A. Artwork requirements for screen printing on T-shirts, including normal prints and puff prints with halftones:
- File Format: Preferred file formats are vector-based files such as Adobe Illustrator (AI), EPS, CDR, SVG or PDF. These formats allow for easy scalability without losing quality. If vector files are not available, high-resolution raster files (PSD, PNG, TIFF) with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi at actual print size can also be used. Avoid JPEG.
- Colours: Please specify the colours you want to use in your design. For normal prints, provide the Pantone (PMS- Pantone Matching System) colour codes or a colour swatch for accurate colour reproduction. For puff prints with halftones, ensure that the colours are separated into halftone dots. Use solid colours for the puff areas and halftones for the rest of the design.
- Design Size: Clearly indicate the desired dimensions for your design on the T-shirt. Consider the printable area, typically around 12 inches by 12 inches, and provide measurements or a visual representation of where the design should be placed. The artwork provided should be of actual size.
- Artwork Placement: Specify the preferred location for the design on the T-shirt, such as front, back, left chest, or sleeves. You can provide visual references or measurements for precise placement.
- Typography and Fonts: If your design includes text, provide the font files or convert the text to outlines/curves to avoid font compatibility issues. Ensure the text is legible and properly spaced for the desired size.
- Puff Print Specifications: If you want puff prints, clearly indicate the areas of the design that require the puff effect. Specify the desired puff height (e.g., 0.5mm, 1mm) and ensure the design is set up to accommodate the puffing process as the ink expands.
- Halftones: For designs with halftones, make sure the halftone dots are of an appropriate size and density to achieve the desired effect. You can specify the halftone percentage (e.g., 50%, 75%) for different areas of the design.
- Proofing: Request a digital proof or mock-up of the design before printing to ensure it meets your expectations. This allows for any necessary revisions or adjustments to be made before production.
- Additional Instructions: Provide any additional instructions or specific details about the design, such as special effects, gradients, or textures you may require.
Remember, it’s always best to consult directly with your chosen screen printing company to discuss their specific requirements and capabilities. They can provide you with any additional guidelines or recommendations to ensure the best possible outcome for your T-shirt printing project.
B. What precautions should be taken while creating design for puff printing?
When creating a design for puff printing, there are several precautions and considerations to keep in mind to ensure the best results. Here are some important precautions to take:
- Design Simplicity: Puff printing works best with bold, simple designs. Avoid intricate details, small text, or fine lines, as they may not puff up properly or could become distorted during the printing process. Opt for larger, chunkier elements that will translate well into a puffed effect.
- Line Thickness: Use thicker lines and strokes in your design to ensure that they puff up properly. Thin lines may not puff as desired and can result in an inconsistent appearance and change the design perception.
- Puff Areas: Clearly define the areas of your design that you want to have a puff effect. Puff printing involves applying a special ink that expands when heated, creating a raised texture. Specify these areas to ensure they are properly separated from the rest of the design.
- Consider Contrast: Puff printing works best when there is a clear contrast between the puff areas and the rest of the design. Choose colours that create a noticeable distinction to enhance the visual impact of the puffed elements.
- Puff Height: Specify the desired puff height to the printing company. Different puff inks can achieve varying levels of elevation, so be clear about the effect you want to achieve. Common puff heights range from 0.5mm to 1mm. Any higher can lead to lower durability of the printed garment.
- Test Prints: Before committing to a large production run, it’s advisable to request a few test prints of your design. This will allow you to evaluate the puff effect, colours, and overall appearance before proceeding with the full order. Make any necessary adjustments based on the test prints to achieve the desired outcome.
- Consult the Printer: Work closely with your chosen screen printing company. They have experience with puff printing and can provide valuable guidance and recommendations based on the specific capabilities of their equipment and inks and suggest changes in the graphic if required.
By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your puff printing design turns out as intended, with a prominent raised texture and a visually appealing result on your T-shirts.
C. How to take care of Puff printed T-Shirt?
Proper care is essential to maintain the quality and longevity of Puff printed T-Shirt. Here are some general wash care instructions to follow:
- Turn Inside Out: Before washing, always turn the Puff printed T-shirt inside out. This helps protect the raised Puff areas from excessive friction and abrasion during the washing cycle.
- Gentle Cycle: Wash the T-shirt using a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine. This setting minimizes the agitation and reduces the risk of damaging the puff print or hand wash.
- Water Temperature: Use cold water for washing. Hot water can potentially cause the puff print to shrink or lose its shape. Cold water is gentler on the fabric and helps preserve the integrity of the print.
- Mild Detergent: Choose a mild detergent specifically formulated for delicate fabrics like Genteel. Harsh chemicals or bleach can fade or deteriorate the puff print. Avoid using strong stain removers directly on the print area.
- Avoid Aggressive Washing: Avoid harsh scrubbing or wringing the T-shirt while washing. Treat the puff printed areas with care to prevent any distortion or damage.
- Air Dry or Low Heat: After washing, air drying is the best option for puff printed T-shirts. Lay the garment flat or hang it up to dry naturally. If using a dryer, set it to a low heat or delicate cycle to prevent excessive heat exposure, which could affect the puff print and result in damaging the print.
- Ironing: If ironing is necessary, turn the T-shirt inside out and use a low heat setting. Avoid ironing directly over the puff printed areas to prevent flattening or distorting the raised texture. Place a cloth or a pressing cloth between the iron and the print to provide extra protection. Avoid pressure while ironing.
- Avoid Dry Cleaning: Dry cleaning is generally not recommended for puff printed T-shirts, as the chemicals and processes involved may damage the print.
It’s important to note that specific care instructions may vary depending on the brand of the puff ink and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Always check any care labels or instructions provided with the garment, as they may include additional guidelines tailored to the specific puff printing technique used. By following these wash care instructions, you can help preserve the appearance and durability of your puff printed T-shirt over time.
D. Artwork requirements for Flock printing on T-shirts:
- File Format: Preferred file formats for Flock printing are vector-based files such as Adobe Illustrator (AI), EPS, CDR or PDF. These formats allow for easy scalability without losing quality. If vector files are not available, high-resolution raster files (PSD, PNG, TIFF) with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi can also be used and sent in actual print size.
- Colours: Specify the colours you want to use in your design. Provide the Pantone (PMS) colour codes or a colour swatch for accurate colour reproduction (For Bulk orders only). Flock printing involves using a special type of fiber which is stuck electrostatically to the adhesive applied by screen, so choose colours that contrast well with the Flock for maximum visibility.
- Design Size: Clearly indicate the desired dimensions for your design on the T-shirt. Consider the printable area and provide measurements or a visual representation of where the design should be placed. Keep in mind that Flock printing may result in a slightly raised surface, so ensure that your design fits comfortably within the available space. Design should be provided in actual print size.
- Minimum Line Size: To ensure maximum print durability, it’s recommended to use a minimum line size of 1.5 mm or greater. Thin or intricate lines may not transfer well to the Flock material and may be prone to damage or loss of detail during the printing process or less durability of the print.
- Minimum Text Size: For legible and durable text, it’s advisable to use a minimum text size of 10 pt or larger. Smaller text may not adhere properly to the Flock material, resulting in reduced readability and potential loss of detail or less durability of the print.
- Fabric Type: Flock printing works best on fabrics with a tight and smooth surface. Cotton or cotton-blend fabrics are commonly used for Flock printing, as they provide a stable base for the Flock fibers to adhere to. Avoid fabrics with a loose weave or rough texture, as they may interfere with the Flock application and result in a less durable print. The fabric should not have fibrillation as it will interfere in the Flocking process.
- Additional Instructions: Provide any additional instructions or specific details about the design or the desired Flock effect. This could include specifying the desired Flock colour, the areas of the design to be Flocked, or any special effects you may require.
Remember to consult directly with your chosen printing company to discuss their specific requirements and recommendations for Flock printing. They can provide you with any additional guidelines or suggestions to ensure the best possible outcome for your T-shirt printing project.
E. How to take care of Flock printed T-Shirts?
Proper care is crucial to maintain the quality and longevity of Flock printed T-shirts. Here are some wash care instructions specifically tailored for Flock printed garments:
- Turn Inside Out: Before washing, always turn the Flock printed T-shirt inside out. This helps protect the delicate Flock fibers from excessive friction and abrasion during the washing cycle which will prevent the fibers from breaking off.
- Gentle Cycle: Wash the T-shirt using a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine. This setting minimizes the agitation and reduces the risk of damaging the Flock print.
- Water Temperature: Use cold water for washing. Hot water can potentially cause the Flock fibers to become distorted. Cold water is gentler on the fabric and helps preserve the integrity of the Flock print.
- Mild Detergent: Choose a mild detergent specifically formulated for delicate fabrics like Genteel. Harsh chemicals, bleach, or strong stain removers may damage the Flock fibers or remove Flock fibers colour or affect the print’s appearance. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can also impact the Flock’s texture.
- Avoid Aggressive Washing: Avoid vigorous scrubbing or wringing the T-shirt while washing. Treat the Flock printed areas with care to prevent any damage or distortion to the Flock fibers.
- Hand washing Option: For extra precaution, you can consider hand washing the Flock printed T-shirt. Fill a basin with cold water and a mild detergent like Genteel, then gently agitate the garment. Rinse thoroughly and squeeze out excess water without wringing. Pat dry with a clean towel.
- Air Dry: After washing, air drying is the best option for Flock printed T-shirts. Lay the garment flat or hang it up to dry naturally. Avoid using a dryer, as the heat can cause the Flock fibers to lose their texture.
- Ironing: If ironing is necessary, turn the T-shirt inside out and use a low heat setting. Place a cloth or a pressing cloth between the iron and the Flock printed areas to protect the Flock fibers. Avoid applying direct heat or excessive pressure on the Flock print. Avoid heavy pressure while ironing as it may distort the Flock fibers.
- Dry Cleaning: Dry cleaning is generally not recommended for Flock printed T-shirts, as the chemicals used in the process may damage the Flock fibers or affect the print’s appearance.
Always check any care labels or instructions provided with the garment, as they may include specific guidelines tailored to the particular Flock printing technique and materials used. Following these wash care instructions will help maintain the Flock print’s appearance and ensure the longevity of your Flock printed T-shirt.