Use this image to examine potential dot gain problems on your image caused by ink, paper and printer settings. Too much dot gain will make the shadows in the background of an image disappear. On the image shown below, if the plus signs start disappearing when you print it, then there is too much inkspread or dot gain. Use the advanced printer settings to reduce the ink flow.
If you have an Epson printer, move the sliders for C, M, & Y to the left to about -15. This is the first thing to try. -15 may be too much, you will have to experiment. If it is not enough, try moving the Saturation slider to -15 as well. If this does not work, select a different paper type. Higher in the list means less ink flow. Change your dpi settings to correspond with the paper.
If these type of adjustments do not give you the reduction in dot gain that you need, try adjusting the color curves in Photoshop. This can be difficult, seek the advice of your favorite reference book on Photoshop.
The above image was made from a "tif" file that is larger. The "jpg" file may lose resolution due to downloading and re saving. So, we have put both this "jpg" and the larger "tif" file in a downloadable zip file. Click here to download. To expand the file you will need PKZip for PC's or Stuffit for Mac's.
If you make your own version of this file from the "tif" file, keep it on the small side right around 2.4" x 2". If it is too large you will not see the dot gain effects.
