FAQs

What is your turnaround time?

For most common jobs, once the artwork has been approved our turnaround time is about 24-48 hours for production. For higher quantity and labor intensive projects, timing is worked out with the client directly.

How do I submit files?

Large files can be submitted through our ftp uploader. You can do this by selecting the “Upload File” button on the top of our web page and putting all necessary info in the form. You can also use a dropbox link to submit files if that’s something you’re more comfortable using.  Our graphics/print production guy will make sure the files are complete and ready to print before proceeding. We’ll contact you and offer any advice needed.

How do I set up a file to submit?

We work mostly from Adobe Illustrator for large format printing so that’s the best place to start. You can submit your file as an .ai, .eps, .pdf, .tif, or .jpg. Please keep in mind that .tif and .jpg files cannot be edited so if possible, outline the fonts before exporting and whenever possible use vector art.

Where can I find high resolution images?

What type of ink do you use?

Our latex printer uses water-based inks which provides a healthier environment, richer colors, and makes it easier to recycle the paper. Our flat printer uses UV-curable ink. This UV ink is “cured” or transformed into a solid film that tightly adheres directly to a substrate once it is exposed to the UV light.

Do you do raised lettering?

We provide all types of raised lettering for exterior signage, both lit and unlit, and for interior use as well.  We don’t normally install exterior raised lettering. If our client has a contractor already, that contractor will have the skills needed to do this type of installation.  We typically save our clients at least 20% by having them work directly with their current contractor. We can also refer clients to contractors, if needed. We will provide specifications and detailed instructions to clients that purchase raised lettering from us.

How much are custom color change wraps for a vehicle?

Generally, custom color change wraps are similar to custom paint jobs.  Because we remove, mirrors, door handles, grill, bumper, light bezels, etc, the costs are usually around $20 per square foot.   I’d say a good starting place would be $4000-5000.  If you’d like, we can give you a firm quote. We’ll need to make an  appointment to see the vehicle in person to put an estimate together.  Typically it takes 2-3 days to do this kind of wrap, we’re typically scheduled out 3-4 weeks on these types of jobs.

How long does it take to get a vehicle wrapped?

Our vehicle wrap installers are the best in the Bay Area, we’re typically booked several weeks in advance. As for the wrap itself depending on the vehicle size, it can take anywhere from a half day to 2 business days.

Do you wrap car roofs, bumpers, and spoilers for cars?

We specialize in full vehicle wraps but we can do partial wraps, roofs, grills, and spoilers.  Prices start at $500. We’d need to see the vehicle and know exactly what you’d like to have done to it to give you a firm quote.  Please fill out our contact SpeedPro form or give us a call to make an appointment. We generally need 3-4 weeks to schedule these installs, the guys that install them are really good, but also really busy.  Please let us know if we can help.

Do you do window tinting?

We do install window tinting, costs for this start at $500.  We do not install tinting on windshield or driver/passenger front windows due to legal issues.  The state of California requires installers to provide Visible Light Transmission certificates for this service.  The cost of paperwork and potential liability preclude us from this type of work.

Do you install hardware for blade signs?

Technically we can’t install the sign brackets because we are not a licensed contractor. We work with a few contractors but if they go get the permits, install the sign and charge us, then we have to mark it up and then charge you, the client. However, if you get the permit and work directly with the contractor you’ll save at least 25%.

We do know some handy people that can install and would work directly with you on your specific project. We’re happy to connect you as a part of the process.

Do the graphics go on the inside or the outside of windows?

We generally encourage decals to be put onto the outside, for a few reasons. The main reason for this is visibility. There will always be glare coming from the window, making them harder to see. If there is any window tinting, they’ll be very dark from the outside. Also, if there is window tinting, and the tint film is on the inside (usually the case), we’ll void any warranty on that film by putting graphics onto it. If you ever change the graphics, they’ll probably pull some of that tinting film off.

If you’re worried that someone will pick at them, we’ve found that’s very rare but if you’re in a high traffic area or are getting tagged, window scratched, etc, we can do it on the inside.  They’re on the outside at most locations and we have yet to have a complaint of people pulling the graphics off of a window.

How long for Dye Sublimated materials?

Dye Sublimation is a specialized process which we don’t have the capabilities to produce in-house.  Since we work with another vendor on this it can take about 5-7 business days after graphic approval.

Dye Sublimation is a process that uses heat to transfer dye onto print material. During the process, the ink graphics you want are transferred onto “transfer paper”. Once the inks have dried, a heat press presses the transfer paper against the medium you want, be it a banner, flag, or tablecloth. The heat causes the dried inks to turn into gas and penetrate your material. This results in permanently embedded, bonded inks in the graphic.

In contrast to dye sublimation, the popular alternative, latex printing, does not use heat in the process and simply applies liquid ink to the surface. This does not result in the ink penetrating your material.

Do you offer non-PVC materials?

Yes.  PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a thermoplastic that is commonly used for wide format printing.

PVC can be toxic to the environment and is known to have cancer-causing materials.  It also cannot be recycled, and once a PVC product has reached the end of its lifetime, its breaking down in landfills releases even more toxic chemicals into the environment.

Our PVC free options are environmentally friendly, meet health standards, and have more vibrant colors.

Can you color match a logo?

Yes and the best way to ensure that we match your color correctly is by using a PANTONE Matching System, the primary color space used in the printing industry. Since the appearance of the color you want can vary when used on a different medium, the PANTONE color matching system guarantees that the color you want appears the way you want.

Do you offer design services?

Yes.  We have an in-house designer so we can sit down with you to better understand the direction that you want to go with your design.  Our design services are charged by the hour and new logo design is not something we specialize in.

How can I pay?

Generally, we don’t begin the process without a deposit of 50%, or a Purchase Order (PO) from your company to ours for the entire amount. We request full payment upon completion of the project and accept cash, check, and credit card.

SpeedPro East Bay

Studio Owner

Ed Owens

Hours

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