Prepare.
Each layer of ink is required to be output as a B&W film positive. The purpose of the film positive is to block the light during the exposure process leaving unexposed emulsion that is washed out, creating the stencil and allowing that specific color of ink to pass through the screen mesh onto the paper or fabric.
This is why the image must be 100% solid black. There are no exceptions.
FILE SPECIFICATION GUIDELINES
The dimensions of your film positive is based on 2 things. The final size you are going to print the image and the size of the film available to print on.
File Dimensions: your image should be created at 100% size printing, but when you are ready to print the film, the file dimensions, often referred to as the canvas, should be set to print on one of the standard sizes of film with a minimum .25" border as the printer will not print to the edge of the page.
Standard Film Sizes: 8.5"x11", 11"x17", 13"x19", 16"x24" / large format film is available upon request: 24" wide on a roll.
General Line Thickness for Exposure: lines should be greater than .5pt in thickness. In Photoshop, at 300dpi, .5pt = around 2-3 pixels.
Color Mode: must be adjusted to 100% black / do not submit with black as RGB OR CMYK as film will not print correct.
Do Not Invert Your Image: whatever is black will be screen printed in the ink color of your choosing.
For film output orders each color is required to be submitted as it's own unique file.
RASTER SETTINGS
Raster images are created with pixels using programs such as Photoshop, Procreate, etc. They can start as imported photos, scanned illustrations, or drawing direct on your tablet or computer. Please use these file settings when finalizing the file for film output.
File DPI: confirm file is set to 300dpi at 100% printing size.
Canvas Size: adjust canvas size to match film output size if necessary.
Layers: discard all unused layers and flatten file.
Color Mode: convert to greyscale or bitmap halftone.
Color Density: confirm entire image is set to 100% black, with no greytones unless you are converting to a halftone. More Details
File Format: save final file as a PNG, JPG or PDF. Do not use program's export feature as it often defaults back to 72dpi/RGB.
VECTOR SETTINGS
Vector images are created with drawing tools using programs such as Illustrator, CorelDRAW, InDesign, etc. Vector images are also scalable which allows them to scale and lines will stay sharp. Please use these file settings when finalizing the file for film output.
Fonts: convert all fonts to shapes using the Create Outlines.
Canvas Size: adjust canvas size to match film output size if necessary.
Layers: discard all unused layers and additional artboards.
Color Mode: set file to CMYK and swatches to either Greyscale 100% black or acceptable to set black swatch as CMYK (0c/0m/0y/100k).
Color Density: confirm entire image is set to 100% black, with no greytones unless you are converting to a halftone. More Details
File Format: save final file as a AI or PDF with no color conversion.
