Faqs

What types of files do you accept?

Since silkscreening is a positive/negative process, involving blocks of color, we work with Vector formats of eps or PDF files only. A vector image is defined by lines, curves, and fills, as opposed to a photographic, bitmap or halftone image, such as a digital photo, which is defined by small pixels of color.

Can I print photographic or 4 color process art?

We can print color photographic images, but the process is a bit different and will affect your cost. Also, the print image result on the finished garment will have a different look than the original, so please email us for more information.

How should I set up my files?

In general, keep in mind that most screen printing is a spot color medium, as opposed to offset, where the majority of color work is process.

	If identical objects overlay one another precisely, please separate by layer.

	If appropriate, submit files with all colors converted to spot, and all unused colors deleted from the document.

	Unless there is a large body of text in the file, please convert all type to outlines. As most t-shirt designs are not text intensive, this will prevent confusion and save you the time of loading fonts onto the disk.

	The background of "white" in your design program is not a printable color! It’s just the background. Therefore, if you need to print white, you will need to spec it out as a separate ink, the same as you would black, red, yellow, etc. White may also need to be added to an image as either an underlay on darks, a highlight after print, or both.

	There is no extra charge for generic color selections. If you require specific shades, please provide us with your color selections and we will match printed ink at an additional cost of $35.00 per color. Big Fish uses the Pantone Matching System (PMS#) to insure consistency for all orders. That means your tenth reorder will look exactly like your first order. Use Pantone numbers for color names. Even though the generic "Red" that your software or design specifies might look perfect on your monitor, all monitors display differently, so using a standard method to designate colors, like the Pantone Matching System is essential. Be sure to check the PMS book for color accuracy as the on-screen versions are often misleading.

How do I get my files to you?

Image upload button coming soon. For now email image attachments to sales@bigfishscreenpring.com. If you have a very large format you can send us a cd/dvd to our office.

Rick Laird
217 Asbury Street
South Hamilton, MA 01982