Damage Control

Out of contact: This problem refers to improper drawdown of the plate and negative during expsoure, which results in print flaws like fat type, shiny spots, and filled-in reverses, Cushing said. It is important to use the correct film specifications and equipment vacuum.

Removing any air between the negative and plate is essential, Vertullo said. "This is an important step because pockets of air will disperse light as it passes through the emulsion of the negative, thus affecting the clarity of the exposure," he said. "Also, entrapped oxygen will inhibit the formation of small dots and characters."