Color separation is vital for screen printing, but it can be tricky! These are the basics to get you started.
Types of separations
There are several separation processes that printers use in screen printing. Understanding the different types and the challenges they present can help you routinely execute successful separations screen printing near me. The most common types are:
- Spot color. The most common type of color separation used in screen printing is spot color separation. Spot color separations are done for vector images. While the colors are usually solids, spot color separations may include some halftone dots to create an ombre effect. Spot color separations are usually created in CorelDRAW or Illustrator.
- Four-color process or CMYK. The four-color process uses halftone dots of CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) to create detailed, photorealistic images. These types of separations are generally carried out in Photoshop, it must be taken into account that this separation process in four-color printing can be a bit complex.
- Color simulation. Like four-color process printing, simulation color separation uses halftone dots to create highly detailed or photorealistic images. The difference is that color simulation uses a range of ink colors versus CMYK. They are usually more vivid than process prints and can be printed on darker materials. This color simulation process is also done in Photoshop.
- Indexed color. Indexed color separation uses square pixels of the same size, instead of halftone dots, to create color shading. Doing this process and printing may be easier to do than processing separations. However, more colors are often needed to create a photorealistic print. Separations are done in Photoshop, but images can be easily transferred from other programs, such as CorelDRAW or Illustrator.
Working on color separation
You can definitely create successful color separations, project after project, relatively simply, without additional training or sophisticated software. The best way to ensure quality color separations that result in clear, accurate prints or stamps is to learn by doing, doing it over and over again. While each printer will develop their own skills and preferences when it comes to creating separations, it is up to you to choose and commit to the technique that works best for you. Pay attention to potential problems and learn from them, it will undoubtedly increase your rate. of success of your separations and will reduce waste in your workshop.
- Start with good art. If a client sends you a low-resolution image, trying to make the image work can result in frustration for both you and your client. Make sure all of your clients know what you need in an image to create a quality print, and be sure to address poor artwork with your clients. In the end, your clients will thank you for taking the time to find or create designs that result in a quality print.
- Know what colors the separation involves. Before you start, identify which colors will be involved in the separation, know what may cause you difficulties, such as gradient transitions of two opposite colors or unusual shades.
- Extract your colors. Separate each color, one at a time. For dot separations, be sure to remove overlapping colors from the color that is visually “underneath” to avoid printing layer upon layer of ink.
- Address potential problems. There are all kinds of problems that arise with color separations, and the exact challenges you face will depend on the separation process you are using and the image you are printing. A process separation may show color contamination as it separates. That is, other colors entering the image that you didn’t expect to be there. The CMYK palette that Photoshop uses by default is for printing on paper, so you may need to import your own CMYK palette. If you transfer a vector image to Photoshop, the program may automatically soften the edges with its anti-aliasing settings, which you may need to undo. Ultimately, you need to know what potential problems your type of color separation may face and be ready to face those problems.
Successful printing of your separated images
While color separation can be an important part of the production process, printers know that there is a lot to do to create a quality print from the images they have separated. Once you are sure you have executed color separation correctly, be sure to follow screen printing best practices to ensure a quality print. Create opaque film positives and properly expose your screens. Make sure you’re using the right inks, screens , and squeegees for your project, and make sure all your tools are in good shape. And finally, check your press before printing: loose print heads or pallets can put your record at risk.