Artwork Specifications

These specifications form part of our Terms of Trade, clause 4.1.

SUPPLYING ARTWORK

Send artwork to sales@ascentprint.co.nz with your quote number. Files over 20 MB should come by a transfer link rather than as an email attachment.

Please include clear instructions:

  • print position

  • artwork size or dimensions

  • quantity

  • your contact details

  • any other specific requirements

Unless you specify, we size and place the artwork to best suit the item. We check every file before proofing and tell you if anything will not hold on glass or ceramic. Work needed to make a file suitable for print may be charged, and we confirm that before proceeding.

Your quotation names the decoration process for each item. The sections below use the same names.

SPOT-COLOUR DECORATION (SCREEN PRINT)

  • Vector only: .ai, .eps, .pdf or .cdr, or .indd packaged with its fonts and links.

  • All type converted to curves or outlines. Where you can, also send a PDF of the same artwork.

  • CorelDRAW users can also save as .ai with type converted to curves.

  • Each print colour must be a separate flat solid with a Pantone Solid Coated reference, not CMYK.

  • No photographs, gradients, shading, shadows or transparency.

  • Lines finer than 0.3 mm and type smaller than 6 pt may not hold on glass and can need thickening; we will tell you before proceeding.

  • On curved items the print follows the curve, so circles and squares distort slightly. Some shapes need the artwork adjusted so it looks straight once printed; there is a cost for this, which we confirm before proceeding.

Not suitable for spot-colour decoration and will need to be redrawn:

  • Word, PowerPoint, Photoshop, JPEG, PNG, TIFF and bitmap files.

  • your logo only exists as an image, send us the original image file rather than placing it into Word or PowerPoint first.

  • If you have a correct vector file but not the software to open it, send it as it is; opening it in the wrong program can corrupt it.

FULL-COLOUR DECORATION (DIGITAL UV)

  • Vector for logos, line art and type.

  • Raster only for photographs, supplied CMYK at 300 dpi minimum at final print size, or 600 dpi if the print is under 50 mm or carries fine type.

  • Supply .tif, .psd or .png with a transparent background, not white.

  • Pantone references are simulated in CMYK, not matched.

  • On clear or coloured glass a white underbase prints first for opacity. We generate it unless you supply one.

DETAILED DECORATION AND DECORATION SHEETS (DIGITAL CERAMIC DECAL)

  • Supply images at a minimum of 300 dpi at the finished print size. JPEG is accepted.

  • Higher resolution is fine, but check the file size before emailing.

  • Vector files are preferred for logos and type.

FILM DECORATION (HEAT TRANSFER)

  • Supply artwork as for full-colour decoration.

  • The transfer carries the whole design in one piece, so supply it as a single composed file at final size, with the print position marked.

NO SUITABLE ARTWORK?

If you only have artwork in another format, even an image from a website, we can redraw it at a reasonable cost. Once the job is paid, you may use the redrawn file for that job and its repeats with us (see clause 4.5 of our Terms of Trade).

PROOFS AND APPROVAL

  • We send a PDF proof by email for approval before printing.

  • We print from the proof you approve in writing. Once approved, that proof is the specification for the job.

  • Anything found afterwards that was visible on the approved proof is a new job, not a remake.

COLOUR

  • A Pantone reference is a target, not a guarantee. Ceramic inks shift in the kiln and the substrate shows through, so the fired result differs from a screen proof or a paper proof. Only a fired sample confirms a colour match.

  • Kiln-fired colours have no true cyan or magenta, so some colours cannot be reproduced exactly. Where that affects your artwork, we will advise and offer the closest alternative for approval before printing.

PRINT AREAS

Print areas depend on the item, the print position and the process used. We confirm them on your proof.

LIP AND RIM

Decoration on drinking vessels is placed clear of the lip and rim area unless you ask otherwise before approving the sample. See clause 6.4 of our Terms of Trade.

FILMS AND SCREENS

  • Films and screens we make remain ours.

  • We keep screens for 12 months so repeats need no new film.

  • A repeat of the same artwork on the same substrate carries no new film or screen charge while we still hold the screens.

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