Film Guidelines (50" / 55" / 64")

Last Updated: 2/2/2006

Foster Printing prides itself in achieving your desired effect on your litho printing. Therefore, we recommend our involvement early in the process, so that we can work directly with your computer designer and film generator to achieve the desired end effect.

The following are guidelines that will achieve your end result with minimal effort by your designer, color separator and printer on your large format printing or multiple up images.

Color Proofs

A laser proof (in color if possible) prior to final design or final film output can assist in final design . Review is critical to assist you in achieving your desired end effect. A composite color proof at reduced size also is suggested before final film output.

Film

Right reading emulsion down - negative film if printed one up or image is 17" x 22" (Misomex) or smaller. On multiple up images larger than 17" x 22", please confirm with Foster if film should be provided emulsion up to eliminate dot gain and additional charges if film needs to be duplicated. Normal image size on 50" press is 36" x 48" and on 64" press is 43" x 60", if larger, verify with Foster Printing.

Density

Normally 300% to 320%. If there are large shadow areas, then 280% to 300%.

Trap

~ 1/4 to 1 Pt. (.007 to .014 inches) On 70# label
~ 1/4 to 1/2 Pt. (.0035 to .007 inches) On Board Stock.

Note: This is a guideline; please check with Foster on the specifics of your job. A point is 1/12 of a Pica, which is a standard typesetting measurement.

Print Gain

4 - 7% midtone reduction on a bell curve each color. Some subject matter may require more or less compensation depending on stock and graphics therefore should be discussed before film output.

Color

Heavy black or dark color coverage should be considered as a 5th color or have undercolor screen tints when process pictures have heavy corresponding color or shadow areas. Dense black backgrounds run with process pictures must have undercolor screen tints of at least 50% of each color. Four color black type should be avoided. If a design requires that "heading" type will need undercolor to keep the type black, then a separate "type" negative should be output.

Reverse

A 4-color black needs a stayaway on Y/C/M using the same Pt. size of trap (See above - Trap). Type under 9 Pt. and Italic type under 12 Pt. that reverse out of color combinations may be visibly "lost" due to minimal color misregistration into type, therefore they should be avoided.

Line Screen

A 150-line screen is standard and on P.O.P. displays, a 133 can be used.

Screens

On 3-color screen combinations done conventionally, do not use a 90 degree angle. When outputting film from an image setter, use 45, 75, and 15 degrees, or equivalent (i.e., 30 degrees of separation for each color).

Pantone Matching Colors

If this is the first time you are using a particular Pantone color or using on a new stock, a draw down should be requested to match to your sample unless the color you have selected is not critical.

UPC Codes

Due to the critical nature of bar codes, it is imperative that your film masters are generated to the specifications of your most stringent customer. When applicable, we recommend a minimum 100% magnification, a 2.0 to 3.5 mil bar reduction, and adequate quiet space. An original film master should be provided on each new version to minimize dot gain.

All of the above are simple and easy to deal with during the pre-flight process. Our Sales/Service Group have specific quality checks that they will review with you and/or your Designer and Film Company.

PLEASE CALL FOSTER PRINTING FOR A PRE-FILM & PRE-FLIGHT REVIEW