WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT PRINT METHODS

 

1. DTF (Direct-to-Film) - Recommended if testing multiple print samples/strike offs.

• Process: Prints designs onto a special film, then transfers to fabric using heat.
• Best for: Detailed, vibrant prints on various fabrics, including cotton and polyester.
• Pros: Durable, versatile on dark and light fabrics.
• Cons: Slightly raised feel.

 

2. DTG (Direct-to-Garment)

• Process: Uses inkjet technology to print directly onto fabric.
• Best for: Small runs or complex, colourful designs on cotton fabrics.
• Pros: Soft feel, vibrant colours.
• Cons: May not last as long as screen printing on heavy use.

 

3. Screen Printing

• Process: Uses stencils and ink pushed through a mesh screen.
• Best for: Bulk orders with simple designs or few colours.
• Pros: Long-lasting, vibrant colours.
• Cons: Costly for small orders or complex designs.

 

4. Discharge Printing

• Process: Removes the fabric dye to reveal the design.
• Best for: Soft, vintage-style prints on dark cotton fabrics.
• Pros: Soft feel, blends into fabric.
• Cons: Limited colour options, best on 100% cotton.

 

5. Embroidery

• Process: Stitches designs onto fabric.
• Best for: Logos and small, durable designs.
• Pros: Professional, high-quality look.
• Cons: Limited detail, not great for large or intricate designs.

 

6. Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)

• Process: Cuts and transfers vinyl designs using heat.
• Best for: Simple, single-colour designs or custom names/numbers.
• Pros: Good for custom work, durable.
• Cons: Raised feel, less breathable.

 

7. Sublimation

• Process: Uses heat to transfer ink into the fabric.
• Best for: Polyester fabrics, full-colour designs.
• Pros: Vibrant colours, no feel on fabric.
• Cons: Only works on light-coloured, synthetic fabrics.

 

  

FILES REQUIRED FOR MADE TO ORDER

To print clearly onto t-shirts, high-quality files are essential. The type of file and its specifications depend on the printing method you're using (screen printing, DTG, heat transfer, etc.), but here are the general file requirements:

 

1. File Type

• Vector Files: Preferred for high-quality prints, as they can be scaled without losing quality.
• Formats:
• AI (Adobe Illustrator)
• EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)
• PDF (when exported from vector software)
• SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)
• High-Resolution Raster Files: Used when vector files are not available, such as in photo-based designs. These need to be at a high resolution.
• Formats:
• PNG (preferred for transparency)
• PSD (Photoshop, if layers need to be edited)
• TIFF or JPG (if transparency isn’t required)

 

2. Resolution

• 300 DPI (dots per inch) or higher is recommended for clear prints.
• Lower resolution images (below 150 DPI) may look blurry or pixelated when printed.

 

3. Colour Mode

• CMYK: For screen printing or other physical printing methods. This ensures colours are printed as intended.
• RGB: Sometimes used for Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing, but it's best to consult the printer on their preferred colour mode.
• PANTONE: We mainly use the pantone for garment dyeing and decorating.

 

4. Size

• Design should be created at the actual print size. For example, if the print is 12 x 12 inches, the file should be at least that size at 300 DPI.
• Bleed areas (extra space around the design) may be required depending on the print method.

 

5. Transparency

• If you need the t-shirt colour to show through parts of the design, use a file format that supports transparency, such as PNG or a vector file.

 

6. Fonts (if any)

• If your design includes text, it's important to outline the fonts or include the font files with your design so the printer can match them.
• Swing Tags, Sew in Tags 

• All tags we require files in PDF format and saved in actual print size
• A design form with requirements, colours and dimensions is needed