Understanding Index Color Separations with Underbase
Index Color Separation is a distinct and highly effective method of preparing images for screen printing, particularly when dealing with designs that don't rely on traditional continuous tones. Unlike halftone separations, which use dots of varying sizes to simulate different shades, Index Color Separation converts images using stochastic square dots of equal size. This technique breaks down an image into a limited palette of solid, predefined colors. Instead of mixing inks to create new shades, each pixel is assigned the closest available color from this specific palette. This results in a sharp, almost pixelated look that can be incredibly vibrant and is excellent for designs with distinct color blocks, often leading to a more consistent print on textiles. When printing on dark garments, an underbase is crucial for Index Color Separations, providing a bright, opaque foundation that ensures the true vibrancy and accuracy of each indexed color shines through.
Custom Color Separation: Achieving Precision with PANTONE®
When your design demands specific, precise color matching—whether for brand consistency, unique aesthetic requirements, or vibrant accents—our Custom Color Separation service is your ideal solution. This process allows us to isolate and prepare your artwork's unique color palette for optimal screen printing.
For projects requiring exact color reproduction, especially those that need to maintain consistency across various printed materials, we highly recommend utilizing the PANTONE® Matching System (PMS). The PANTONE® system is the global standard for color communication, offering a vast library of pre-mixed, standardized colors.
If you need special colors that fall outside the typical CMYK process or require precise brand fidelity, please choose colors directly from the PANTONE® Matching System and clearly indicate the corresponding PMS numbers on your order. By doing so, you ensure that we can accurately match your desired colors, guaranteeing a vibrant, consistent, and professional final product. Our expertise in custom color separation allows us to translate your vision into a stunning, high-quality screen print.
Acceptable File Formats
Also Accept file format:
- These kind of separations are easy for printing.
- You never going to have moiré.
- You never going to have problems with a dot gain.
- You Can Printing wet - on - wet.
- The image will be bright and sharp.
- you Can use Direct Colors. No CMYK
- You Can print 5 to 13 Colors Directly
- Index Color Separation
- White Base for dark T-Shirts
- Highlight White
- Color Correction
- Brightness & Contrast Adjustment
- White Balance Adjustment
- Fast Turnaround
- No Moire!!! The stochastic bitmap dots burn to mesh easily without the chance of a moire.
- No ink buildup. Since the square dots sit side by side like a grid or puzzle, there's no heavy ink build up.
- Prints look consistent printed on any colors, lights, darks, or brights. Shirt color does not effect index seps the way they can with elliptical dots.
- Less variables on the press. A good index separation eliminates many press variables you can encounter with other types of separations. The 2 main things to watch on an index separation are registration and print order. Print order will make a big difference in the look of the print and is a great advantage. If a color is printing too prominently, just drop it down in the print sequence.
Sample
