Copying a Newspaper

Create a Post
Phoneguy

Phoneguy

MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Joined
Dec 1, 2004
Posts
678
Loc
New Westminster, B.C. Canada
I have a frame to do for a sportswriter. He has a photo of him with Bobby Hull, a photo that he wants reproduced from a book that Bobby gave him during an interview he did (in 1996) along with the original Newspaper that it was published in. The paper is starting to yellow. He wants a mat wtih four windows. I proposed that we scan and reprint the newspaper and then have it reprinted. Tonight I scanned them and printed them on my laser printer and it looks okay but not quite right. I am thinking that printing it on some different paper might look better.

So the question is, can anyone recommend any different ideas, or what kind of paper to use. I may also take it into the local print shop to see what they suggest.

Thanks in advance!

James
 
We always color copy newspaper articles at our local copy shop. I find we get a more true appearance when copied on to bond paper rather than cardstock. The way the machine is maintained is also critical. This company keeps their machines tuned to the proverbial gnat's eyelash, so their results are very consistent. Never thought about scanning them myself, I guess, because I get such good results from CopyQuick. Not sure they'd copy from a book, however. Personally, I think they are pushing it to copy from a newspaper, but I'm not going to raise the issue with them when I am so pleased with the result...
 
I usually take things like that down to the local Kinko's, and use their self-serve color copier. It copies the backround texture of the paper, as well as the text and images. And, it doesn't cost much.
 
James, one problem is that you're copying a screen print and newspapers use pretty coarse screens. Screen prints frequently produce moire patterns when scanned. What we do is scan the picture, enlarge it to 100% in Photoshop, blur until the screen dots are gone and then sharpen it.There is very good software from Kodak (used to be Applied Science Fiction) called Digital GEM that's very useful. When you have a good reproduction, then there is the problem (I wouldn't about a one time copy) of getting the permission of the copyright holder. Kodak also offers Digital ROC that restores the original color to faded photographs which we use a lot. Customer brings in a faded photo and to be framed and we enhance the color; the customer is amazed.
 
we "always" copy ... onto thick/semi-glossy paper...DONOT use regular xrox stuff-much toooo whimpy
 
I scan with a decent 8-1/2x11 flatbed scanner, tweak the image in Photoshop Elements and print on an Epson printer that will do 14x19 or some strange size like that.

Elements will take multiple scans of oversize images and seam them together. I have been known to take an article from page 23 and put it on the front page with the masthead. If the masthead is too big compared with the article, I can reduce it. If the article is a single column 12 inches long, I can rearrange it in a more pleasing format.

Of course, I wouldn't do any of this for someone who is wanting an accurate historical representation but I find that most customers like this treatment.

It's not unusual for the scanning, manipulation and printing to cost much more than the framing.
 
Color copying onto an acid free paper is the way to go if your size is under 11X17. The toners used today are more UV resistant than most lithographic inks. I always tell the customer to take the original newspaper article and put it between two acid free boards and stick it in the bottom of a drawer you never open.

Cost for a color copy in 11X17 if you supply the acid free paper should run anywhere from $ 2.00 to $ 4.00 depending on the shop. If it is black and white, tell them to run it in full color using all four toners...the black only mode does not give you as rich a print. If the original is full color, I would recommend going to a full service imaging bureau and work with an operator of the machine who really knows what he/she is doing. Your average copy shop machine operator generally gets as much training as your average custom framer in the big boxes...of course, there are exceptions, but someone who really knows how to get the best quality prints from differing originals and takes pride in their work and the best care of their equipment is definately worth a buck or two extra per print.

If the artwork is larger than 11X17 you may want to find a printer with a digital press like the Indigo.

It's amazing how low cost quality color reproductioon is compared to to a few years ago.


On a similar, but different note...

Can anyone tell me with any authority if the deacidification sprays or processes do anything to prolong the life of newsprint???

shrug.gif


Dave Makielski
 
I have found that some Kinko's will not allow me to copy newspaper articles....they say it is copyright protected. Some Kinko's don't seem to care. Our local UPS store has a machine that makes beautiful color copies and has a better price than Kinko's. Wherever you go just make sure that when you copy you select full color becuase the default color will not pick up the background color.
Ruth
 
Create a Post
Back
Top