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Q:
I have a jpeg image. Can Serichrome make
separations from a jpeg?
A: Jpeg compression is a convenient file format to save images
because it can be used in a variety of applications and it can
be saved at a range of quality levels. If you want to supply
a jpeg document for separation purposes, please be aware that
results can vary from good to poor.
Remember that a jpeg image is never as good as the first time
it is saved from a non-compressed original, especially if it
was ever saved at a low quality level. Low quality level results
in a smaller file size, so some people choose lower quality
when they want to email sample images for viewing purposes only.
If you don't know the origin of your image, how may times it
has been saved as a jpeg, or at what quality level it was saved,
you should inspect it closely for noise and poor resolution
of details before supplying it to us for separating.
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Q:
What resolution should my supplied file
be?
A: We recommend that you supply the file at the same resolution
it was originally created. Most graphic art (i.e. Adobe Photoshop
files) should be created around 300 dpi to allow for enlargement
and use in a variety of applications. You should begin to notice
some degree of quality loss in the separation if the file resolution
is below 200 dpi or if graphics are enlarged more than 150%.
Fine details will not be clear and lines will look jagged.
Graphics produced using vector applications (i.e. Adobe Illustrator)
are by definition not limited in their resolution. Please note
that a Photoshop file embedded or placed in Illustrator is not
vector art. We may require you to supply the original placed
image at a high resolution.
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Q:
I have a piece of original artwork or a
color transparency (color slide). Should I have it scanned and
send the digital file to you?
A: Color desktop scanners have improved in recent years, but
Serichrome scans are better to optimize
your artwork for separation purposes. For most art we use high-end
drum scanners, so the artwork must be flexible enough to wrap
around the drums. We scan the very small to pieces as large
as 21" x 25". We also have facilities for scanning
rigid art pieces or for photographing 3-D originals. Additional
fees apply; prices will vary.
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Q:
Does Serichrome insure artwork for damage
that might occur during shipment?
A: Remember to package original artwork and transparencies properly
before shipping them. You can insure your package to its estimable
value when shipping with UPS. (FedEx does not insure artwork
over $500 in value.)
Under no circumstance is Serichrome
liable for damage to artwork. If you ship us a package that
is insured, it is your responsibility to arrange for it to be
insured on its return to you or to a third party. We cannot
know what has value and what should be insured on return. We
apply any shipping and insurance fees to your final invoice.
Please specify all shipping preferences in writing and include
a copy of your preferences with each order you send us.
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Q:
Which file types are best for making great
separations?
A: It is always best to leave your file in the native format
in which it was created. If it was created in Photoshop, leave
it in Photoshop. If it was created as a "layered"
Photoshop file, please keep the layers intact. Layered files
give us more control over color correction, helping us optimize
your separations.
NEVER convert files in RGB mode to CMYK mode: you may lose color
information that we cannot recover.
It helps to use the correct file extension to identify your
file type. Here are a few examples: ".psd" is for
Photoshop; ".ai" is for Illustrator; ".fh"
is for Freehand; ".tif" is for TIFF; ".eps"
is for EPS; ".jpg" is for JPEG; ".cdr" is
for Corel Draw. Please specify which version of the application
is used. If we do not have the latest version of that application,
we may not be able to open and view the file properly.
Vector applications such as Illustrator or Freehand are ideal
because they are not dependent on resolution and can be enlarged
indefinitely. Please convert any font-dependent text to outline
form. If you donšt know how to convert text to outlines, PLEASE
ASK. We cannot guarantee that our font library contains
fonts that match your fonts. Do not let your job be a victim
of a font "joke". Nobody will be laughing.
Remember that YOU are ultimately
responsible for supplying us the best quality file. File quality
is important! Only YOU know what
your customer expects. Do not blame us for sub-optimal output
if you do not insist on the best file from your customer or
art department . We do not guarantee that any particular file
is optimal for separation purposes.
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Q:
Serichrome uses Apple computers in their
production. Does it matter if my computer is a Windows-based
PC?
A: If you save files on a windows-based PC, we should be able
to open them. Please let us know what PC you are using so that
when we save files to send back to you, they are saved in a
format you can open. We also ask that you let us know which
applications AND what version of
the applications you used to save your files, regardless of
your computer type.
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Q:
What will my separations look like after
they are printed?
A: If you have access to a quality color proofing system, it
is best for you to supply us a proof with the file you want
separated. Remember to ask your customer for a color proof or
pre-printed sample, FIRST. Do you
know how often a customer does not initially supply a color
match, but later what the print should REALLY
look like appears like magic as a final critique of the printed
sample? It happens all too often. Also, do not rely on your
computer monitor for color accuracy: provide a physical sample
for color matching.
A good print starts with professionally prepared art supplied
by you. Supplying a quality separation is our job. But no matter
how good the first two steps, the printing has to be top notch.
Help your printer do the best job by providing a color accurate
proof as a goal of what the final print should look like. For
a small fee we can supply an accurate color proof, made from
our separations. (Our professional color proof is $35; a small
price to pay to avoid a potentially big headache) If you like
the color proof, chances are better you will like the final
print.
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Q:
Should I print simulated process or four-color process when
printing on multi-color garments?
A: 4-color process can be difficult to print on darks because
white ink must first be printed to cover the substrate (t-shirt).
Many screen printers find it too difficult to control the white
ink and to adjust for proper lay-down of process ink on top.
To avoid this problem and give a more desirable print on medium
to dark garments, we recommend simulated process separations
that utilize opaque plastisol inks.
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Q:
Why should Serichrome image my separations when I can image
film on my ink jet printer?
A: We use high-end image setters to produce dots of superior
form and opacity and films with precise registration. Our film
output ensures that screen printers have the best quality materials
for proper stencil preparation. Due to the wide variety and
quality level of imaging devices, we cannot guarantee support
if you choose to image separations yourself or outsource to
a third party.
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Q:
Can I email Serichrome the file they will work from?
A: You may email any file attachment under six megabytes (6
MB). Please consult your ISP or network administrator for any
limitations on outgoing email attachment size. Many high-resolution
images are simply too large to email. You may choose to utilize
FTP for larger images, or send us the images on a CD.
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Q:
How quickly can Serichrome turn around my separation order?
A: We try to work with all customers to help them meet tight
deadlines. Please try to allow three to five working days for
most turnarounds (in on Monday; out on Thursday, Friday, or
the following Monday). Our offices are closed on Saturday and
Sunday. Remember that past turnaround time is no guarantee of
future turnaround; we experience fluctuations in demand, too.
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Q:
Will I be billed for rush charges if I need something turned
around quickly?
A: Under certain circumstances we may apply rush charges, especially
if employees are required to work overtime to fulfill your order
on short notice.
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Q:
What are your hours of operation, and where in Dallas is your
office located?
A: Our normal hours of operation are 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, Central
time. Our office is located at 1352 Crampton Street. On IH-35E,
north of downtown Dallas, exit Wycliff and then turn west
onto Wycliff. Before crossing the river, turn right onto Irving Blvd. Before Motor street, turn right onto Crampton. Our business is in the last building on the right before Converse street. |
