K

K and N ink absorbency test

A test comparing the ability of different papers to absorb an ink. The various papers to be tested are overlapped and the ink is thickly applied to the samples for a given time. At the end of the time, the ink is wiped off and the relative ink absorption is observed.

K film

1. The wood pulp created by the sulfate process. 2. Paper made from pulp created by the sulfate process.

kaolin

See China clay.

kerning

The process of changing the horizontal dimension of a type character, or the white space around the character to achieve a visual effect. Other Term: mortise. See also: spacing; word spacing.

key

The reference guide or template, usually printed in black, used to place the color elements and for stripping film. Other Term: key flat. See also: keyline.

Key flat

See key.

keyline

A translucent or transparent instructional sheet that is used to show where various effects, colors, etc. are to appear. See also: key.

knockout

White type on a black or dark background. Other terms: reverse; dropout.

kraft

A brownish paper made from unbleached sulfate wood pulp. Kraft paper is commonly used for corrugated board, grocery bags and commercial wrapping paper.