Question 1

What is the Typical Production Time?

Accepted Answer

PRODUCTION STARTS WHEN YOUR ARTWORK/PROOF IS APPROVED. Changes made to an ORDER in progress could result in a later ship date or an additional fee. We make every effort to produce your job and get your job to you on the date requested, but there are no guarantees. Please note that all production times DO NOT include weekends, holidays or shipping transit times. Production times are not guaranteed. Need a job fast? Just ask.

Question 2

What About Imprint Areas?

Accepted Answer

The following chart explains the imprint areas of our signs. In general we require a 1/2” margin all the way around the edge on smaller signs and 1.5” all the way around on larger signs. This is necessary inkless area required by all printers. To achieve full bleed, this area is cut off after the print (additional charges will apply).

Question 3

Standard Screen Printing Colors?

Accepted Answer

We stock 21 standard screen printing colors. All pricing for screen printed products includes use of 1 or more of these colors. Please note that the colors on this page will vary from the actual printed colors. While color accuracy cannot be guaranteed, satisfactory matches can typically be obtained.

Question 4

Fonts

Accepted Answer

All fonts must be included in the file. To prevent conflicts, it is recommended to convert all fonts to outlines.

Question 5

Acceptable Files

Accepted Answer

All files should be saved in 1 of these formats. We fully support: 
File Types: EPS, PDF, JPEG, TIFF

Program Files: AI - Adobe Illustator, PSD - Adobe Photoshop, CDL - Signlab 9

All images must be high resolution, we suggest 300dpi.

Art files can be shared via CD/DVD, USB Jump Drive, Email or Large File Websites (WeTransfer, Hightail, Dropbox)

Question 6

CMYK Colors

Accepted Answer

Files will be converted to CMYK. Please provide Pantone colors if possible.

Question 7

Proofs

Accepted Answer

An artwork proof will be emailed from our art department.

Design and specifications should be reviewed thoroughly prior to approving.

Note: Color(s) on the artwork proof may or may not be a close representation of color, depending on your monitor/screen settings.

Question 8

What is a Vector Graphic vs a Raster Graphic/Bitmap?

Accepted Answer

A vector graphic is made up of lines and curves, allowing it to be scaled up or down
without loss of quality. An EPS file is an example of a vector file format.
(NOTE: Not all eps files are vector graphics.)

A raster graphic or bitmap is made up of patterns of picture elements, called pixels.
When scaled up or rotated, they produce a poor quality image. Raster images are usually reproductions of original art, photographs, or internet pictures.

VECTOR ART IS ACCEPTABLE FOR SCREEN, CUT VINYL & DIGITAL JOBS
RASTER ARTWORK (JPG, TIFF, BMP) - CAN’T BE USED IN SCREEN OR CUT VINYL JOBS

Turnaround time is based on the approval of the final proof. If changes are required to the proof, additional time will be added to the final delivery date. Electronic art which does not meet above parameters may be subject to additional charges and/or delivery delays.

All orders are subject to an additional design charge if provided files do not meet provided standards.

Question 9

What is High Resolution vs Low Resolution?

Accepted Answer

In electronic imaging the measurement of printout quality for raster images is expressed as the number of dots per inch (dpi). Image resolution typically ranges from 72 dpi (low resolution) to 600 dpi (high resolution).

Generally the higher the resolution, the higher the quality of the output, and the file size is larger. If you have a low resolution image the image will print with jagged edges and appear pixelated.

Question 10

Can You Ship My Order?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we use local ground and freight shipping carriers. Prices do not include shipping, so please request a quote. All freight charges include a packaging/handling fee.

Question 11

Union Bug

Accepted Answer

Our Printers & Production Employees Belong to Teamsters Local 543M-1347m

Question 12

Screen Changes

Accepted Answer

Signs that are double sided but have different images for each side will require a screen change. A common example is a sign with an arrow. Screen changes are charged at $30.00 per screen color.

Question 13

Halftones

Accepted Answer

An area in which an image or color gradually fades into the background or another color. Halftones are available for an additional fee of $30.00. Halftones may sometimes have unexpected results. If high quality prints are a serious priority, we suggest adding an additional print color instead. Example: gray can be printed by 50% black, PMS color or full color print.

Frequently Asked Questions