When printing colored images, it is essential to know which color mode you should produce the best results. With this, you must learn which color mode best fits your photo. These two can be quite confusing, especially when you don’t have enough background for graphic designing. Most graphic designers know that differentiating the color profiles is crucial because choosing the wrong color mode will affect the tone and message of your document.

RGB
The RGB color profile comprises Red, Green, and Blue hues that combine to create many variations of colors. Exists only in screen displays, the RGB color mode is present in computer monitors, mobiles, and television screens. Although this color mode exists in all electronic devices, the color elements vary across systems and models (e.g. the image you see on an iMac differs on a Dell desktop computer).

The RGB profile is involved in additive processes to produce color by blending light instead of using ink to produce hues. The presence of all RGB primary colors at full intensity results in white, while the absence of color produces black. As you turn a screen off, you see an absence of RGB color, i.e. you see a black screen. The color you see on your monitor or screen is caused by the RGB base hues.

When to use RGB color mode

It is not uncommon to cause complications on color profile. However, to avoid them, always set a document in RGB when designing for social media, digital design, or online advertisements. Whatever image or design you have, as long as it exists on a screen or monitor, set it as RGB.

CMYK
The CMYK color profile contains Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black) that combine to produce a range of hues. This color mode is what we see on printers. When you zoom in on any printed image, you will see the four-color dots that layer to create different hues and gradations. Although all printers produce prints in CMYK, the results will differ among different styles and models of printers.

If the absence of all RGB colors produces black, CMYK produces white. Cyan and magenta create blue, magenta and yellow create red, and yellow and cyan create green. The presence of the all CMYK color combined produces an off-black shade.

When to use CMYK color mode

CMYK are commonly reserved for printed designs such as business cards, flyers, posters, and packaging. Setting your documents to CMYK before exporting or printing will prevent unbalanced colors that will result in RGB colors being translated into CMYK equivalents.

We hope you have learned about the RGB and CMYK color modes. By letting yourself be informed about what these are and when to use them, you can now know which one to use when printing an image!

If you have questions or comments, please submit your message below or you can contact us today!

​About Us​​​
​Contact Us Here​​​

The post Should I Use RGB or CMYK Color Mode for Printing Images? appeared first on Hackworth.

In materials, sign printing can offer a lot of options. Each material has special features and benefits that can make it suitable for a specific situation. Here are some commonly used materials we have tested and compared for your reference.

• Medium Density Overlay - Popularly referred to as ‘MDO’, is made of plywood panels with a resin fiber fused to the surface. Commonly used in sign designs, because of its tough quality.
• Glass–glass applications can be found almost everywhere. This material is used as a canvas to apply graphics for signage and marketing purposes.
• Aluminum–A perfect material for any permanent outdoor sign, this material will not rust with tough enamel that will not flake or peel like other painted materials.
• Fabric- Printed fabrics are relatively new to the sign industry but are making a huge name thanks to digital printing. Fabrics can be printed for banners, awnings, flags and fine art, including canvases.
• Acrylic This tough, transparent, versatile thermoplastic is used in many applications, especially in visual communications, design and architecture. This material is also very resistant to shock, flexing, scratching and weathering, which comes in a variety of colors and finishes and is recyclable.
• Gator board is a hard but lightweight display material that has a thick inner foam core and a wood-fiber veneer exterior. It is water, scratches, and dent resistant. Thanks to its portability and toughness, gator board is ideal for signs that will need to be frequently moved around.
• The foam core is a thick, inexpensive, and super lightweight display material. It has a dense foam core sandwiched between two layers of thick matte paper. Because it is so low cost, foam core signs are a great option for temporary displays and presentations.
• Ultra-board is a heavy-duty, all-plastic panel used for vivid prints and high use displays.
• Vinyl and painted wall graphics –creative designs with bright and colorful details can be achieved using this material. They are adherent and can be applied directly to walls.
• Wood–Wood can be used when it is important to match the surroundings. But not only just woods, good quality wood can have excellent durability and looks high end.
• Textured wall coverings–or without the technicality, the ‘wallpaper’. It adds intensity and interest with a huge range of visually pleasing looks and feels.
• Steel and stainless steel–Strong, durable and versatile, this long-established construction material is made from mixing iron and carbon in the right proportions at high temperature, but other additives give it qualities.
• Stone–Whether a just a normal-looking stone or slate can be cut it to size and shape. Great for traditional architectural signage with natural surroundings, this signage also gives the feeling of permanency and solidity to any environment.
• Coroplast is ridged polypropylene with a limited exterior life. These materials readily accept stress0-sensitive vinyl graphics, screen inks, and digital images.
• Polycarbonate- this material is clear, shatter-proof plastics that provide more durability and more flexibility than conventional acrylic plastics. They are widely used for exterior sign faces in areas that are subject to vandalism. Polycarbonates are also used for light box graphics.

About Us
Contact Us Here

The post What Materials Can You Print On? appeared first on Hackworth.

Here at Hackworth, we offer a wide variety of different sign and banner printing options. We can produce all different signage types such as back-lit, way finding, entrance, point of purchase, site signs, wall graphics, and window clings as well as ADA (American Disabilities Act) signs. With all these printing options, there are two ways of producing these signs: vinyl and digital print.

Each has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on what type of signage. However, in comparing how long they last in serving your business, you must know their differences.

Vinyl-made Signs
Vinyl is a kind of adhesive that can be cut into shapes and letters. It can be used in printing shirts, window and floor decals, vehicle wrapping, and many more. Vinyl can be made with materials that differ from one another, which means they can have different effects. Either way, they are made to withstand a range of environmental conditions. When using quality materials, most users look into a material’s longevity, and vinyl has just that. Although the sun can gradually fade vinyl as time goes by, vinyl-made signs are expected to last at least 5-10 years. However, it should be noted that while this time range may seem extensive, its lifespan will rely on the vinyl the user have chosen.

Here are the types of vinyl and their life expectancies:

• Calendared–this material is common and is recommended for businesses that do not require bigger printed materials; lifespan is about 3-6 years
• Cast–this is a much higher quality of the calendared type of vinyl; this material often has the longest life expectancy ranging from 5 to 12 years
• Metalized Polyester and Fluorescent–this vinyl material is designed for flashy ad decorative graphics which is why their life expectancies are not that long, and often last after 2 years
  
  

Digitally Printed Signs
Digitally printed signs can print color-specific, unlike vinyl that has its limitations when it comes to colors. It can print all the shades and fades of today’s complex designs. Despite that, when compared to the life expectancy of vinyl, digitally printed signs will not last as long. These signs usually last about 3 years, especially when exposed to the elements. However, you can add about 2-3 years of its life span when the sign is laminated.

Ultimately, your decision will rely on what kind of business you have and what goal you want to reach when advertising with these materials. Although one can clearly compare each other’s life expectancies, it is the goal of the user how long he or she intends to use the sign.

If you have questions please leave a message below or you can contact us today!

​About Us​​​
​Contact Us Here​​​

The post How Long Does My Sign Usually Last? appeared first on Hackworth.