Have you ever found yourself put in a position in which you did not know where to start? We have compiled these 15 helpful nuggets for those of you needing help with purchasing your company logo tablecloth.
Perhaps your employer tasked you with ordering a printed table cover for your company or school. What is a table cover? Do we have a logo? Many questions may pop up and make the task seem overwhelming at first. The hardest part is starting.
Many corporations attend trade shows to display their services or message to the general population. Storefronts display branding material. When attending school graduations you will see printed items displaying the year that the class is graduating.
There are many opportunities to market a brand or school name. Printed table covers are just another way to help get your message out into the world.
What size display or event table are you covering?
The FIRST thing to do when searching for a printed table cover would be to find the dimensions of your table. Just like when measuring cubes you need to know the width, length, and height of your table.
The width refers to the distance of the table from front to back when standing in front of the table.
The length refers to the distance of the table from left to right when standing in front of the table. The height refers to the distance from the top of the table down to the floor.
You must know the size of your table in order for the table cover fit properly. In order to have the logo displayed fully on the proper panel, you need to know your table dimensions.
By not knowing the dimensions the image could end up on the wrong panel of the table.
Many times we have heard people say, “I have a standard 6ft table”, however, there is no such thing. All tables seem to come in different shapes and sizes.
Widths commonly range from 18” to 30” and heights commonly range from 30” to 42”.
Understanding that there are no standard sizes, we can tell you that there are the “Most Common” sizes.
What are the most common display table sizes?
The most common dimensions for a 6ft table are 72″ L X 30″ W x 30” H
Common dimensions for an 8ft table are 96″ L X 30″ W x 30” H
The popular dimensions for a 4ft table are 48″ L X 24″ W x 30” H
How to measure any size display or event table
If you are in the United States make sure to measure using inches. We here at Logoclothz.com measure the length first, width, and then the height.
If you are in possession of the table, use a measuring tape to measure the width, length, and height.
For when you are going to an event, ask someone at the venue if they know the size of the tables being provided. At a school or university? Ask someone in the housekeeping department for the table sizes.
What do I do when I don’t know the size of my table?
If you are in no way able to obtain the size of the tables being provided, consider ordering a convertible table throw. Convertible table throws include velcro strips which help adjust the size to fit both 6 and 8ft tables.
The table cover is easy to adjust and includes a full-color imprint on the front. A “two for one”, the convertible throw is a great deal.
Is there a “one size fits all company logo tablecloth?”
The honest answer to this question is, no, unfortunately. You will have too much fabric resting on the floor if your table cover is too big for your table. You would then have to tuck the fabric under the table to prevent people from stepping on and destroying it.
Alternatively, a tablecloth will not cover all sides down to the floor if it is too small for your table. Having the right size table cover for your event will add a professional look to your display.
Obtaining your print ready art file
Next, you need to obtain a print-ready art file for what you are printing onto the table cover. For best results in printing, we require a vectored art file. A vectored art file refers to the file type as being editable using one of several design programs.
We would ask for an Adobe Illustrator file, an EPS or an editable PDF file. With these file types, we can increase the size of the image without any image degradation, blurriness or pixelation.
We have templates available to help in the creation of your custom printed table drape.
To locate the correct art file look through your computer or company network and pay note to the file extension. File extensions designate the format and what program opens it. All files are named and end with a file extension which starts with a period.
The file extension for an Adobe Illustrator file is, “.AI”.
The file extension for an EPS file is, “.EPS”.
The file extensions for a PDF file is, “.PDF”.
We can also print from JPG, PNG, PSD, and IND files. These types of files need to be built to full-size and to 150 dpi for the best print possible. If the image looks blurry to you when at full size it will print blurry.
A helpful hint would be to zoom in close to view the detail of your image. PNG files usually will have a transparent background, however, JPG files will not.
For JPG files you need to adjust the background color to match the fabric color you are printing on. If you are printing on black fabric the background color of your JPG file should be black, and so on. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
What Does “Print Ready Art File Mean?”
Print-ready art file refers to a vectored file that has been built to the specifications below. Vector files use mathematical equations that generate files upon re-scaling which allow for a perfect and crystal clear image quality.
Vector files are utilized mostly by graphic designers using Adobe Illustrator which specializes in vector files. Your logo and all other branding elements should be created in vector formats.
A vector file is very versatile for resizing branding elements such as your logo. These files can be re-scaled to fit supports of any size without image degradation or blurriness. Vector files can then be saved as other file types very easily for use on the web or for print.
Print Ready Artwork Specifications
When setting up your art file ensure that you are working in CMYK or to use solid coated PMS values. This will ensure you know what to expect in terms of color once your product is actually printed.
Working in CMYK versus RBG can greatly affect how the colors appear once printed. We print using CMYK so make sure the art file is set up this way.
Make sure to convert any text into outlines or curves; we do not have all fonts saved in our system. If you do not convert the text to outlines or curves the font used could be substituted for a different one.
This could completely change the appearance of your image when the file is opened. By converting the text to an outline or curve you are changing the editable text into a shape.
This ensures that when the file is opened by anyone that the text will appear as intended. It will make it so that you can no longer edit the text. I always save an editable file and another file with the text outlined.
Embed all placed images into your file, at least 150 dpi when at full size. If the image is not embedded and the file is opened on another person’s computer, they will not be able to open it properly.
The computer does not know how to read the file if the image is not embedded. Using Adobe Illustrator, you can embed images using the links panel or embed option. The embed option is located in the top menu bar under objects.
If using any of our templates, do not change the size of the template nor flatten any of the layers. CMYK and solid coated Pantone values need to be designated within the file.
Ensure that all elements are power clipped using a clipping mask within the different panels or panel. If you have any questions with regards to using our templates, please feel free to contact us. We will be glad to assist in any way we can.
What is CMYK?
Short for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black, CMYK is a color mode in which all colors are created. These colors are created using a mixture of these four process colors.
CMYK is the standard color mode used in offset printing for full-color art files. Because such printing uses inks of these four basic colors it is often referred to as four-color process printing.
In comparison, display devices such as televisions, computers, tablets, and smartphones use a different color mode called RGB. RGB is short for Red, Green, and Blue. Monitors create color by mixing Red, Green, and Blue light.
When printing colors on t-shirts, table covers, or paper, all colors are created by mixing actual ink. One of the most difficult aspects of printing in color is color matching; properly converting the RGB colors into CMYK colors. Color matching is when the printed looks the same as what appears on the monitor.
PLEASE NOTE: You should always expect a slightly a different variation in color whether we print your logo in CMYK or anything else.
The reason being is that there is nothing in the physical world to match CMYK colors with. All printers use different printing machines which are all calibrated to specific settings and different brand inks.
This will all affect how colors appear once printed.
What is the Best Way to Ensure my Colors are Matched?
Matching your company logo tablecloth color. When you visit any paint shop and look for a red color, you will see hundreds of shades in that same hue.
Each of these values is numbered in order to help painters match colors as accurately as possible. The Pantone Matching System is the best way to ensure that your colors are matched as close as we can achieve.
What is the PMS or Pantone Matching System?
The Pantone Matching System is a standard color space used in a variety of industries. It is used for printing and in the manufacture of colored paint, fabric, and plastics.
The Pantone Matching System is a color standardization system that helps in color identification and matching. It uses the Pantone numbering system to identify colors. Through this numbering system, print and other equipment manufacturers can match colors without having to contact one another.
Most programs that support printing allow you to specify colors by indicating the Pantone value or number within the file. This assures that you achieve the correct color when the file is printed, even though the color may not appear the same on your monitor.
A Pantone value consists of a 3 or 4 digit number followed by a letter of the alphabet; C, U or M, for example, which stands for “coated,” “uncoated” and “matte,” respectively.
Digits refer to the Pantone color itself, and the suffix indicates the material or media being printed on. The media being printed on affects how the inks are mixed to achieve a specific color. The color palette in the PMS consists of about 1,114 colors.
The PMS was developed by Pantone LLC (Carlstadt, NJ, USA), which was acquired in 2007 by X-Rite, Inc. (Grand Rapids, MI, USA). Same Pantone Value, Different Result in Colors.
The type of material being printed on will affect the appearance of colors. In separate swatch or chip books, Pantone shows you how their colors look on coated, uncoated, and matte paper.
Therefore you have the number of the color (PMS Red 032) followed by a suffix. The suffix indicates what stock your PANTONE Color is to be printed on.
If you want PANTONE Red 032 on shiny paper you would specify the color in this manner: PANTONE 032 C. C stands for “coated”.
You then have U, which stands for “uncoated”, and then M, which stands for “matte”.
Examples: 186C = coated 186U = uncoated 186M = matte
These three are the most important PANTONE Library abbreviations. At Logoclothz we ask for solid coated values ending with the letter “C” when color matching.
You may, however, also encounter the abbreviation CV followed by C, U or M.
CV stands for Computer Video, which is the electronic representation of the PANTONE Colors.
Now discontinued but still shown in old versions of software, CV merely means that the color is an on-screen simulation.
What do I look for when looking for the best result in printing our company logo tablecloth?
When you receive your printed item you would want for the image to be bright and vibrant. You would want to see crisp lines so that any small detail stands out from the background.
You also want for the print to last and not wash away, peel or crack. Anything white in your design should look stark white and anything black should be a dark, rich black.
Logoclothz matches Pantone as close as possible while keeping in mind the different materials it is being printed on.
We print per the artwork approved. It should not be anticipated that any misspellings be magically be fixed.
Where Do I Look to Find My Art File?
In a corporation, you can contact your marketing department or employer and ask for an Adobe Illustrator file, EPS or editable PDF file. You may have a corporate branding guide you can refer to.
If you are a small company you can check through the original art files used to create your logo. Graphic designers will send complete art files once a logo has been approved.
If you are working with a university or school you can ask for assistance from the SGA, Principal or even someone from the art department.
Your last option would be to search the internet or to refer to a business card or printed sample and send it to us.
How Do I Know if My Art File is Print Ready?
If you have any questions regarding your art file please feel free to contact us. We will be more than glad to assist you.
You can also email your art file to Sales@logoclothz.com . Include the words, “Please check my Art File” in the subject line. We review the file and let you know if it is print ready or of any options to resolve any issues found.
In the event the file is not print ready we will in most cases have a solution. Please note: photographs are more difficult to correct.
What Do I Do if My Art File is Not Print Ready?
If you are not able to obtain a print-ready art file for your company logo tablecloth you may need to hire someone to assist you.
We offer artwork conversion servicing where we will recreate your image into a print-ready format for a low fee. This service will work for any image that does not contain photographs.
For images that contain photographs, you would need to contact the original designer. The only way to correct issues with photographs is to obtain the RAW file or higher resolution file.
With our conversion service, we would send you finished art files for you to keep on record for future use.
How Do I Set Up My Art File Using a Template?
Setting up your art file using our templates is the best way to control what we are printing. You will need a design program to open the template and some basic knowledge of how to use the program.
With our templates, you will know exactly what to expect before we send your order to print. Each panel of the table is shown using guidelines within the template.
Please make sure to not change the size of the template and to work in CMYK versus RGB. Working in CMYK will give you a better idea of how the colors will appear once printed.
If you are using any Pantone values, use solid coated and ensure they are called out in your art file. Please make sure to convert any text into outlines or curves. If you do not convert the text to outlines or curves the text may be substituted for a different font.
If you are using any photographic images they must be at 150 dpi when at full size. All images must power clipped within the table drape template on one layer. If you need any assistance please feel free to contact us.
How Can I Create a Contemporary Layout that Covers the Entire Table Drape?
Utilizing our templates, you can create some cool designs that cover the entire table cover. Say all you have is a logo and you want to print the logo on something more than just a solid colored background.
Printing such a simple design, that would be so 90s. Keeping in mind that you want the logo to be the focal point of your table cover you want to find a background image that compliments it.
You want a background image that does not compete for attention with the logo. You would want something that flows with the logo and makes the viewers eyes move to the focal point.
There are some websites out there where you can download a free background in a vector format. You can also find an image at a high enough resolution for us to print with. Get creative and have fun!
Now that you know the size of the table you will be using and what file type is needed, you need to determine the style tablecloth that best suits your branding needs.
There are currently three popular styles that help convey a more modern and professional look. The table drape, fitted tablecloth and spandex stretch table cover. Read on to select your best option for your company logo tablecloth.
Left to Right: Table Throw, Fitted Tablecloth, Spandex Table Cover
What is a logo Table Throw?
Table throws will cover all sides of your table down to the floor. They are easy to use as you would just throw it over the table and pull the sides down flat. Throws are also known as table drapes and are more versatile.
You could use the throw on different size tables with a little tucking if needed. Our tablecloths are made from polyester, which allows us to print bright, vibrant colors, and are machine washable.
With table throws there is extra fabric on each corner which folds over itself when the cover is put on a table. With this in mind, the suggested imprint area for each size table is 12” shorter than the actual length of the panel you are printing on.
This will ensure that no important design element is covered by extra fabric when the cover is put on.
CONSTRUCTION: Our table throws will have rounded corners to prevent the fabric from pooling up on the floor. They will also have a seam where the different panels are sewn together during manufacturing.
Only the front panel of our table throws are printed. The rest of the panels are made from stock rolls of fabric. This means if you order a black table throw the front panel is completely printed, including the black background.
The rest of the panels are pre-dyed and then sewn together with the front panel. We strive for a perfect match when printing the front panel to match the other panels. It is not always an exact match.
You should anticipate a slight color variation between the front panel which is printed and the other panels which are pre-dyed.
What is a Fitted Logo Tablecloth?
Fitted tablecloths have a more modern and formal appearance when used to dress tables when compared to the table throw.
They are made to fit a specific size table and are like tailored made suits. Like tailored made suits, fitted table covers will help you stand out among the crowd and draw attention as they bring that “extra” style to your display table.
For fitted tablecloths to fit properly, however, you need to know the exact length, width, and height of your table.
Our fitted table covers have the option to be made with or without pleated corners as shown below. With the pleats, there will be extra fabric on each corner of the table that folds over itself.
Without the pleats, the table would look like a clean and dressed up display-table, each side would lay flat down to the floor.
One advantage to ordering a fitted tablecloth without pleats versus one with pleats is that the corners will not fold over themselves.
Sometimes the folded corners will hide a portion of an image printed on any given side. Fitted covers are made from polyester and are machine washable using cool water and a low heat setting.
What is a Spandex, Stretch Printed Table Cloth?
Spandex Table Covers are the most modern looking covers and are the most wrinkle resistant. They will have leg wings which are where the legs of the table will fit into. This helps to stretch the table cover out and get rid of any wrinkles.
At the same time, it will give your table the much-desired contour appearance. The low arches at the bottom of the cover in both the front and back help make for a stealthy, slick appearance.
Spandex table covers are an ever increasingly popular style. They will help to make you stand out in a room full of old-fashioned, pleated table covers.
With spandex printed table covers you will have the option to order them with an open or closed back. If the cover is ordered with an open back the arch in the rear will be high enough to allow you to sit at the table.
You can then sit at the table without your legs resting up against the fabric. The high arch in the back will also make it easy to store things under the table if needed.
Can I wash my printed table covers?
Yes, you can machine wash printed table covers using cool water on a delicate cycle. When drying, tumble dry on a low heat setting. You should never have a dry cleaner wash your tablecloths as they tend to use harsh detergents and chemicals.
You should never use a detergent containing bleach. Dye sublimated table covers will last quite a long while even after several times of washing.
So let’s recap on what we have learned so far.
- We have learned how to measure a table so your cover will fit properly. You know that the width, length, and height are important to know in order for the imagery to lay on the correct panel.
- Also discussed was what the most common table sizes are and if there is such a thing as a “one size fits all” table cover.
- We also reviewed what options you have if you are in no way able to find the size of the table you would be using.
- Next, we reviewed what is required in order to obtain a print-ready art file and what “print ready” means.
- We learned what a “vector” file is and why it is suggested to use one for printing your logo.
- In addition to vector files being acceptable for printing, we went over the other file types and their file extensions, that would also work.
- We then reviewed how to use our Adobe Illustrator templates when setting up your art file. We also provided some tips to make the process as easy as possible.
- Next, we reviewed what “RBG” and “CMYK” refer to and the difference between them in terms of color. You should know now that you want to set up your art file in CMYK to better control how the colors will actually print.
- We also reviewed how to best ensure that your colors are matched.
- Regarding color matching your company logo tablecloth, we learned about the Pantone Matching System and the difference between printing on different media. Reviewed the difference between the same Pantone values that end with different letters and how this affects colors.
- What to look for when looking for a good quality print and where to look to find your print ready art file.
- Learned of the options you have if you are not able to obtain a print-ready art file and the image types we are able to convert for you.
- If using our Adobe Illustrator templates, we went over some tips to help you create a contemporary layout that helps make your table cover stand out among the rest.
- Lastly, we learned of the different styles of table covers used in the trade show industry and the difference between them.
Company Logo Tablecloth Wrap up – That Wasn’t So Bad.
Now that you have gotten the hardest part out of the way by getting started, you are well on your way to ordering a printed table cover.
You know the size of the table you would be using and what imagery to print onto the cover.
You also know what file formats are required for printing and how to tell the difference between the file types you have. You should also be able to determine if you are printing the imagery in CMYK or if color matching, in Spot colors, and what those spot colors are.
Then, once you finally have everything you need to start an order, you just need to select your printed table cover style.
Here are some additional resources we have found that will assist in the designing and creation of your company logo tablecloth.
- 50 Pro Tutorial Tips on how to design your logo
- The Ultimate guide to design and logo placement a FREE E Book
- 99 Designs blog discusses image files and the differing types
- Our 27 Page Guide to ordering printed tablecloths and other promotional products
Questions? We are here to help.
Feel free to contact us at 833-420-5646 or email cs@logoclothz.com
THANK YOU.