Art Preparation for Screen Printing: Not All Art is the Same

When it comes to screen printing, the quality of your final product is only as good as the artwork you provide. Art separation is one of the process's most overlooked but essential aspects. Even visually stunning designs can become printing nightmares without proper separation, leading to poor-quality prints, production delays, and unnecessary costs.

What is Art Separation?

Art separation is breaking down a design into individual colors that can be printed layer by layer. Each color in the design is separated into its screen, ensuring that it creates a crisp, vibrant final image when combined. This process is crucial for achieving high-quality prints, especially for detailed or multi-colored designs.

Not All Art is Print-Ready

Many assume that any digital file can be sent directly to print, but that’s false. Artwork must meet certain specifications to ensure a clean, accurate print. Here are a few things to consider:

• Resolution Matters – Low-resolution images (like 72dpi web graphics) won’t translate well to print. For best results, artwork should be at least 300 dpi.
• Vector vs. Raster – Vector files (such as AI, EPS, or SVG) are ideal because they can be scaled without losing quality. Raster images (such as JPEGs or PNGs) may need additional work to ensure they’re print-ready.
• Color Mode – Artwork should be in CMYK or spot color mode, not RGB, which is optimized for digital screens rather than print.
• Complexity of Design – Highly detailed artwork or designs with gradients require specialized separation techniques such as halftones or simulated process printing.

The Impact of Poor Artwork Preparation

Submitting artwork that is not correctly prepared for separation can lead to several issues:

• Blurry or Pixelated Prints – Low-resolution images can cause fuzzy or unclear designs.
• Incorrect Colors – Without proper separation, colors may shift, resulting in prints that don’t match your original vision.
• Increased Costs & Delays—If your artwork isn’t print-ready, additional time and money must be spent adjusting it, potentially pushing back deadlines and increasing production costs.

How JW Contract Screen Can Help

At JW Contract Screen, we understand the importance of adequately prepared artwork. Our experienced team can assist with file preparation, ensuring your design is correctly separated and optimized for printing. Whether you’re working with a simple one-color logo or a complex, multi-color design, we’ll ensure it’s ready for the press so you get the best possible results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re investing in custom screen printing, don’t overlook the importance of art preparation. By ensuring your artwork is appropriately separated and formatted, you'll get cleaner, sharper, and more professional prints. Need help with your next project? Contact JW Contract Screen, and let’s create something amazing together!