SEND BY POST
If you are using our artwork services or do not have computer generated artwork, please post the best printed copy you have available for scanning. A letter head with a logo will often be sufficient, together with a sketch illustrating the layout and lettering you would like on paper, taped lightly over the layout grid on the order form.
COMPUTER FILES
We can accept files on a wide range of media, and we support most of the commonly used design and layout programmes.
Since the world of IT is constantly evolving you can check with us to see if your media and programmes are supported.
Phone us if you require more information and advice.
SUPPORTED SOFTWARE PROGRAMMES
Read this page for a wealth of information to help you decide how to draw and compose your artwork copy, as well as the options available for printing a variety of subject matter using different techniques. For this click the more artwork details button above.
HARD MEDIA
By post
3.5" floppy disc
CDs recordable & re recordable
DVDs
ELECTRONIC MEDIA
Send by email attachment. Using Broadband we can accept files of more than 10mb. Email to: chris@chrisastonceramics.co.uk
TIPS ABOUT ARTWORK AND PRINTING
Please supply your layouts "one-up" i.e same size as to be printed. We can make any size adjustments required. We also provide a print area grid which fits most of the mugs we supply. This can be placed in the background of your graphics programme to ensure that all your artwork will fit. To view the guide click.
Please supply text with fonts de-selected to paths or curves. This will mean we can print without having the font suitcase for your special font
For spot colour artwork please include the Pantone reference numbers
For 4 colour process work send "one - up" same size .jpg or .tif at 400 - 500 pixels per inch.
PROOFS
We provide proofs by .pdf, or.jpg by email which can be printed out on your printer. Or we can provide ink jet printer copy by post.
For the print position and size we often send a paper print taped to the mug which is then photographed. Computer screen or printer proofs are not colour accurate, hence the need for Pantone reference numbers when printing using spot colour ceramic enamels.
Full 4 colour process can be sample proofed and there is a small charge for this which can be included in your quote if requested.
A finished spot colour printed mug sample can also be sent by post,. The cost of this will be included in your quotation.
PRINT COLOUR MATCHING
We take great care in mixing and matching spot colours. However some factors need to be borne in mind. Ceramic enamels are ground glass with metal oxide colouring fused into the mix. Because of this there are some colour limitations, unlike organic and chemical paper printing inks. Some colour ranges are difficult to match since there are no true colour glass enamel equivalents, two in particular being magenta and Pantone green C. However we do have fairly close compromise colours for these. We will advise you if a colour is difficult. Otherwise the colour range and shades is extremely wide and matching rarely presents any problem.
The great advantage is that glass enamel colours never fade and are scratch and abrasion resistant and dishwasher proof.
All colours are specially mixed and matched as closely as possible to colour samples or Pantone reference numbers. The glass enamels used in ceramic printing are based on metal oxides and not on organic dyes as are paper printing inks. The main advantage of glass enamels is that their colours never fade. However some colours from the Pantone range, such as Pantone process green and magenta, have no exact glass enamel matches, and have to be approximated with the nearest enamel equivalent shade. Apart from these two areas of colour intensity, a vast range of colours and shades is available.
The mugs we supply are selected best quality durable and chip resistant, and packed in boxes of 36 mugs per box. We always have white mugs in stock, but can obtain a range coloured mugs. See the coloured mug button on the home page. Please phone to check stock availability.
Blank samples of unprinted mugs can be forwarded on request - please email or phone and ask for samples to be sent.
SPECIAL PRINTING
Not all artwork is suitable for machine printing. This includes very fine lettering and halftones such as photographs or fine pen and ink drawings. Close registered and detailed artwork in spot colour, greyscale monotone, and duotone, have to be printed on to paper as transfers, to maintain the accuracy and fine detail.
Four colour process is only recommended for artistic interpretations of artwork and colour photographs. This can be screenprinted at 65 lines per inch, or laser enamel printed at 300 dots per inch.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
We specialise in the printing of 22 carat gold and platinum lustre which gives that extra quality metallic look and shine to any design.
INDIVIDUALLY NAMED MUGS
Particularly useful for in-house incentive awards or customer goodwill promotions are also available. Minimum order 54.
METALLIC PRECIOUS METALS
We can also print using 22 carat bright gold, and also white platinum. Aluminiumised gold, bronze and silver is also available.
PRINTS IN UNUSUAL PLACES
Logos can be printed on the inside or outside of handles, inside the top rim, the inside base, as well as the bottom of the mug. Maximum size for prints - 4 square centimeters.
