Picking
Picking or lifting of paper coating onto blankets, plates, and rollers.
Linting of paper fibers from uncoated stocks onto blankets, plates and rollers.
| Cause | Cure |
|---|---|
| Too much water on paper. | Reduce water settings for proper performance. |
| Fountain solution concentration too high. | Check and adjust concentration of fountain solution. Consult fountain chemistry supplier. |
| Paper surface has excessive coating dust, slitter or trimmer dust, or loose fibers. | Perform tape pulls and consult paper manufacturer. |
| Base stock picks. | If serious enough reject paper, change to a more lint free, pick resistant stock. |
| Impression pressure too great for ink/paper stock combination. | Decrease impression pressure, repack blankets/plates to manufacturers specifications. |
| Blanket is tacky. | Consult blanket manufacturer, change blankets and check blanket wash compatibility with rubber. |
| Ink is too tacky. | Consult ink manufacturer and reduce ink tack. |
| Improper ink and water balance. | Adjust ink and water to achieve proper balance, usually a reduction in water and ink settings. |
| Paper coating is being pulled from surface. | Consult paper manufacturer. |
