Common Mistakes 3 of 6
Material Mistakes
Material mistakes are sometimes blamed on the PNG because they affect the visible artwork, but the underlying problem is an unsuitable, inconsistent, damaged, or improperly prepared production surface.
Common material mistakes
| Mistake | Possible effect | Better practice |
|---|---|---|
| Using an incompatible blank or stock | Poor transfer, adhesion, cure, engraving, or durability | Use materials approved for the selected method |
| Ignoring material color | Transparent areas and printed colors appear different than expected | Preview and proof on the actual product color |
| Skipping cleaning or pretreatment | Contamination, weak adhesion, uneven color, or visible defects | Follow the validated material-preparation procedure |
| Mixing untracked material lots | Results shift between units or repeat orders | Record supplier, specification, color, and lot when relevant |
| Using damaged or inconsistent blanks | Artwork cannot hide dents, coating defects, stains, or warping | Inspect materials before production |
| Assuming one setting fits every substrate | Heat, ink, pressure, or laser response may be unsafe or incorrect | Validate settings for the exact material and product |