Abstract
Xerographic prints have a peculiar surface structure different from that of lithographic prints, mainly due to extensive use of uncoated, mat paper and a relatively high density of toner. Since the color toners usually form glossy images to secure color saturation, the non-image area and the image area largely differ in the level of gloss. Thus, any toner distribution always accompanies a corresponding gloss distribution, and any disturbance in toner image yields not only density noise but also gloss fluctuation. We covered a full color image with a uniform layer of clear toner with the intention of reducing such gloss fluctuation. The results were a much more uniform gloss and a remarkable reduction of noise. Microscopic observations of image structure, a colorimetric dot gain analysis and gloss fluctuation measurement using polarized light showed that noise reduction was caused by not only the decrease of gloss fluctuation due to image surface flattening, but the prevention of image disturbance during fusing.
