InkJet Printing FAQ
  • General Information
  • How are my files printed?
    Depending on the desired output, your files will either be printed on our Epson 9880 or our HP 5500 UV printers.

    How to choose your output printer:
    Epson 9880 prints are best for Giclee, photo quality and reproductions.
    HP 5500 UV prints are best for POP, POS, Trade Show and poster graphics.

    The PrePress Express 12 step printing process:
          1. When we receive your files, we open them and examine them.
          2. We examine each file to make sure they meet our specifications for size, color space and tone, contrast & color.
          3. If required, The files are then color corrected, corrected for contrast and tone.
          4. We then send the files to our Onyx ProductionHouse RIP server.
          5. The proper Printer, QuickSet, Resolution and Paper are selected in the RIP software.
          5.5 Depending on when the files are printed in our calibration schedule, we may optionally re linearize the printer.
          6. The files are then converted in the RIP to the proper profile for the printer and paper combination.
          7. The RIP then performs the layout and processing for the individual files.
          8. The files are printed and then allowed to dry.
          9. After the prints are dry, they are cut from the printer and moved to our prep room.
          10. The prints are cut down to size from the large sheet.
          11. Optionally, the prints are sprayed with ImageShield or ClearStar print coating to add additional UV and scratch resistance.
          12. Your prints are now carefully packaged and sent to you using a common carrier with insurance and tracking.

    Click here to download our work order form.
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  • Printing Service Types
    Proof:
    A print directly from your sized and color corrected file.
    Any additional time required if your file needs to be adjusted may be billed as system time.

    Custom Print:
    We will adjust your file to our system calibrations with color and tone corrections.
    Includes up to 1/2 hour of system time and half price on a custom print for proofing.

    Custom Gallery:
    From the start, we work with you to create a fully custom print that matches an existing print or look.
    Each file is adjusted for tone, contrast & color to make the print just right.
    Includes up to 1 hour of system time and 1 proof up to 11x14. Top
  • Paper Options
  • Fine Art Paper Types
    Fine Art paper types available.

    Aquarella Fine Art Paper:
    Aquarella Art Paper produces gallery-quality art reproductions and professional business collateral with this affordable paper.
    This textured, matte, warm-white paper has a slightly structured surface that is similar to watercolor paper.
    Constructed with 100-percent acid-free base materials, this archival media provides durable, vivid, fade-resistant prints.
    Hahnemuhle Smooth Fine Art Paper 310 gsm:
    Create museum-quality, archival fine art and photographic reproductions and digital originals with this 100-percent cotton rag, archival paper.
    This smooth, matte, bright-white paper delivers masterful color matching; long-lasting, vivid colors; and rich blacks for exceptional contrast.
    Constructed from 100-percent cotton, acid-free rag, this paper provides long-term image stability, excellent durability and outstanding fade-resistance for more than 200 years
    Hahnemuhle Textured Fine Art Paper 310 gsm:
    Create exquisite, museum-quality, archival fine art prints with this 100-percent cotton rag paper.
    This textured, matte, mould-made, natural-white paper delivers masterful color matching; long-lasting, vivid colors; and rich blacks for exceptional contrast.
    Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Pearl 320g:
    Photo Rag® Pearl has a smooth homogen surface structure with the unique pearl-coating. This natural white paper - consisting of 100 % cotton - is free of OBA’s and reminds of a natural white baryta-paper.
    The paper features a high Dmax and a large color gamut that enables the reproduction of finest color and black-and-white nuances in three-dimensional prints.
    The precious feel of a real cotton paper offers also a "4th dimension": sensuality and emotion.
    HP Matte Litho-realistic Paper:
    An economical wood-free art paper that delivers exceptional print results with the look, feel and longevity of a heavy, matte offset paper.
    This natural-white paper enables short print runs for a wide variety of content.
    MAGICLEE® Torino 17M Canvas:
    is a matte finish, pH neutral artist stretch canvas designed for long-term, fade resistant fine art or photo reproductions when imaged with pigment inks.
    The polyester/cotton blend canvas has a specifically designed coating which delivers superior color gamut and resolution.
    Torino 17M has the added bonus of water resistance when printed with pigment inks.
    Harman Papers:
    HARMAN PHOTO Professional Inkjet Paper is a premium quality, nanoporous paper on a true photographic fibre base.
    It is designed to produce instant dry high quality images on a wide range of photo-dedicated inkjet printers, using pigment inks.
    LJ E-Satin:
    11 mil Photo eSatin 300g paper answers photographers’ requests for a heavier, more substantial photo paper, with excellent ink retention characteristics and a color gamut that is second to none.
    This paper maintains a traditional E surface finish, providing an elegant texture consistent to that of a dark room.
    LJ Fibre Gloss Elite:
    285g Fibre Elite is a second generation fibre-based material that is both super-smooth and very high gloss.
    Like the Fibre Gloss, Elite is modeled after the traditional fibre-based materials used in a conventional darkroom for a high-end, classic look and feel.
    LJ Fibre Gloss:
    Fibre Gloss has been modeled after traditional fibre-based material used in conventional photography. With a 295g microporous gloss coated surface with a special acid inhibiting layer.
    Its mildly textured surface and brilliant white color make it the perfect digital alternative.
    The surface has a special gloss coating, designed for high-quality fine photographic reproduction print applications with inkjet technology.
    LJ Fibre Gloss Natural:
    Fibre Gloss Natural 300g has been modeled after traditional fibre-based material used in conventional photography.
    With a 300g microporous warm gloss coated surface, with a special acid inhibiting layer (less optical brighteners). Its mildly textured surface and natural color make it the perfect digital alternative.
    The surface has a special gloss coating, designed for high-quality fine photographic reproduction print applications with inkjet technology.
    LJ Fibre Matte:
    Fibre Matte has been modeled on the traditional fibre-based material used in conventional photography. Its ultra-smooth surface and brilliant white color make it the perfect digital alternative.
    The surface has a special matte coating, designed for high-quality fine art and photographic reproduction print applications with inkjet (giclee) technology.
    LJ Water-Resistant Satin Cloth:
    Next-generation Water-Resistant Satin Cloth sets a new standard for image quality on a fabric substrate. The bright white cloth is perfect for retractable banner stands,
    artist reproductions, backlit and point-of-purchase displays, window shades, and table skirts that need to stand up to the test of time and provide visual impact.
    Premium Instant-Dry Gloss Photo Paper:
    Instant-dry premium glossy photo paper that features unrivaled image quality and immediate handling off the printer.
    Siena 250 Photo Gloss by Magiclée®:
    The latest development in glossy, resin-coated photobase paper. Features extremely vibrant colors and instant dry times, even with pigmented inks. Caliper: 9.4 mil.
    Brilliant Museum Satin Matte White:
    Satin Matte is a 100% cotton rag substrate media that features a rich satin-matte surface that, unlike some matte surface papers, is not dead or flat.
    White base papers are slightly optically brightened—yet archivally proper—to produce an elegantly subtle punch that really enhances some images.
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  • Large Format Graphics Paper Types
    Large Format Graphics paper types available.

    Poly Vinyl Gloss:
    This 7.5 mil polypropylene based Photo Realistic media is top-coated with a glossy, quick-drying Aqueous receiving layer.
    It is perfect for volume production of high resolution images and graphics requiring vibrant color for high-impact indoor and outdoor displays.
    Poly Vinyl Matte:
    This 8 mil polypropylene based Photo Realistic media is top-coated with a matte, quick-drying Aqueous receiving layer.
    It is perfect for volume production of high resolution images and graphics requiring vibrant color for high-impact indoor and outdoor displays.
    Poly Vinyl Gloss w/PSA:
    This 7.5 mil polypropylene based Photo Realistic media is top-coated with a glossy, quick-drying Aqueous receiving layer and comes with a permanent adhesive backing.
    It is perfect for volume production of high resolution images and graphics requiring vibrant color for high-impact indoor and outdoor displays.
    Poly Vinyl Matte:
    This 8 mil polypropylene based Photo Realistic media is top-coated with a glossy, quick-drying Aqueous receiving layer and comes with a permanent adhesive backing.
    It is perfect for volume production of high resolution images and graphics requiring vibrant color for high-impact indoor and outdoor displays.
    HP Matte Litho-realistic Paper:
    An economical wood-free art paper that delivers exceptional print results with the look, feel and longevity of a heavy, matte offset paper.
    This natural-white paper enables short print runs for a wide variety of content.
    Premium Instant-Dry Gloss Photo Paper:
    Instant-dry premium glossy photo paper that features unrivaled image quality and immediate handling off the printer.
    Siena 250 Photo Gloss by Magiclée®:
    The latest development in glossy, resin-coated photobase paper. Features extremely vibrant colors and instant dry times, even with pigmented inks. Caliper: 9.4 mil.
    Premium Vivid Color Backlit Film:
    Combining both durability and versatility, Premium Vivid Color Backlit Film achieves maximum color impact.
    The porous coating allows for superb ink adhesion, razor-sharp images and a fast dry time. This easy-to-handle, economically priced film sets a new standard of reliability and performance for backlit displays.
    Super Heavyweight Plus Matte Paper:
    A best-in-class graphics display media with a barrier layer beneath a thick top coating to ensure razor-sharp image quality and ripple-free prints—even under high ink densities.
    It achieves a new level of productivity by delivering broad application versatility, instant dry time and excellent film laminate compatibility. The ultra white matte finish offers a rich, distinctive look and feel.
    LJ Water-Resistant Satin Cloth:
    Next-generation Water-Resistant Satin Cloth sets a new standard for image quality on a fabric substrate. The bright white cloth is perfect for retractable banner stands,
    artist reproductions, backlit and point-of-purchase displays, window shades, and table skirts that need to stand up to the test of time and provide visual impact.
    Tyvek banner:
    This tough printing material resists tears, fading and water damage. Create waterfast and lightfast prints that last for up to three months outdoors without lamination and are easy to hang,
    add grommets and stitch. Ideal for indoor and outdoor promotional signs and banners.
    Scrim banner:
    The 16-mil scrim vinyl banner material has a blockout layer that provides 100 percent opacity.
    With added scratch and water resistance, a super smooth finish, and premiere color reproduction
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  • InkJet Printing File Specifications
  • File Specifications
    For the best reproduction from your original files, Please prepare your them as follows:

    File Size:
    Prepare your files at the actual print size desired at 300 dpi. ie. 16x20" @ 300 dpi.
    All retouching and color correction should be built into the file. Additional work will be billed at our retouching fee.

    Calibration:
    To ensure proper color matching and fidelity, your monitor needs to be calibrated.
    We recommend using an Eye One Display 2. The monitor color temperature should be set to 6500k (Kelvin) with a gamma of 1.8.

    PrePress Express
    accepts all major files format for printing.
    Tiff - Mac or PC - Compression LZW or Zip.
    Jpeg - Use the best compression, Level 10 or higher for best results.
    PSD
    PDF - Any version. Please save the PDF with either no compression or Jpeg Level 10 or higher.
    Onyx
    Ai - Any version.
    Quark - Version 4 or higher. We are now accepting Version 8 files!
    Indesign - Any version.
    Word - Any version.
    Excel - Any version.
    PowerPoint - Any version.

    Color Space:
    RGB: Adobe RGB (1998), Pro Photo RGB.
    CMYK: US Web Coated Swop V2.
    Grayscale: Gray Gamma 1.8, Dot Gain 20%.
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  • What is the turnaround time for prints?
    From the time we receive your files, the standard turnaround time is 3 to 4 business days.
    Shipping times vary by the service. Our standard shipping service is UPS Ground or 2-day.
    Please contact us for faster shipping.
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  • Printer Specifications
    Specifications for our InkJet printers:

    Epson 9880 44" UltraChrome:
    Epson's newest 44" printers uses the latest UltraChrome K3™ Ink Technology. Now with Vivid Magenta
    The combination of our Epson 9880 and Onyx ProductionHouse RIP produces some of the best and highest quality prints available.
    Epson 9880 printing modes include 1440x720 and 720x720 dpi.

    Epson 9880 product page at epson.com.
    Link to the Wilhelm Research study on the Epson 9880.

    HP DesignJet 5500 42" UV:
    HP's DesignJet 5500 is an industry standard for large format aqueous printing. Designed to produce fantastic Outdoor, Trade Show Graphics, POS, POP posters.
    Our 5500 is equipped with the UV pigment ink set which give it outstanding life and uv resistance.
    The HP's printing modes include 1200x600, 600x600 in different combinations of speed vs. quality. All of which are managed through our Onyx ProductionHouse RIP.

    HP 5500 product page at hp.com.
    Link to the Wilhelm Research study on the HP 5500 UV.
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  • Ordering a print from PrePress Express
  • How do i place an order?
    To place an order, please call or email us anytime with your order and shipping information.
    You can also place an order through our PayPal ordering system.

    Please mark your notes carefully. Sticky notes can fall off in shipping so we recommend taping them on.
    If possible, Include a list of frame numbers and/or manifest for reference.

    When sending in any order, please include a copy of our work order form (PDF).

    To see a complete list of payment and shipping terms, Click Here.
    Checks or Money Orders should be made out to
    Photographer At Large.
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  • Payment Terms
    For pre press services:
    New accounts:
    For new accounts, payments are to be made with the order. Check, cash or credit card.
    Net accounts will be considered on a case by case basis.
    Referral Accounts:
    Referrals are usually extended a Net 15 account.
    We base this upon the referrers account status.
    Open Accounts:
    Standard open accounts are Net 15.
    Net 30 account status will be given on a case by case basis.
    There is a 5 days grace period on Net accounts to account for the mail.
    Account Default:
    Any invoice that is past due will be charged 1.5% per month until payment is received.
    Any collections and lawyer fees will be added to the bill.

    Payment Types Accepted:

    Cash, Check, Cashiers Check, Bank Check, Money Order and Wire Transfer.
    Wire transfer fees are $35.00

    We also accept Credit and Debit cards through
    PayPal.com
    horizontal_solution_PP

    To see a complete list of payment and shipping terms, Click Here.
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  • Shipping Terms
    Drum scans, Prints and Pre press items:
    We will ship all outbound items via UPS, FedEx or USPS.
    Other services like DHL, LTL, Etc....Upon request.
    Service types include:
    Priority Overnight, Standard Overnight, 2 day, 3 day and Ground.

    Shipment of your originals:
    The return of your originals safely is our primary concern.
    Our standard for shipping
    originals is Overnight by FedEx or UPS.
    We can ship with another carrier or service at your request but we require that a release be on file.

    Shipping fees may be billed on interim invoices or on the final invoice.
    We do not ship originals COD or freight collect.
    Please
    call for a shipping quote before placing your order.

    Client Accounts:
    If you have a UPS, FedEx or DHL account, we can use your account to ship your items.
    There is a small $5 handling charge to cover packing materials and time.

    To see a complete list of payment and shipping terms, Click Here.
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  • Additional Services
  • Additional Printing Services
    These additional services may be added to any print order
    ImageShield spray coating $5.00 per print up to 20x24
    ImageShield spray coating $15.00 per print up to 40x80
    ClearStar Gloss spray coating $25.00 per print up to 40x80
    Grommets $2.00 each
    Add bleed to an image $25.00 per image
    Paper Easel $8.00 per print
    Additional proofs 50% of 1st print price
    Mounting to 3/16" FoamCor® 50% of 1st print price
    Lamination 50% of 1st print price
    2 day Rush 100% per print
    Overnight printing Rush 200% per print
    Same day printing Super Rush 250% per print


    Click here to download our work order form.
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  • File Retention Policies
    From Live Storage:
    PrePress Express
    will maintain your files live on our server for a period of 30 days after the order ships.
    If an additional CD or DVD is needed within 30 days, there is no charge to retrieve the files from our LTO tape backup.
    The charge to burn an additional CD/DVD is $15 per disc + shipping.

    From Long Term Storage:
    After 30 days, the files are transfered from our live storage servers and moved to our long term LTO tape storage library.
    The cost to restore from our long term tape backup is $0.05c per mb + CD or DVD media and shipping.
    The minimum charge for restoring from tape is $50 + media and shipping.
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  • Long Term File Storage
    PrePress Express is now offering Long Term Offsite Storage for all of our Drum Scanning, Retouching and Layout services.
    Keep all of your files safe for years to come! LTO tapes have a shelf life of over 30+ years. Compare that with CD's or DVD's that can start to degrade in as little as 3-5 years.

    Our Offsite storage service can hold up to 100gb of files per tape. We will backup and store the tape either at our offsite storage facility or send you 1x LTO 1 tape with the Retrospect catalog file on a CD.
    We can backup any files that we create or work on. You may may also send us additional files to add to the backup.

    The cost per tape is $200.00 and $100.00 per year to store the tape at our offsite facility.
    There would be no storage fee if we send you the tape.

    The cost to restore from your long term tape backup is $0.005c per mb + CD or DVD media and shipping.
    For restorations over 20gb, we recommend that the files are restored to a portable firewire hard drive. You may send us one or PrePress Express can supply one for an additional $100.00.

    Contact us for more information.
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