Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 6/16/2009

Question
QUESTION: (Mac/AI CS3/PS CS) Hi. I need to create a solid black "mask" in the shape of a 4/c image I want to print. (This is so a solid "flood coat" of white ink will print underneath the shapes on the CMYK layers) Is there any easier/better way in AI or PS then opening image, turning to Bitmap, then filling in all the open areas with black? I appreciate any suggestions.

ANSWER: Hi Marianne,

Im confused as to why you need to fill the areas in with black. Are you really printing 4 color plus a custom white ink on this?

If so, you can just create the shape you need and fill it with a new spot color swatch called "white" (it can be any color). When you go to output make sure it prints separations with Spot Colors and you will also have a "White" plate come out with it.

Thanks

Kevin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks, Kevin. Yes, I'm printing a 100% solid white 1st, then the CMYK passes (screen printing). The image is Captain America with shades of red, blue, flesh tone, and white printing in CMYK. I need to create a solid shape of this figure so I can use this image to print a solid white underneath all the CMYK on top. I was supplied a .psd of this image with the red, blue, flesh, white and black on separate layers. Should I just isolate the black layer and fill in the open areas to create a solid shape for the white?
Marianne

Answer
Ok, this is a little more complicated if the only image you have is bitmap and you are on the right track. You can definitely separate out the White layer and make it a channel that you can separate out when you print. Then you may have to change your image to a multichannel doc in order to separate out the 5th color, otherwise you will have a CMYK print.

Thanks

Kevin