FAQ
December 23, 2019 2022-03-18 13:56FAQ
Vinyl wall wraps questions answered by Lick & Stick Graphics
Please call our office at (+44) 01784 472 411 or email info@lnsg.co.uk us with your artwork or print questions.
Artwork and Print FAQs
This page will assist you in preparing your artwork for output onto large format inkjet printers. Please enter a keyword to search through public tickets & articles for finding answers to your questions.
print ready artwork artwork
Image resolution
Resolution requirements can differ depending on the finished size of your print. Use the table below as a rough guide to the resolution requirements;
Print Size – Resolution
420 x 300mm – 300dpi
480 x 600mm – 150dpi
1400 x 1000mm – 100dpi
1800 x 1200mm – 85dpi
3000 x 2000mm – 60dpi
6000 x 3000mm – 45dpi
This table is intended as a guide only. The quality of the original source has a significant influence on the output, ie. an image taken off a website and increased to 3000 x 2000mm won’t look as good as a photo from a 10-megapixel camera increased to the same dimensions.
Artwork can be at any reasonable scale if using EPS files, but if sending PDF files, aim to create artwork at 100% of the final printed size.
Image Size
It is advisable to save an image as a jpeg if you are trying to save disk space. Use a 100% (level 12) quality JPEG or save the file as a compressed (LZW) TIFF file if you need to shrink the file size. Please be reasonable with file sizes and always bare in mind the intended viewing distance of the final product. Excessive file sizes and resolution can cause unnecessary delays.
can you print rgb
Unfortunately we do NOT print in RGB. Please supply your images as CMYK files.
Our printers generally use CMYK for their colour output.
Any RGB files included in designs will be outputted as CMYK and therefore could suffer from colour shift at the print stage.
Our printers are constantly calibrated to be as accurate as possible, colour proof can be supplied upon request.
Bespoke cutting options
Our digital cutting options offer a perfect solutions to all your large wall graphics, decals, label, flags, banners, roll-ups and folding wall needs – Large format graphics have become indispensable in POP/POS advertising. We offer highly adaptable solutions for high-quality production.
Whether it’s kiss-cutting or cutting to size, our digital cutters meet the highest demands for precision, quality, and productivity.
Can you print white ink
We have an amazing WhiteInk-printing capability which allows the printing of white ink for various applications from overprint and underprint to full flood.
Our grand format printer allows us to change from printing on flexible materials to rigid substrates in less than one minute. One of the benefits of being able to print directly onto a substrate – eliminates mounting and lamination of flexible materials for rigid application.
can you create artwork for me
Our creative team with experience in all formats of design and print enabling them to work closely with you to produce unique designs that are only enhanced by their understanding of the printing methods, material, and bespoke finishes.
Fonts
Avoid Truetype fonts as they are not as reliable in Postscript RIPs as Postscript fonts. If you are in any doubt about the fonts you are using then please convert the text to outlines.
Setting up files for print
Any print ready artwork needs to be collected, ready for output. Every linked file including fonts must be included in the final job folder. Failure to include these files will result in a printing delay and possibly upset the delivery date of the finished project.
Proofing
Colour and Material samples and proofs can be supplied upon request
Large format digital printing
can you print double sided
With the ability to print on rigid and sheet media we have the versatility in our print production department that allows us to print double-sided graphics (other wise known as duplexing).
What can you print onto
The substrate used for printing can heavily depend on the application and process used for print. The most versatile process using UV curable inks can print onto the broadest range of materials, such as but not limited to;
- Metals (Aluminium, Stainless Steel etc)
- Composite Materials (Dibond)
- Woods (MDF, Plywood etc.
- Foam Board & Foam
- Filled Board (Foamex & Kappa)
- PVC
- Vinyl’s
What file types do you accept
Whether creating stand-alone artwork or assets for a larger project, powerful graphic design software is critical for making your ideas stand out.
We use Adobe Creative Cloud software the creative industry’s go-to graphic design software for art and design.
Most files saved in native InDesign, Quark, EPS, TIFF, and JPEG format are usable provided they are supplied at the correct resolution.
We do not generally accept files supplied in Microsoft Office formats or other office-based applications.
Files are often easiest to amend if supplied in their native formats however print-ready PDFs can also be ideal for artwork that needs to go straight to print.
Do you install graphics
As dedicated Grand format printers we offer a comprehensive installation service that covers all aspects of Grand format printing, from Exhibition and Fit-out to POS and hoardings, we know installations can be time-consuming and offer a 24hr installation service.
We have the expertise to advise on installation for all signage and are able to follow all client or site specific guidelines in accordance with Risk Assessments and Method Statements.
Where access equipment is required, our installers have all the necessary training and qualifications which include; CSCS, PASMA, IPAF and First Aid.
Can you help with my event
Our end-to-end event service enables you to seamlessly brand your event from start to finish and head to toe. We produce and install signage, graphics, way-finders, and stands for all manner of events.
Once you are happy with how your artwork looks on a visual our dedicated installation, with expert knowledge will be on hand to ensure you have a successful event.
Our hands-on approach with an expert eye for detail, expert installation team, and the capability to produce graphics in house is why we’ve been trusted to deliver event services for the Winter Wonderland, RHS Hampton Court Flower Show, and the London Marathon amongst others.
So from pop-up shops to exhibition stands, trade show, and events you are in safe hands whit Lick & Stick Graphics.
how big can you print
We have a large array on printers using different print and cutting systems, the largest of which can print onto a 5m wide material on a roll to roll UV printer which allow us to produce high quality prints (up to 1000dpi) to a vast array of PVC, Textile and even Flooring substrates.
When you incorporate the size, versatility and sheer production speed of our machines it becomes clear how we manage our tight deadlines.
What inks do you use
Latex Based
Solvent Based
Inkjet printers that use a petroleum or petroleum-substitute such as Acetone ink system. Once fully cured the prints are waterproof and can be used on uncoated vinyl and rigid materials such as PVC and Foam board. Often found to be more durable than water-based processes, solvent based inks soften the surface allowing the payment to mechanically attach to the material at a microscopic level. This method is often used on vehicle wrapping as the graphics can be stretched as the ink will stretch with the material where needed.
UV Process
This print process uses UV (UltraViolet) curable ink systems. The inks in this process are cured using UV lamps and are cured almost immediately. Once cured the inks are fully waterproof, embossed and vibrant. The UV based inks when fully cured are extremely durable and can reduce the requirement of laminating for protection.
The UV process allows almost any substrate to be used such as ceramics, glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, foam board, aluminium, stainless steel and more. Smooth white surfaces such as Foam board, Coated Dibond and PVC work best for vivid images.
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useful links

Spot colours - pantone
File transfer - Wetransfer
Artwork Guidelines
Contacts
Alexandra House, Delta Way, Thorpe Industrial Estate, Egham, Surrey TW20 8RX.