we “hard proof” your image, we will use the actual material your final panel will be printed on. That means the only difference between your proof and the final pop up display replacement panel will be the laminate we use to protect your image, and that is a minor difference.
At Benchmark Imaging we use GretagMacBeth equipment and software to color manage our monitors, printers, and scanners. It is possible, with considerable effort, to rely on monitor images for color if all color variables of the workstation software, workstation monitor, and the environment the workstation is in, are managed properly.
There is, however, nothing Benchmark can do to insure the PDF color and density you view on your monitor will match the panels we ship. Your results are always more predictable when a hard proof is seen first.
If your schedule doesn’t allow enough time for a hard proof, we require that you agree to wave claims of poor color or density on your printing job.