Total Ink Coverage

When you print different colors on top of each other (as in CMYK printing), there's a limit to how much ink or toner can go on the paper. This limit is referred to as Total Ink Coverage (TIC) or sometimes Total Area Coverage (TAC).

If a designer ignores this limit, the last layer of ink won't stick properly to the layers underneath. This can make neutral colors look muddy, like a dirty brown. Also, the ink might not dry well on the paper, so the still wet sheet could rub off onto other sheets stacked on top of it. High Total Ink Coverage might also make the paper buckle or tear.

We use paper stocks for labels, sleeves and other printed parts that generally have a maximum TIC of 330%.

Eg.: maximum amount of ink in CMYK is for example C: 100% / M: 100% / Y: 100% / K: 30%.

If your artwork has higher TIC than 330% the artwork will be returned to you for edits to maximum allowed TIC.