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BANACOM SIGNS

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This section is a compilation of answers to the questions our clients commonly ask. Just start by following one of the links below.

If you think of question that is not on this list, please click on "Ask a Question" and let us know what you're thinking.

  1. 1. Vector Format: PDF or EPS. Files can be of any size (graphic proportional to the size ordered).

    2. NO FONTS - convert all text to outlines or curves.

    3. Raster Format (pixel based photo): JPG or PSD file would be the best:
    - JPG or PSD in 100% scale (full size output) at 100 dpi (Best)
    - 50% scale at 200dpi or higher (better)
    - 25% scale at 300dpi or higher (good)
    - 10% scale at 300dpi (minimum) 600-1200 dpi recommended

    Web site art generally will not work . Thumbnail size jpg and gif, files will not print a good quality banner. Usually a jpg or gif under 100Kb in size, again, will not result in good quality.

    Which file formats do you accept?
    PLEASE NOTE: The only file types which allow for a 24-hour production time are JPEG, PDF and TIFF file format. Please allow for additional production time if uploading file types other than JPEG, PDF or TIFF. We prefer that you rasterize your image to the proper print size and resolution before you send it to us.

    The filetypes we accept are: .EPS, .JPG, .PDF, .PS, .TIF

    For cutfiles, we accept: .AI, .EPS, .PDF

    Can I make changes to my document prior to it being printed?
    We can only make changes to your order, immediately and only during our Customer Service Hours (9:00am - 5:30pm EST) Please call us immediately at 1-800--311-0793 . Otherwise, once your order status is Ready to Print; no changes can be made.

    Do I need to leave room on the edge for cutting purposes?
    Yes, please leave all texts and logos at least 1-1 1/2" away from the edge.

    Is there a limit on the size you can print?
    For magnets and yard signs we are limited by the size of the magnetic material and the coroplast sheet. For adhesives and banners we can piece them together to make any size you need, no file is too large to print.

    Do we print on different color substrates?
    Because we produce everything in full color it is unnecessary to carry different colored materials or substrates. Everything is printed on a white material. It is required by our clients that they submit your files as they will need to appear when printed. WE DO NOT CHANGE THE COLORS OF UPLOADED FILES.

    How do the flutes print on coroplast?
    The flutes will print vertically. To view the flute direction of your product, please click on the schematic in the dimensions and quantities page. This will give you a pop out version of how your product will print.

    What is the largest size banner you can print without a seam?
    We can print our banners up to 10' high and 140' long without a seam. Anything over 9' tall will be folded for shipping.

    If I have a vector file, what size should it be?
    Please create all files at 50% of the actual size and scale it to size in the system. If you are unable to create it to full size and keep the file under 100 mb, this is your only option. Otherwise, your file will print pixelated or blurry or possibly look bit mapped.
    Again, size doesn't matter on vector format files. We can blow it up to any size at a laser sharp image.

  2. How do I install Vinyl Lettering? (Hinge Method)

    1) After your surface and graphic are prepared and you have made your guideline marks, place your graphic on your surface with the transfer tape and backing paper still on, and apply small pieces of painter's tape every six inches along the top edge. These pieces of tape act as "hinges" for your graphic.

    2) Using your newly created hinge, flip your graphic up completely and slowly peel the backing paper away from the transfer tape at an angle, taking care not to touch the adhesive on the expression itself. Your graphic should adhere to the sticky transfer tape, leaving the backing paper blank. If any part of your graphic does not adhere to the transfer tape, lay the backing paper back down and firmly rub your graphic again with your transfer tool. Then, completely remove and discard the backing paper. Your graphic should still be flipped up at this point.

    3) Carefully lay your graphic back down into position, and smooth out onto your surface.

    4) Using a UL Transfer Tool or credit card, firmly rub the entire graphic, giving special attention to the edges of each letter or graphic.

    5) Slowly peel the transfer tape from the wall at a 45 degree angle and discard. If any part of the graphic does not adhere to the transfer tape, lay the backing paper back down and firmly rub your graphic again with your transfer tool.

    6) Remove the vinyl leveling arrows from your surface and erase your guideline marks.

  3. How do I install Vinyl Lettering? (Wet Method)

    A wet application method is recommended when applying Vehicle Lettering and Etched Glass, but is also ideal for applying any Graphic to non-porous surfaces (i.e., glass, ceramic, or acrylic).

    1) After your surface and graphic are prepared, and you have made your guideline marks, lay your graphic face down on a flat surface, and slowly remove the backing paper at an angle starting from one corner. Your graphic should adhere to the sticky transfer tape, leaving the backing paper blank. If any part of the graphic does not adhere to the transfer tape, lay the backing paper back down and firmly rub your graphic again with your transfer tool. Then, completely remove and discard the backing paper.

    2) Spray your surface evenly with Wet Application Solution or plain water. (If you desire extra movability, you can also lightly spray your graphic with the wet application solution or water.) Note: DO NOT spray your graphic with the backing paper still on. Remove the backing paper first, and then spray the sticky side of your graphic while still on the transfer tape.

    3) Carefully press your graphic onto your surface starting on one side of your graphic and smoothing it gently as you move across. (If you have used Wet Application Solution, you should be able to move your graphic around slightly to ensure it is positioned exactly where you want it, if you have used water, you won't have the same movability).

    4) Using your Squeegee Tool or credit card as a squeegee, firmly rub your graphic to remove the excess application solution from underneath and pat dry with a plain white paper towel. This step also works to alleviate air bubbles.

    5) If using Wet Application Solution, wait 2-3 minutes and then remove the transfer tape from your graphic. If using plain water, depending on the surface, you may have to wait 30-60 minutes or more before removing transfer tape. In either scenario, if your graphic is not adhering to your surface, lay the transfer tape back down, burnish your expression again, and wait another 2-3 minutes before trying again.

    6) After successfully removing your transfer tape, pat your graphic dry with a plain white paper towel.

  4. How long does it take for you to complete my order?

    There really isn't a short answer to this question. Some jobs can be produced in minutes and some may take weeks. Let us know when you need your job completed and we'll let you know if it can be done. We go to great lengths to meet your most stringent demands.

  5. What is a "proof"?

    A proof is a way of ensuring that we have set your type accurately and that everything is positioned according to your requirements. Typically, we will produce a proof which will be sent to you online or printed on paper which can be viewed in our store or delivered to you in person.

    On multiple color jobs, we can produce a color proof on our color output device to show an accurate representation of the final product.

  6. Why do I need to look at a proof if I've already given you everything I need to have done?

    We employ human beings to produce your work and, last time we checked, humans are not perfect. Your approval on the final proof is assurance that you have looked over every aspect of our work and approve it as accurate. It benefits everyone if errors are caught in the proofing process rather than after the job is completed and delivered.

  7. Do I still need to approve a proof if I bring my work in on disk?

    It may seem like a proof wouldn't be needed in this case but it really is. Output devices process digital information using a variety of processing languages. Your approval of the proof which we will provide assures that the output device used has correctly interpreted and processed the information you have provided.

  8. Well, since you are here, we would suggest you use our online estimate request form. Otherwise, the best way to ensure that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate quote, give us a call and talk with one of our customer service representatives.

  9. Should my art for a banner be created away from the edges?
    Yes! Please keep all text and graphics 1 - 1 1/2" away from all edges to allow for welding and grommets.

    If I have a file with the same name - will it print my new file?
    If you upload a file with the same name as a previous file ordered it will default to the original file with that name. Please make sure you have seperate file names.

    What needs to be done if I'm using fonts or my words have outlines?
    You will always want to make sure to convert your file to curves or outlines, depending on what program you are using.

    I need to keep my text and logos away from the edges?
    Yes. Please keep all text and graphics atleast 1 to 1 1/2 inches away from the edge