Speciality Finishing

File Prep Guidelines for Digital Artwork &
Specialty Masks (e.g. Sleeking and Spot UV)

 

What is a Specialty Mask?

• The Specialty Mask file is used to show where the Spot UV or Sleeking needs to be applied on your printed product.

• Only use solid 100% K (C 0%, M 0%, Y 0%, K 100%) to indicate application area.

• Do not use shadows, glows, or grayscale images. White will indicate no application of Specialty materials.

 

Recommended Specialty Mask File Settings

Resolution: 300dpi

Color Mode: CMYK

Bleed: 0.125” on each side

File Types: PDF* (recommended), JPG, EPS and TIFF

*please be sure to embed or convert fonts to outlines before sending.

 

Specialty Mask Requirements

• Set the color to 100% K (black only) spot color and call it VARNISH or SLEEKING.

• Set to overprint.

• Must be Vector art created in a vector-based program, such as Illutrator.

 *IMPORTANT* if the art is not vector-based, the final result won't have sharp edges.

 

For best results,
• Make sure that Raised Spot UV coverage is less than 30%

• Up to 70% coverage is acceptable only with patterns, thin strokes, or small shapes.

• Ideally, the size of the area, shape, or image covered with Raised Spot-UV should not exceed 1”x1”.

• It is recommended not to use smaller than 6pt font for text receiving a Specialty treatment (Raised Spot UV or Sleeking)

• If, there are thicker strokes, it is recommended that you do not use smaller than 9pt font.

• Knockouts are not recommended since there may be a shift (up to 1/16”) when Specialty Finishing is applied.

 

Soft Touch laminate

• Did you know that our Soft-Touch products are scuff-proof and able to be spot-cleaned?

• The Soft-Touch finish is water resistant, but not waterproof. This means the cards stand up well when they come in contact with a small amount of water, but cannot be submerged in water.

• A soft, velvety laminate is applied to the surface of coated card stocks to achieve a luxurious suede-like look and feel.

• This finish pairs well with Raised Spot-UV, Sleeking, and even our Digital Die-cut options.