Rubber Stamp
Custom Design Text & Graphic Guide-lines
Aspect No. 1 - General
If you are familiar with our Unmounted Image types - ignore Aspect No. 1
This advice section is included for those of you who are new to our concept of what to expect as a result of a custom designed image. We refer to the unmounted rubber image supplied with a choice of backing cushion, being Permanent or Peelable Cling Rubber, which can then be used with a choice of two types of stamp bases (or mounts). The backing cushions are the same price and do not affect the quotation, but we will need to be advised of your preference before the items can be supplied. If you require the image to be supplied ready mounted on a base, we will need to be advised accordingly and then a suitable size and type of base will be included in the quotation. For more information on mounting options, please review our advice page, which contains a full explanation with pictures - Art Stamps Explained
Aspect No. 2 - Artwork
Artwork can be split into several types and the types can overlap and be combined. The lowest cost option is to provide your own finished artwork. However, it may not be the most suitable and will depend upon the knowledge and artistic capability of the individual. Uncertain - ask for a quotation - most invitation artwork jobs are charged at less than £10 (many are free) and often provide a range of options as demonstrated on the examples page. We often enhance supplied artwork, so include any such details in your request
NOTE: Accept that you are sending an impression of your mind set, which may not appear as intended. You rightly expect a very absolute response tailored to your expectations, so add the specifics to confirm your intention SIZES - state any related dimensions, such as 2 - Frame Size - the size of card, or substrate that you intend to use. If we receive a huge electronic image, these dimensions indicate that something is not quite right. 3 - Resolution will affect screen display sizing
Coloured Artwork - rubber images cannot be produced from coloured artwork. At some stage it has to be converted to Black/White, or Grey-Scale and much of the lustre will be lost in the process. Rubber can be moulded from Grey-scale copy, but there are limitations and such rubber images call for more experience in the selection of suitable ink, substrate and applied dexterity.
Caveat - As used in Word Processors and art packages, but to reproduce on another computer the font file has to be installed on that computer, or embedded in the sent file. If not it is substituted and this fact may not be realised. Many fonts are known by more than one name. Always state the name of the font used, the point size and the required maximum line width, which will reduce error potential.
Flexography (printing from rubber plates) is best suited to Line-Art originals. Fine details will be absorbed by the rubber expansion caused by the applied printing pressure. In short the detail gets squashed out. Line-art cannot reproduce half-tone copy (shades of Grey) and can display dog-tooth edging on curves.
If in doubt use this option
This page is not a training course and contains guide-lines only. Bitmap technology is quite complex and can be very confusing for the novice. Do not assume that what you are seeing is actual!! Bitmap sizing is a minefield to understanding and the combinations of copy and screen resolution can drive you crazy. Also, your web browser will magnify such images to reduce copy capacities, which further complicates issues. Some bitmap copy will be too fine on detail and not suitable for production. Obviously, there are cross-over points, which vary with the actual copy content itself, pressure (dexterity in stamping), substrate (the material receiving the ink and the receiving surface beneath such material) and the print medium (type of ink used). Variation in any single, or combination of these elements can give results ranging from awful to wonderful.
1 - Maximum line widths, or height (the opposing dimension will take care of itself with in-proportion copy)
A resolution between 75 dpi (OK for most text copy) and 150 dpi (half-tone graphics with or without text) is normally adequate. Although higher resolutions will produce finer detail they create very large files and can take ages (30 minutes plus) to download, or send. They often display at several times the screen capacity and need to be zoomed down to be viewed, which distorts the display quality and requires a 600 dpi+ print-out to appreciate the image definition. In short they offer finer detail, but create more work in processing and add to the cost.
Aspect No. 3 - Proofs
Once we have sufficient detail to progress, we will email a proof of our understanding of the required copy. The proof will normally be a GIF, or JPEG bitmap (even for text only images), because it overcomes the Font substitute problems and reflects the copy required. We will adjust the sizing to display at actual size with a screen resolution of 800 x 600 upon an email browser. The image will have been scaled down to allow for the browser magnification, so will print-out smaller than the true size (approx. 60%). Printer resolution settings can also affect the quality of a printed image and if too low, will print an incorrect quality definition, which is why we scale the image for screen display. The proof will also include a Perimeter GRID of 10mm per division, which can be checked on screen with a ruler. Setting your screen display at 800 x 600 should display the grid at actual size. Other display settings will vary the display sizing, but a size can be calculated from the grid. For example, if the grid displays at 7mm per division, the image is 70% of actual size. The proof is the part of our contract where you accept liability for content. It must be checked for all required details, including spelling, size and artistic presentation. If it is not correct, do not authorise it - respond with the problems, which need to be corrected before proceeding. Your acceptance of a proof will start our production process and your responsibility to account. We can and do produce customer artwork and quite often at our cost, but this is not a free service. Most customers understand this concept, but there are those who expect an on going free-of-charge variation in proofing due to their change of mind. Changing the artwork, as opposed to correcting it is not free. It can be changed and you will be advised of respective artwork costs