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Unlock scanner head (if necessary)
HP ScanJets and Canon Canoscan models have a sliding lock on the case, Umax and Microtek scanners use a bolt.
Note: the scanning head assembly should be locked before moving a flatbed scanner. -
Clean scanner glass
Use a lint-free cloth with indirect spray. When necessary, the underside can be cleaned by disassembling the scanner and removing the top cover.
Note: to help keep the glass clean, attach a post-it note to the back of an image to be used as a tab to lift the image off the glass. -
Clean monitor screen
LCD: use a solution of diluted isopropyl alcohol, no more than a 50% strength. Rubbing alcohol is either 90% or 98% pure, it should be mixed 1 part water and 1 part isopropyl alcohol. Be sure to use a very soft cloth. Do not use paper towels or anything more abrasive than a cotton T-shirt. Do not use any ammonia-based cleaner, e.g. Windex, they can etch the screen surface and cause the plastic to go cloudy.
CRT: use a lint-free cloth dampened with a mixture of mild detergent that has been diluted to 10% strength. Alternatively, special CRT screen cleaning solutions can be purchased at most computer stores.
Caution: alcohol or ammonia based products are not recommended as they can damage the monitor’s anti-glare coating. -
Adjust CRT monitor:
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color depth: Display Properties > Settings > Color Quality: 24 or 32 bit;
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color temperature: 6500°K;
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brightness determines black level;
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contrast determines white level, 90% - 100%;
- default monitor profile: sRGB Color Space Profile (display Properties > Settings > Advanced > Color Management);
- reference: CRT Monitor Calibration Guide
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Warmup lamp
Allow time for the lamp to warm up to ensure the best image quality. If the scanner is idle for a specific time period the lamp turns off automatically in order to prolong its life. When you are ready to scan an internal timer prevents you from scanning until the lamp has warmed up to the proper illumination level for the best image quality possible. Scanning before the lamp has fully warmed up can result in an underexposed image with compromized color accuracy.
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Clean the image
Wipe with an anti-static cloth and/or blow with compressed air.
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Reduce print bleed-through (if necessary)
Place a black sheet behind the image.
References
- Grayscale Monitor Calibration and Gamma Adjustment
- Basic calibration guidelines for grayscale imaging.
- Color Gamma Adjustment
- One of the most thorough online resources for monitor calibration and setup.
Calibration Target
A reflective Scanner Calibration Target can be used to perform more-effective scanner calibration.