Glossary

The PRINTING United Alliance Glossary serves as an excellent industry terminology resource. It is the language by which we all communicate. Without it, universal understanding would be impossible.

To keep our constituents well informed about changes to the increasingly complex industry terminology, PRINTING United Alliance has developed this glossary of terms. Definitions are for general reference only. Usage may vary between companies, individuals, or national and country customs. The information presented is as accurate as the authors and editors can ascertain and PRINTING United Alliance assumes no responsibility for the use of information presented herein.
  • Bleach
    (1) Method of measuring the tinctorial strength of an ink or toner; (2) Generic for household bleaching agent such as Clorox®, sometimes used for reclaiming printing screens.
  • Bleach board
    A paper boards that is totally composed of bleached fiber.
  • Bleaching
    The removal of color or other material by chemical action.
  • Bleed
    (1) The spreading or migration of an ink component or dye into an area where it is not wanted; (2) The spreading or running of a pigment color by action of a solvent; (3) Color printed to or beyond the finished outer edges of a substrate; (4) The part of the page that is trimmed off, referred to as selvage.
  • Bleeding
    (1) The diffusion or migration of color from an ink film to the surrounding surface, with which it comes in contact; (2) Migration of dye from a fabric to the ink or coating previously applied, usually initiated by heat.
  • Blend
    (1) The content of the fabric sometimes used in the manufacture of a garment such as 50% cotton and 50% polyester; (2) Printing two colors so smoothly that there is no perceptible line at their intersection; (3) A mixture of solvents, resins, and/or pigments; (4) Inter-mixture of two or more colors; (5) In computer graphic software, the intermediate steps between two objects created when the objects are merged together via a specified number of intermediate steps.
  • Blending
    (1) Intermix of two or more solvents and/or pigments; (2) Arrangement of colors, and act of printing by intermixing various colors on the screen to provide an even gradation from one intensity to the next without using photomechanical techniques.
  • Blind embossing
    Impressing a relief image into a substrate without first printing the image.
  • Blister (blistering)
    (1) A defect consisting of a bubble that forms during drying or fusion and remains in the print after drying or firing is complete; (2) A bubble entrapped in a glass or ceramic article.
  • Block out
    Sealing the mesh of the printing screen against pinholes and leakage in the areas between the image and the extreme edges of the frame.
  • Blocking
    An undesired adhesion between layers of material placed in contact under moderate pressure and/or temperature in storage or use, usually occurs in a stack of printed material that is stacked prior to thorough drying.
  • Blockout solution (blockout compound) (blockout filler)
    Liquid masking material used to cover pinholes and non-image areas of the screen mesh around the perimeter of the stencil.
  • Bloom
    (1) The bluish-gray milky veil that appears on the surface of a print under adverse conditions of heat and humidity; (2) A film that forms on glass enamel or precious metal as a result of atmospheric action during firing.
  • Blotch
    An area of discoloration, usually irregular in shape.
  • Blotting
    (1) To spot or stain; a spreading blemished effect; (2) To soak up or absorb moisture from a stencil that has been previously exposed, washed out, and adhered to the mesh with an absorbent material.
  • Blow back
    Reversal of the vacuum action of a vacuum printing table that aids in the fast removal of printed substrate.
  • Blow molding (BM)
    A method of fabricating where a parison (hollow tube) is forced into the shape of the mold cavity by internal air pressure.
  • Blow up
    (1) An enlargement of an original copy; (2) An oversize picture of a product or advertising message.
  • Blowing agent
    A chemical that is added to plastic and generates inert gases upon heating causing expansion.
  • Blue
    One of the three additive colors of light.
  • Blue printer (C)
    In process color reproduction, the film positive or printing screen for reproducing the color cyan. The letter C is used to designate this color.
  • Blue sensitive film
    Photographic film or emulsion which is sensitive to only the blue or ultraviolet portions of the spectrum.
  • Blueline
    A blue graphic image proof.
  • Blunging
    A mechanical mixing of clay or slip with water.
  • Blur (motion blur)
    Softening of image detail, usually Accomplished through software averaging of pixel values to soften edges.