East London Superlab

First Base

Self Service: How does it work?

It is important to carefully follow these instructions to prepare for your file(s) then simply upload. It is possible to place your images onto a single file and pay for a single print.

Upload before 12 midday to receive your print in under 24 hours. We have also conceived a service for conserving packaging with returnable tubes. Which you can review at the online checkout.

First Base Steps:

Preparing and setting up your files to print.
Providing the size, paper and quantity.
File transfer, pay and select delivery/pickup option.

First Base: How to Prep Your Files For Printing

To prepare your files for First Base printing, the main items to be aware of are:

Size - Files need to be sized at 300dpi by the required output size in mm or cm. For example, a 400mm x 500mm print at 300dpi would be 79.8mb TIFF file in 8 bit or 159.6mb 16 bit. For borders, please add the desired width to the outside edges of your print we will trim to that edge.

Paper Types - There are two broad paper distinctions. Because Proofing Paper is around half the cost of Fine Art Papers this is an economical way to preview your file as a print, then make corrections prior to committing to Fine Art Paper.

Proofing Paper
Epson Proofing Paper White Semimatte 250g/m²

Fine Art Paper
Hahnemühle Fine Art Pearl 285g - semi
Hahnemühle Photo Rag Pearl 320g - semi
Hahnemühle Fine Art Baryta 325g - gloss
Canson Infinity Rag Photographique 310g - smooth matt

Washi
Awagami Bamboo 170g - textured matt
Awagami Kozo Natural Thin 70g - textured matt

File Format - TIFF is the only format we work with, unless by special request. If there are any layers please remember to flatten them when or before saving.

Colour Profiles - All files must be submitted at 300 dpi in ECI_RGB_V2.icc color space as TIFF files. It is recommended to preview the image on a calibrated colour monitor for soft proofing where you will notice the difference between the ECI_RGB_V2.icc and the .icc profile of your selected paper. There are a variety of strategies to reconcile the differences. The difference comes about from the output limits between the screen colour and that of an ink-set and paper.

Once your files are prepared to satisfy the above, then upload to the dropbox on this site (“Upload Your File Here”) and drop us an email to let us know. You will receive email back when the print is ready for collection or delivery and how to pay online.

“ICC Profiles & Information” for a downloadable icc and instructions