Lesson 1Sources and References for Further Reading (Standard Industry References and Authoritative Manufacturer Guides)This section lists key standards, books, and manufacturer guides for deeper study. Learners are directed to ISO norms, Fogra and G7 resources, Pantone and paper maker documents, and ink supplier bulletins relevant to fashion packaging.
ISO and Fogra References for Offset PrintingG7 and Colour Management Best-Practice GuidesPantone and Colour System DocumentationPaper Mill Technical Sheets and Swatch BooksInk and Coating Manufacturer Application NotesRecommended Books on Print and PackagingLesson 2Ink Types for Fashion Printing: Sheetfed Offset Inks, UV, Aqueous, Metallics, and Pigment vs Dye-Based InksThis section reviews key ink chemistries used in fashion packaging, comparing sheetfed, UV, aqueous, metallic, and pigment versus dye systems. It links ink choice to drying, rub resistance, special effects, and brand colour fidelity.
Sheetfed Offset Inks: Composition and DryingUV-Curable Inks for High Gloss and DurabilityAqueous Inks and Coatings in Packaging WorkflowsMetallic and Pearlescent Inks for Luxury EffectsPigment vs Dye-Based Colour Strength and StabilityInk Selection for Fashion Brand Colour ConsistencyLesson 3Surface Preparation and Priming for Heat Transfer and Fabric-Compatible PapersThis section covers surface preparation for heat transfer and fabric-compatible papers, including primers, coatings, and corona treatment. It links surface energy and porosity to ink anchorage, transfer efficiency, wash resistance, and colour vibrancy.
Surface Energy, Wettability, and Ink AdhesionPrimers for Toner, Inkjet, and Offset TransfersCoatings for Wash and Rub Resistance on FabricCorona and Plasma Treatment of Synthetic SheetsPretesting Transfer Papers on Target FabricsCommon Surface Defects and TroubleshootingLesson 4Pantone to CMYK Conversion Challenges, Delta E, and Tolerances for Fashion BrandingThis section explores Pantone to CMYK conversion issues, delta E metrics, and tolerances for fashion branding. Learners evaluate proofs, define acceptable shifts, and work with prepress and suppliers to keep colours within brand limits.
Why Some Pantone Colours Fail in CMYKUsing Profiles and Libraries for ConversionsDelta E Formulas and Visual PerceptionSetting Brand Colour Tolerances for PackagingPress Proofs, Drawdowns, and ApprovalsOngoing Colour Monitoring in ProductionLesson 5Substrate-Ink Interactions: Dot Gain, Absorption, Gloss and MetamerismThis section examines how inks interact with substrates, focusing on dot gain, absorption, gloss, and metamerism. Learners see how paper and coating choices influence tone value increase, colour shifts, and visual appearance under varied lighting.
Mechanical vs Optical Dot Gain on PapersInk Absorption, Holdout, and Colour DensityGloss, Matte, and Satin Appearance ControlMetamerism and Lighting Conditions in RetailTesting Ink–Substrate Pairs on Press ProofsAdjusting Curves and Inks for Each SubstrateLesson 6Paper Types for Tags, Lookbooks, Boxes, and Transfer Sheets: Coated, Uncoated, SBS, Recycled, and Specialty StocksThis section details paper types used for tags, lookbooks, boxes, and transfer sheets, including coated, uncoated, SBS, recycled, and specialty stocks. It links each grade to print quality, converting behaviour, and sustainability messaging.
Coated Papers for High-Resolution ImageryUncoated Stocks for Tactile, Natural AestheticsSBS and Folding Boxboard for Rigid CartonsRecycled and FSC Papers for Eco NarrativesSynthetic and Filmic Transfer Base PapersSpecialty Textures, Foils, and LaminatesLesson 7Paper Weight, Caliper, Opacity, Finish, and How They Affect Printing and FinishingThis section explains paper weight, caliper, opacity, and surface finish, and how each property affects ink lay, show-through, stiffness, and finishing. Learners relate paper specs to press settings, cost, and perceived luxury in fashion packaging.
Basis Weight, GSM, and Caliper RelationshipsOpacity, Show-Through, and Print ReadabilitySurface Smoothness, Gloss, and Ink LaydownBulk, Stiffness, and Structural PerformancePaper Choice for Foil, Embossing, and Die-CuttingBalancing Cost, Runnability, and Premium FeelLesson 8Overview of Colour Systems: Pantone (PMS), CMYK, and Spot vs Process Colour ConsiderationsThis section introduces Pantone, CMYK, and spot versus process colour strategies for fashion packaging. It explains when to use brand spots, extended gamut, or CMYK builds, balancing accuracy, cost, and press efficiency across product lines.
Pantone Guides and Fashion Brand StandardsCMYK Process Printing and Gamut LimitsSpot Colours for Logos and Key Brand HuesWhen to Substitute Spots with CMYK BuildsExtended Gamut Sets for Fashion PackagingColour Communication Across Suppliers
