Optimal light 'temperature' for ink mixing/proofing area?

[jvanick]

we generally do our eye matches outside in the sun as the flourescent lights in the shop can throw the colors off.

I'm getting ready to upgrade our ink mixing area and was thinking of adding an additional fixture over the ink table...  Suggestions on what 'color' tubes to use?

I see a whole bunch of stuff from 'daylight' to 5000K to 6500K to 7500K and everywhere in between.

I know that the right answer is a 'pantone' light box, but we're certainly not doing any matching that where near advanced.

so.. suggestions?  Maybe an LED option???

[jsheridan]

grab your pantone book.. in the front or back is a dedicated page to test your light booth, it's a big block and when the light is right, you can't see a color difference.

I want to say 5500 is the light wave to use.

[jvanick]

sweet... just found that it even says it in there.. duh.

for future reference, looks like 5000K is the right 'color' temperature

[im_mcguire]

We just installed new lighting in my print area.  5000K bulbs everywhere.  They are great.  Go that route, you wont be disapointed...

[tonypep]

Pantone sells/sold color matching booths. Neutral gray with at least three light sources to choose from or combine.

[mimosatexas]

Others have pretty much covered the bases, 5000k and a light gray (18% gray) flat painted walls/surfaces is ideal.  I always actually take the ink outside as well as looking at a smear in the mixing area because sometimes it can look freaking weird in one or the other even when the color is "correct" and I will adjust accordingly.

[ScreenFoo]

FWIW, the color temp is not necessarily that good of an indicator of the accuracy of a light source.
If I'm not mistaken, a CRI of 90+ is more what you want to look for.

Google CRI vs. temperature for more info.

[blue moon]

and fluorescent bulbs fade, find LEDs (which will degrade with heat, so keep them cool).

pierre