1. Which program do you recommend for best quality output of my order?

While it is not mandatory, we prefer Adobe formats (such as PDF). Whichever program is being used please save as one of the following file types - PDF, EPS, JPG, or TIF - prior to emailing artwork to artwork@xquisitegraphix.com

2. What size are your Grommets? How far apart do you typically place them?

We use #2 grommets, they are 3/8" and brass in color. Grommets are placed in all 4 corners, and from there they will be placed every 24" as necessary.

 3. Do you offer double-hemming on any of your outdoor products?

We do not sew our hems. Hems are put under a hot air welding system that is far stronger than a standard sewn hem, making the need for double hemming a thing of the past.

4. How many H-Stakes do I need for my sign?

2-step H-Stake: Typically used for 24" x 18" and smaller. For signs larger than 24" x 18" we recommend using 2 separate H-Stakes.

5. Do you colormatch?

Sorry colormatching is not one of our services.

6. Should I include any fonts with my files?

No, please ensure all fonts are outlined prior to file upload. If using Photoshop, please provide the flattened file only.

7. I love borders on my banners and yard signs, but will that be a problem?

Yes. Borders are an issue because all substrates will vary from batch to batch making exact cuts very difficult. We recommend that you do not design your file with a border. If you do we will not reprint an order with borders of varying widths. If you absolutely must have a border make it at least 2 inches in thickness, however it is not recommend to use borders.

8. What is overprint, and how can it ruin my file?

Primarily used to intentionally overlap inks for a number of reasons, overprint can cause unexpected results. We suggest that you turn all overprint objects off before submitting your files. Colors set to overprint will blend with other colors. We will not reprint any order with incorrect colors.

9. What is rich black and how can I get it?

Rich black is an ink mixture of solid black, 100% K, with additional CMY ink values. This results in a darker tone than black ink alone. If you print black alone as 100% K, the resulting black may not be as dark as you might like.

We recommend using
C 60 M 40 Y 40 K 100
This will give you a deep, dark, rich black.

10. How do I get a grayscale image in a CMYK document?

Grayscale images that are converted to CMYK will have a color shift in the final print. That shift may be green or yellow. Always check the CMYK values of your grayscale in the final CMYK document. If there are other values other then K in your grayscale image, there is a chance that the image will show color.

11. What color mode should my files be?

If you send us an RGB file, there is a chance that a color shift may occur and you may not be satisfied with your job. You should always start and finish your designs in CMYK color mode.

12. If my files are in Illustrator and my artwork clearly has the required bleed necessary for your guidelines, why do I still get an email asking me to upload new files with correct bleed?

Often times, your artwork itself is set-up correctly - however, when you save as PDF - your PDF file will only output the size you have in your document set-up. To ensure your bleed is always acknowledged, you must include the bleed on your artboard (Document Set-up) in addition to the actual size of your finished size desired. i.e. If you order a 24" x 18" Coroplast, your artwork with bleed and document set-up both should actually be 25" x 19".

13. Are there any color issues to consider when setting up my files for Coroplast, Foamboard, or Magnet Substrates?

Coroplast - Due to the nature of Coroplast, most of your light colors and/or pastels are more susceptible to streaks, fingerprints, smudges, and smears. Cyan and Light Cyan are often an issue as the ink does not penetrate the substrate heavy enough to cover some of these smudges or fingerprints. When setting up your files, try to avoid large areas of solid light colors and gradients. If you must have a large area of solid color, try to keep your T.A.C. (Total Area Coverage) above 150 if possible. This means that when you add up all of the CMYK values, your total will add up to 150(%) out of a full 400% build. i.e. Rich Black T.A.C. is 240% C-60 M-40 Y-40 K-100.

Foamboard - Foamboard does not have as many issues as Coroplast, but on occasion smudges and fingerprints do happen. We still recommend you maintain your T.A.C. to be 150% and above. Foamboard is somewhat pourous when compared to Coroplast and Magnets, on most light colors you might see a more absorbed look when printing with Foamboard. Additionally, the Foamboard is not as bright white as the Coroplast or Magnets, visibly it is a couple points lower on the brightness scale.

Magnets - Our magnetic substrate is especially prone to fingerprints and scratches. If you follow the T.A.C. as mentioned above in the Coroplast portion of this FAQ, you should be fine.

14. My file contains a transparency, will it print OK?

No. Even the smallest transparency issue will cause problems with a printed file. It is always best to flatten any file you send. Outline fonts and ensure that your file is in CMYK mode for best results. We consider flattening transparency part of basic file setup and will not check for this issue. If you are uncertain how to flatten transparencies in your file or if you would like us to explain how to check for transparency problems please email or contact us prior to submitting an order.

15. How will you ship my products?

All products will be shipped using UPS. All banners eight feet and under on their shortest side will be rolled and shipped in mailing tubes. Banners ordered over eight feet on their shortest side will be folded and shipped in a square box.

16. Some of my products have arrived but some have not. My yard signs arrived, but my H-stakes have not.

It is not uncommon for larger orders and smaller orders to arrive on different days. H-stake orders are processed separately from sign orders. Stakes and signs should both arrive on the same day but it is not uncommon for boxes shipped ground to arrive on subsequent days.