Short time spreading and wetting of offset printing liquids on model calcium carbonate coating structures

► Imaging of offset printing liquids spreading on porous pigment surfaces with a high speed camera. ► Short time spreading controlled mainly by liquid properties. ► Pore structure important, especially for polar liquids, both at short and long times. ► Verifies the theory that linseed oil absorbs through adsorption along the pore walls. ► Findings useful for redesigning matt paper coatings to resist print rub.