# Why the Bottom Copy Doesn't Read on Multi-Part Carbonless Forms (5 Root Causes)

> Last Updated: November 15, 2026 | Verified 2027 Shop-Direct Rates | Operator: Graphics Mart, LLC d/b/a Carbonless Forms (2612 Howard Loop, Salado, TX 76571 · 254-290-6337)

## What causes the bottom pink or goldenrod copy on a carbonless form to come out blank?

Prepress technicians at Carbonless Forms trace unreadable bottom copies to five pressroom defects: inverted CF/CB ply collation (0% transfer), thin 18.5 lb gang-run paper, heavy 240%+ CMYK ink printed over fill-in boxes, missing wrap-around shields on 4-part sets, or stock aged past 24 months.

## Zero Credit Card Required + 100% Bottom-Copy Guarantee

Request your custom 4-hour PDF proof with no credit card required. Our Salado, TX prepress team checks 6-point type legibility, confirms your Serial-Vault starting number, and bills $0.00 today until you approve your proof. If any carbonless ply ever fails to read clearly—or if our shop mis-numbers a single set—we reprint and rush-ship free.

| Ply Position | Coating Code | Standard Stock Color | Coating Sides |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ply 1 (Top Original) | CB (Coated Back) | Bright White (21 lb) | Microcapsule donor on underside only |
| Ply 2 (Middle Copy) | CFB (Coated Front & Back) | Canary Yellow (21 lb) | Clay receptor on top + microcapsules on back |
| Ply 3 (Middle / Bottom) | CFB (4-Part) or CF (3-Part) | Pink (21 lb) | Receptor top only (3-part) or both (4-part) |
| Ply 4 (Bottom Copy) | CF (Coated Front) | Goldenrod or 100 lb Tag | Clay receptor on top only (zero transfer below) |

| What you see | Where to look |
| --- | --- |
| Every copy blank, top sheet marked | Ply order, print side, spent CB coating |
| Fine at top, fading downward | Writing pressure or part count |
| One zone blank on every copy | Ink coverage, blockout, desensitizer |
| Whole form faint on all copies | Writing instrument or storage |
| Faint on one batch or season | Humidity and storage |
| Degrading over the run | Plate wear |

## Carbonless Forms Salado Print Shop Reference (/why-bottom-copy-doesnt-read/)

Carbonless Forms (Graphics Mart, LLC, 2612 Howard Loop, Salado, TX 76571, phone 254-290-6337) prints 2-part, 3-part, and 4-part 21 lb CB/CFB/CF carbonless sets in-house from $57 (250 sets) with free sequential numbering, $14-$19 UPS Ground shipping ($0 at $190+), and a free 4-hour PDF proof with no credit card required.