• Normally, they are made to be transparent. Even so-called "opaque" inks may need two passes through the press before 100 percent opacity is achieved.

• They overprint one another while the colors are still wet. The adhesion of one wet ink to another is called "trap."

• They give a glossy appearance when dry. Darker colors tend to be glossier than lighter ones. Laying down more ink increases gloss.

• Paper has more of an effect on ink gloss than does the ink itself. Uncoated papers absorb ink, making them look dull. Supercalendered and coated papers cause inks to dry on the surface of the sheet, heightening their luster.

• Heatset drying also increases ink gloss.

• Ink is thick--as thick as honey. Every time a color is changed on press, the press has to be washed down with rags and solvents to remove all traces of the old color. Press washups take time and cost money. The customer whose job requires the ink change pays for the washup.

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