Preparing Artwork for Reno Screen Printing

Published 2024 | Screen Prints Reno

Artwork problems are the most common cause of delays in Reno screen printing orders. Sending the wrong file type, low-resolution images, or RGB color files causes reprints, revision rounds, and missed deadlines. This guide tells you exactly what your Reno screen printer needs from you to go straight to production without back-and-forth.

Accepted File Formats for Reno Screen Printing

Vector Files (Preferred)

Vector artwork (AI, EPS, SVG) is the ideal format for screen printing. Vector files are resolution-independent, meaning they can be scaled to any size without quality loss. If you have an Adobe Illustrator file, send that. If you have an EPS from your designer, that works too. Vector artwork goes straight to film output with no extra processing.

High-Resolution Raster Files (Acceptable)

If you only have a raster file (PNG, TIFF, PSD), it needs to be at least 300 DPI at print size. A logo saved at 72 DPI for web use will look pixelated when printed on a shirt. The most common artwork mistake is sending a web-resolution PNG and expecting it to print cleanly. Always check your file dimensions and DPI before submitting.

Color Mode Requirements

Screen printing uses Pantone (PMS) colors, not RGB or CMYK. Convert your design colors to Pantone values before submitting your artwork. If you are not sure which Pantone colors match your brand, ask your Reno screen printer to help with color matching during the quoting process. Sending an RGB file will require conversion work and may result in color shift that surprises you on the finished shirts.

Separating Colors in Your Artwork

Each ink color in your design requires a separate screen. Your artwork should clearly separate each color layer. Gradients, shadows, and blends that use infinite color transitions cannot be screen printed directly and must be converted to halftones or simplified. If your design has a gradient, discuss it with your Reno printer before finalizing the artwork to understand how it will be handled.

Text in Screen Printing Artwork

Text smaller than 3/4 inch in height tends to fill in or lose legibility at screen printing resolution, especially in reverse (white or light on dark). Serif fonts with thin strokes are more problematic than bold sans-serif fonts. If your design has small text, ask your Reno screen printer to review it during the quoting stage rather than after films are made.