The problem of banding can be difficult or simple to deal with depending
on a few factors. The "bands" you are seeing are a direct result of
having a large area of transition (length of blend) and how much
difference in color (transition amount). If you go from 100% black to 0%
black (not white, white is NOT a color)over a short distance, say 3
inches, you will not generally see any banding. I say "generally"
because not all printers can print the transitions "well enough" to show
a smooth gradation. If we are talking about 100% black to 0% black over
10 inches then you're probably NOT going to see a smooth transition
because of the distance. What's the difference? The difference is how
long each "band" of color must be to complete the gradation. Each
gradation would be in this case 98 steps.

If you're dealing with a shorter amount of transition, say 40% to 0%
over 3 inches you're probably going to be fine. But 40% to 0% over 10
inches is a veritable guarantee of banding.

There are things that can be done to mitigate the likelihood of banding
in the RIP by using specialized algorithms, various halftone screening
techniques, and a very simple PhotoShop trick. Simple in PhotoShop I
should say, not necessarily simple in using the trick with the
respective art.

But we would need more specific details.

Matt Beals
Consultant
Enfocus Certified Trainer
Markzware Recognized Trainer
(206) 201-2320 - Main
(720) 367-3869 - eFax
mailto:matt@mattbeals.com

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