© QuickSmart Signs and Banners Screenprinting Online Tutorial Ezine Signs Banners Australia 01/02/06
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Ezine Article
Color Separation in Signage Production
Color Separation in Signage Production 
Explained
Page
1 Page 2
In this Article
Screen Printing Basics
Applying Ink
Film Separation
Sign Materials
Trade Terms
Descriptive Images
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Trade Term: Print Resolution:
Screen Printing
resolution is related to the coarse density of the screen fabric.
This equates to printing only and does not relate to any other term of
resolution. Effectively, screen printing is best suited to 45 dots
per inch. This means every square inch has approximately 45 hexagon shaped
dots that correspond to the coarse density for the chosen screen fabric.
Remembering that screenprinting is the method of squeezing ink through a
mesh, higher resolution invites less ink applied. To ensure long life in
exterior and sunlight conditions, signage should be produced at 45 dpi
(lpi). |
Screen Printing Basics
The basics of screenprinting
for signage are images created from computerized and color separated dots that are
washed away from an emulsion which leave blank dots on a very fine silk
screen that ink can be squeezed or pushed through onto the signage
material. Modern screens are aluminum frames with a polyester fabric
stretched across them. Traditionally, screenprinting used a fine silk
fabric stretched across a timber frame. In the past, these screens were an
apprenticeship, now used as polyester with automated stretching equipment
to achieve accurate tensions, fabric orientation and levels.
The coarse density of the screen is important in evaluating the life
and/or the number of impressions suited to the sign project. This screen
density relates to the amount of ink applied onto the sign material.
Particular inks (such as metallic) require careful selection at setup
stage.
QuickSmart Signs and Banners have produced over 5300 different sign projects so can advise you correctly.
Screens can be made up-to 3000mm long and are suited to high production big size flags, banners and panels.
Note: Modern offset and lithographic printing presses can replace some signage projects, however, for any outdoor use and for signage that will be placed in sunlight, weather or water conditions, screenprinting remains superior.
Applying Ink
Screenprinting is a stage process. First you must apply an individual color, then overlay (reprint) other colors. Each color requires a specific 'bleed' when using spot colors, or a specific 'dot density' when printing to achieve a photographic image. This is known as CMYK or '4 color printing.
Each ink color will need a color separation so that the ink can squeezed through the silk screen onto the stock.
Our QuickSmart computer art systems create these separations, adjust the angles of lines and sizes and placement of dots to ensure accurate artwork presentation.
Sign Materials best suited to screen printing
Colorbond
- Metal (Signwhite)
Colorbond is a trade marked name and is commonly a two sided coated metal.
QuickSmart Signs uses a Colorbond specifically designed to accept inks,
vinyl and retain a high gloss level outdoors.
Other Colorbond family products include pre-colored coatings as used for
guttering, roofing etc. This may be used for screenprinting if color
choice is correct however for long term signage, 'Signwhite' is a superior
choice.
Corflute -
Plastic, Ribbed panels. Available 3mm or 5mm thick.
Excellent choice for mid term sign projects. Cheap base pricing and
excellent ink acceptance, Corflute is commonly used for promotional
signage or high quantity sign orders where the material cost affects the
ROI.
Decals
- Stickers (Vinyl PVC)
Screen printing onto decals is the best method to achieve long term color
accuracy. Vinyl PVC may printed using UV Flexo or Offset printing
methods, but will suffer short term life.
Screen printing gives promotional stickers a better outdoor stability.
T-Shirts QuickSmart do not print T-shirts
More Materials >
Screen
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When deciding to order any
sign, cost is affected by the following factors.
Set up times, Product use,
Drying times and artwork registration. Please do not choose the
cheapest overall price as this may lead to lesser quality.
QuickSmart pride ourselves on high quality at discounted rates and serving
our customers with genuine production choice.
Each color separation is printed as part of an individual run. Then, when the inks are dry, the stock is reset to print the second color, third and so on.
Each film is layered onto the project using corner or middle registration marks. QuickSmart can advise the movement, angle, heat and curl tensions required for various materials. Contact QuickSmart Production Departments for any further technical advice when making your signs.
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