What’s the difference between Wide, Large, Grand and Super wide format printing?
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.
How should I set up my files?
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.
What’s the difference between screen printing and silk-screen printing?
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.
Can you print directly to rigid substrates?
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.
Can you print the colour white?
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.
Can you print on both sides of a substrate?
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.
Can you print on fabric?
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.
Do you print flags?
Yes, Arttec offers a variety of wind and roto-flags, complete with related hardware and accessories.
We want to have a very large banner on a building. How wide can you print?
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.
Can you clear-coat printed images?
Yes, we can print spot and flood in clear varnish.
We want to produce life-size cut-out images, but aren’t sure how to cut them, due to size limitations with die-cutting, can you help?
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.
We would like our prints to have truly vibrant colours. Can you do that?
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.
Do you offer warranty?
Arttec offers a one-year warranty on all projects we produce and install.
With such a large production facility, can you produce a one-off Trade Show Display?
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.
We are interested in some banners and a few site signs. Who should we call for installation?
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.
Do you archive files?
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.
What if we require a banner wider than 16’?
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.
What community activities are you involved in?
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.
Arttec Signs
10646 178 St NW, Edmonton, AB
780-420-1267
Located in Edmonton, Alberta, Arttec Signs is Canada’s supplier of Large & Grand Format Printing, Specialty Signage, Trade Show Displays, Vehicle Wraps and Decals, Finishing, Installation and Project Management Services.
Arttec Signs is a division of Arttec Advertising Inc.
