FAQs

What kinds of graphics are available from Lone Eagle?
Lone Eagle produces a vast range of graphics for applications including:

The exact materials and technologies we use depend on your specific needs—the display conditions, display duration, and print size, to name a few. Call us for a free consultation. We’ll find the right solution for you, from media to laminates, from mounting to finishing.

How big can you make my graphics?
Just about as big as your imagination. Prints can be as large as 60 inches wide by dozens of feet long in one contiguous piece. Need a truly super-size image? We’ll carefully piece it together in tiles. We can also print on both sides of a banner.

What kinds of media can Lone Eagle print on?
Lone Eagle uses both water-based inks and mild solvent inks to directly print on a huge array of media. Here are a few general guidelines about which one is best for your needs:

Outdoor signage like vinyl banners, window graphics, and mounted signs are printed onto durable materials like vinyl, polyethylene, or polyester with eco-friendly, mild solvent inks. We recommend lamination for this kind of long-term or outdoor display.
Indoor displays like convention/trade show graphics and retail/POP graphics can be printed on materials like paper, Tyvek, polypropylene, polyester fabric, or vinyl. Lamination can add the right surface look, but it usually isn’t required for durability.
Vehicle wraps are printed on durable, industry-leading 3M brand cast vinyl with mild solvent inks, to achieve a great mix of vibrancy and durability. Lamination is a must here, to protect against the wear and tear of the road, and to get that eye-catching, “wet-paint” glossy look.
For photo and fine art reproductions (often referred to as Gicleé), archival inks are printed onto gloss, luster, semi-gloss or matte photo papers; acid-free watercolor papers; semi-gloss or matte canvas; or various fabrics. Many types of media are available.

What file formats do you accept?
For optimal results, please send your digital files in a print-ready format such as PDF or EPS. We also accept native Photoshop (PSD) and Illustrator (AI) files. We can also accept other formats like TIF and JPG straight from your digital camera. Some tips:

When using bitmap software like Photoshop, flatten the file to a single layer and save it as a TIF or PDF.
When using vector software like Illustrator, convert all text to outlines, group all layers, and save it as an EPS.
Adobe RGB is the best color space to use. It avoids color shifts upon translating from CMYK or sRGB to RGB.

What file resolution do I need to have you produce my graphics?
File resolution is dictated mainly by viewing conditions. Some tips:

In general, the longer the viewing distance, the lower the acceptable resolution.
At shorter viewing distances, higher resolution is required, although this yields larger file sizes.
For most signage applications, 150ppi at the intended print dimensions will work just fine.
For a fine art print that will be viewed at approximately arm’s length, the digital file should be 300ppi or greater at the intended print dimensions.

How do I transfer my files to Lone Eagle?
For digital files larger than 5MB, please click on the Upload Your Files link to quickly and easily send your files to Lone Eagle. This will be more effective than email and simpler than FTP. Be sure to include a brief description of your job and your email address and phone number so that we can get back to you promptly. Your digital files will be archived at Lone Eagle at no cost to you, saving you valuable digital storage space and time. For files only a few megabytes in size, you can email them directly to Rick@LoneEagleDigital.com.

How do I handle contour-cutting lines in my files?
If contour cutting is required, name your cut line “CutContour” and make sure it is designated as a “spot” color. Then save your file as an EPS. Contact us if you have questions.

Can Lone Eagle provide laminating, mounting, or other types of finishing?
Absolutely. Most graphics aren’t truly “finished” until they are laminated to protect them and/or give them the proper surface finish (matte, luster, semi-gloss, glossy). We can provide the right kind of lamination for dry-erase boards, non-slip floor graphics, or graffiti-resistant signage, for example. We can also mount your prints to Gatorfoam, recycled Eco-Board, Sintra, bio-degradable polystyrene, or other substrates, or add pole pockets and grommets for vinyl banners. And we can provide a huge range of display hardware like retractable banner stands, backlit display boxes, tradeshow hardware, etc.

How long will my prints last?
We know that you want your graphics investment to last as long as possible. That’s why Lone Eagle uses pigmented ink systems. They offer the highest longevity and resistance to smudging, smearing, and fading. Lamination further enhances durability, especially for outdoor graphics. Fine art prints, produced with pigmented inks on archival media, will be around for generations: 100-150 years or longer according to detailed testing by Wilhelm Imaging Research.

Don’t solvent inks harm the environment?
Yes, solvent inks are bad for the environment, not to mention bad for the health of the person doing the printing. For your benefit and ours, Lone Eagle uses aqueous (water-based) inks and eco-MAX mild solvent inkjet inks from Roland. These inks contain no cyclohexanone, which is a known carcinogen. Developed to be eco-friendly, this inkset has no strong odor. Our aqueous inks are 85-90% water and contain no carcinogens. For more on our eco-conscious practices, look here.

What is an ICC profile and why is it important?
ICC (International Color Consortium) is a standard used for communicating color information and converting colors among various devices and color spaces. Digital cameras, scanners, monitors, and printers all use different technologies to capture or display color. They also possess different color spaces. These devices, when linked together through ICC profiles (or translators), can then “speak the same language.” Without a proper color-managed workflow, a print shop will need to continually print, tweak, and adjust until your graphics look right. We know you don’t have time for that…and neither do we.

Lone Eagle creates its own ICC profiles for maximum quality and reliability. With that in mind, ask your current print provider how they handle ICC profiles. If they tell you they download generic profiles from the web, know that you’re taking a risk. And if they give you a blank stare and ask “What does ICC mean?”, just walk away. Then call Lone Eagle.