FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Wide format printing, Large format printing, Grand format printing and Super-wide format printing all used to describe the same process; however, the difference is in the size capabilities. Each process can handle a range of widths. Widths between 17” and 100” are considered wide or large; anything larger is considered grand or super wide.

Files can be set up on Mac or PC platforms: most desirable software to create files is Adobe Illustrator.

Print-ready high-resolution PDFs are also welcome.

If you send us a PDF file, it should be created with a consistent, colour profile (all RGB or all CMYK). We recommend Adobe’s “High Quality Print” pre-set with no compression on images OR Line Art. PDFs that are all line-art can use the “Press Quality” pre-set, but note that by default, the PDF will be converted to a CMYK SWOP 2-colour space. It is helpful to pre-flatten the PDF if it has any transparencies.

Be sure to include all required images (preferably TIFF, PSD, JPG or EPS), CONVERT ALL FONTS TO OUTLINES (CURVES), and include any PMS#s and/or provide colour-matched proofs.

BLEEDS, if applicable, must be at least 1/4″ (1/2” preferable) beyond finished size on all four sides.
To achieve optimal resolution, an image file should be created @ 150 ppi at full-size or @ 600 ppi at ¼ size. Example:

FILE SIZE FINISHED SIZE REQUIRED PPI
1′ x 2′ 1′ x 2′ 150
1′ x 2’ 2′ x 4’ 300
1′ x 2′ 4′ x 8′ 600

Large Format signage (i.e. 16′ x 24′) requires tiling. We prefer to set this up internally.

Screen printing and silk-screen printing are the same process. They are a printing technique that imposes a design on a polyester screen or other fine mesh. The blank areas of the screen are coated with an impermeable substance, and ink is forced into the mesh openings by a blade or squeegee and the ink is transferred onto the printing surface when the squeegee is moved or stroked.

Traditionally, the process was called screen printing or silk-screen printing because silk was used before the invention of synthetic mesh. Silk screens aren’t used anymore, but the name has remained over time. For more information about silk-screen printing, see screen printing services.

Our Flatbed printers can print directly to rigid substrates up to 2-1/2” thick. This includes some of the “challenging substrates” like metal clad wall panels, clear acrylic or even glass.

Both our Roll to Roll and Flatbed printers have the capability of printing white, which may be important when producing images on clear substrates with white backup behind the image. We can print white flood or white spot image.

Our state-of-the-art equipment allow printing on both sides of flexible or rigid substrates. Whether you need double sided banners or double sided tags, we have the equipment to print your project with great accuracy and perfect alignment.

Arttec is one of the very few printing/signage companies in Western Canada to offer printing on fabric right here at our plant. We offer dye-sublimation process for printing on fabric. Whether you need a branded table cloth, a fabric display or backdrop, we can help.

Yes, Arttec offers a variety of wind and roto-flags, complete with related hardware and accessories.

Arttec is one of the very few printing/signage companies in Western Canada that have 16’ wide printers.
Our roll-to-roll printers can produce a seamless banner 16’ wide and up to 160’ long.

Yes, we can print spot and flood in clear varnish.

Arttec has a state-of-the-art digital cutter/router table, which can cut virtually any substrate up to 1” thick to specified contour. Whether you are looking to die-cut hard hat decals or life-size images we can help.

Arttec offers multiple printing platforms: Aqueous, Solvent, Eco-Solvent, UV and Latex.

All our digital equipment is six colour or more, and includes light cyan and light magenta inks, which help to achieve greater vibrancy of your images. Our equipment is state-of-the-art, and we pride ourselves on producing high quality, vibrant images which will attract a lot of attention.

Arttec offers a one-year warranty on all projects we produce and install.

Arttec represents several lines of premium Trade Show Displays. These include Structural Displays, Retractable Display Stands, Pop-Up Displays, Fabric Displays and many other display solutions. Depending on your needs we can offer you proper hardware and produce graphic panels, whether a one-off or multiple units.

Arttec offers Site Survey and Installation services to all our clients. Whether a Vehicle Decal, Wall Mural, Window Graphics, Banners or Construction Signs, the Arttec project management team will coordinate your project and look after the installation in Edmonton or anywhere in Canada.

At Arttec, we make sure that your files are kept secure and intact when you need them. With our sound file archiving system, we have terabytes of space to save everything you need for the next time you need our service, next week or next year.

Arttec fabticates and installs giant banners (60’ x 20’, 80’ x 30’ and larger) on a regular basis. Our finishing equipment allows us to assemble banners of ANY size by welding panels together.

Arttec supports a variety of worthy causes, including the Edmonton Business Council for Visual Arts, The WORKS Festival, Fringe Theatre Adventures and the Heritage Festival.

Client Reviews

From well-known organizations to local mom-and-pop shops, we’re proud to have worked with clients across Canada. Learn more about these relationships and the projects we’ve completed.

Victor, Jenny and the team are always professional, fast and timely. Great customer service and attention to detail. And the colours and quality are always top notch. Would highly recommend.

If you are in need of large large format printing, Arttec is the place to go. Knowledgeable and professional staff.

Victor and his team are a trusted industry partner. The quality and service they provide are second to none.

Have a unique project in mind?
We’d love to collaborate.