Vector versus Raster Images

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The sign industry has evolved over the past 10 years with the introduction of digital printers. These days you can have logos with blends, beveled edges, photos, just about any kind of image printed and used for the purpose of signs.

Most digital printers are capable of printing 1440 x 1440 dpi (dots per inch) which is superior quality. However, if you try printing a low resolution GIF or JPG, the image will more than likely print poorly. Why you ask? These files are what we class as RASTER IMAGES which are made up of pixels (dots).

Sadly when you try and enlarge a raster file, you’re simply enlarging the pixels which become blurry, and eventually, hard to make out what you’re really looking at.

Sample 1 – This is a great quality photo taken at high resolution.

Sample 2 – Enlarge the photo beyond the original size and you’ll start to notice blurring and worsening pixel size.

Sample 3 – This shows how the pixels begin to blur to an unbearable level.

How do you avoid pixelation?

  1. Start with a high resolution photo / image in the first place.
  2. You can always reduce a large file without effecting the pixels, but avoid doing the reverse.

Let’s have a look at VECTOR IMAGES.

Vector files are virtually lines as illustrated in this image.

Sadly vector artwork can’t be used all the time, but it’s ideal for text, shapes, cartoon images, clipart etc. Vector files can be enlarged or shrunk in size without effecting the quality of the image. They do not use pixels.

You can see, it doesn’t matter how close we zoom in on the file, you won’t see pixels.

Vector files can only be created using specialised programs including Adobe Illustrator, Signlab, Corel Draw and numerous other equally good programs. They’re generally programs only associated with business or industry who rely on high quality files.

Here’s some tips to consider before heading to your printer or signwriter.

  • Ensure you use high resolution images for any signage or printing.
  • Ask for the advice of your graphic designer as to whether the file will print clearly and if they say ‘no’, get a photo that will. It will be worth the effort.

 

Signage Quality – How Can You Tell If It Will Last?

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Signage is a must have for any business, but one of the biggest challenges for any business owner is “Am I getting value for money”?

For the majority of signwriters, they’re professional in their field and should be trusted to provide a product that will suit your requirements, but when customers insist on meeting a price point or budget, this can sometimes put the squeeze on quality.

Better quality materials will always cost more, and for good reason. There’s 3 main classes of self adhesive vinyls industry providers can choose from.

  • Monomeric – Short term vinyl ideal for promotional use. Average 1 – 2 years.
  • Polymeric – Average 3 – 5 years life span. Ideal for most outdoor applications.
  • Supercast – Average 5 to 9 years life span. Ideal for vehicle wraps.

What most people don’t realise is, the thinner the vinyl sticker, the better the quality. Thin vinyls have better conformability when used on curved edges. When you run your hand over them, they feel edgeless and this prevents the vinyl from lifting or getting caught on sponges when being washed.

Polymeric and Supercast vinyls last longer in our harsh Australian environment. We suffer some of the harshest UV conditions in the world and our climate differs greatly to the countries the materials were created and tested in. They also offer colour fastness in a broader range of PMS shades.

Applying vinyl stickers to new surfaces also increases the life of your signage. Signwriting over an existing sign will often result in poor longevity. It’s often cheaper to provide a new backing board than it is to clean up the old one.

On the subject of longevity , it is imperative to over laminate digital prints for colour fastness and scratch resistance. I would sooner not win a job than let a customer accept a sign without either clear over laminate or liquid laminate. I don’t want customers coming back to me in 6 months saying their signs fading. The only time it’s ok not to have a laminate is when it’s for short term, promotional use.

Armed with the facts, I’d encourage you to ask the right questions of your signwriter and understand what you’re really getting.