: Do I need a black stroke when saving white artwork for it to be able to print? White vector graphic with black stroke, do I need this for printing? Otherwise artwork is white and artboard

@Murray976

Artwork, as in your sample image, should be 100% black, no stroke.

You make things black which are supposed to print. Black is transferred to film, then a plate and the ink is applied where the black image was... doesn't matter what color of ink is used, white, green, purple, bleen.

Think of it like a rubber stamp... the rubber part is black.. but you can dip that black rubber into red ink then press it onto something to get a red impression. The color of the artwork for 1 color printing is always black (or tints of black if you don't want a solid color).

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@Sent7350415

This would be a question for the printer. Depending on how the document needs to be setup they may require a certain amount of bleed for the black stroke. This bleed is usually cut off when they trim to the final size. I would suggest asking your printer what they prefer and what their protocol is for strokes on the edges.



After edit:

If this is to be screen printed it isn't going to matter what color you make it as long as it's a solid color with a quality vector object so I would get rid of the stroke and design in black. Again, consult with the printer. The printer may want you to deliver it in a certain manner. If the graphic is to be printed as white it isn't going to matter to the printer as long as the vector's are solid because the plate maker will print it as a solid color. Still you should be consulting the printer.

For you to get a better idea of what is going on here is a video you should watch on how it is done with vinyl: Make Screen Printing Plate by 24in Cutting Plotter Sign Vinyl. Personally I would have weeded the vinyl before masking it and applying it to the screen but this should help you understand what is going on.

Overview of the video:


Vinyl printed out on plotter
Ideally it should we weeded before masking but they mask the decal
Apply the decal to the screen
Squeegee to get out all air bubbles
transfer to press
coat screen
apply to shirt


Another method instead of vinyl is some people will use emulsion and burn it to the screen. Either way that is up to the printer.

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