Prevent Transit Marking

As printing and binding professionals know, the opportunity for product damage increases every time paper is moved.  The transportation gremlins don’t care what stage your job is in: Pre-production; work-in-process; or, post production.  “Transit marking” problems are a reality.  Minimize headaches by recognizing potential trouble when shipping jobs and taking appropriate preventative measures.

Predictive Indicators

• If your book’s cover has moderate or heavy ink coverage and lacks coatings such as varnish, aqueous, UV or film laminate, then it’s “likely” to mark.  Check for wet ink by running your hand across sheets, searching for tackiness.  (Note: Even if the ink is dry and flood varnish has been applied, there’s still no guarantee that transit marking won’t happen, especially if it’s dull varnish.)

• Thick books with unvarnished enamel covers are likely to mark. 

• If books have die cut covers or uneven surface levels (i.e., pockets on the cover), marking may form along raised edges due to uneven friction, much like a brass rubbing. 

• Be careful of books with heavy ink coverage on the front cover and light ink on the back. 

• Also, be careful with reflex blue.  Other inks to watch include reds, purples and metallics. 

• High humidity is dangerous because it can hinder the drying process of both ink and varnish.  Hot temperatures can moisten ink, which also contributes to transit marking.

Frank Shear is President of Seaboard Bindery, a service-oriented trade bindery located in Woburn, Massachusetts. His company specializes in offering high quality perfect and layflat binding, saddle stitching, Wire-O™, plastic spiral and other mechanical binding solutions. Call Frank at (781) 932-

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