For many publishers, photographers, designers, and creators, a press check is one of the most exciting steps in bringing a printed project to life. At Friesens, it’s also one of the moments we love the most, because it gives us the chance to collaborate with you directly, fine-tune your vision, and make sure the final product is everything you hoped for a more.
This is also your chance to evaluate colour, consistency, and overall print quality while your project is running on press. It’s where your creative decisions meet the craftsmanship of our press operators.
Here’s what you can expect when you come to Friesens for a press check!
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Most of our guests fly into Winnipeg, where we’ll pick you up for the 90-minute trip to our facilities. Your comfort is important to us, which is why we offer modern customer suites right across from our Printers Way facility, complete with workspaces, WiFi, a kitchenette, comfortable private rooms, and yes…a library of books.
Fun tip: avoid packing bright clothing to wear at the plant…they can influence how colours look under pressroom lighting!
YOUR FIRST STOP
When you arrive at the plant, we’ll start with an opening meeting where you’ll meet:
- Your press operator
- The pressroom supervisor
- Your Project Specialist or Sales Manager
This is your chance to tell us what matters most…specific images to watch, colour sensitivities, or anything you want “just right”. We’ll review timelines and give you your Press Check Schedule. If time allows, we’ll also take you on a plant tour.
INSIDE THE PRESSROOM
Press checks take place right at the press under ISO 5000K lighting, which closely simulates natural daylight for accurate colour evaluation. You’ll work at the press console with the operator, compare press sheets to your approved proofs, and discuss any necessary adjustments.
The first sheet is the most important one, as it sets the colour standard for the entire run. Approving it usually takes about 10-15 minutes, but the first may take a bit longer as we establish baselines. Once you’re happy:
- You sign and date the sheet
- It becomes the official standard for the run
- The operator monitors the rest for consistency
What’s important to note is that the press check is for colour, not content. Large content changes at this stage can be costly, but we can make minor touchups within the limitations of offset printing.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU’RE DONE?
You’re welcome to take press sheets home with you as a souvenir, either rolled in a tube or hand-folded and gathered into signatures that show the page order. It’s a great keepsake and a helpful reference for future projects!
A press check isn’t just another step in the production process, it’s a collaboration. We’re committed to making sure you feel supported, heard, and confident from the first sheet to the final signature. Because at the end of the day, we’re not only printing pages, we’re bringing your vision to life!
We want you to walk away excited about your project and confident in the craftsmanship behind it. And more than that, we want you to look forward to your next visit! Your trust means everything to us, and we’re honoured every time you choose Friesens to help share your story.
