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MartinFFcollector
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While all the ones in the past (to my knowledge) are. Guess they used a new printing method.
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securedsports said:Is there a new printing process or are they pulling the wool over our eyes? I always thought they were reversed too, but with these all over the place, I didn't even care to notice til now.
MartinFFcollector said:Here's what I've learned in the past. Guess it's time to update my info....
Basically all Chrome plates are reversed. Non Chrome = "normal".
Here's how I understand it.
The images that are "normal" have been that way since the early 60's (earliest Topps plate I've seen). The plates we use at work, ones used to make newspapers, Beckett magazine plates that are often offered for sale etc are all the "normal" way. The reversed ones are for Chrome.
"Regular" facing plates were used to make non Chrome cards using an offset process - which means the ink (a primary color) is applied via the plate to a rubber roller - which now would be the "reverse" of the plate - and that is applied to the cardboard - and thus will look like the plate. That's how offset printing is done.Offset printing has the advantage of consistent high quality image production.
Reversed Image/Chrome plates- That means that the plate came directly in contact with the sheet as opposed to offset where the image is transferred from the plate to a rubber pad and then to the sheet.4-colors are required for C (Cyan), M (Magenta), Y (Yellow), K (Black) printing. 1 plate is produced for each run a card makes through the press - 1x for each color.
In 1993 Flair had a 6 color printing process adding Orange and Green.
rico08 said:I don't think the word "normal" can be applied to printing plate images since it has more to do with how the card was printed and less to do with whether it is on Chrome stock or not.
And a quick eBay search will show multiple examples for other years--2008 Topps was not reversed, for example.
GarkoCollector said:Heritage still uses the plates to print (Also not reversed)
MartinFFcollector said:... They state on the backs of plates that this was used to manufacture the actual card etc.
Juddy said:Why in the hell would I bother lying about something so meaningless as the origin/usage of printing plates? Good gracious......are you kidding me? Really?