Printing on T-shirts
The 7 golden rules
1. Image file formats:
Please send your image in one of the following formats:
PDF, TIFF, PSD, AI, PXD, EPS.
Any common raster or vector format is suitable for silkscreen and DTF printing. Vector format is required for thermotransfer printing.
2. Resolution
300 dpi +
Stretching low dpi images to fit the width of the garment can produce a very undesirable result, especially if the image is in JPG format. It is important the size and resolution of the image is sized according to the size of the planned print.
3. Colours
Images intended for silkscreen will be separated into the same number of colours and will be placed on the same number of screens. Images preprepared for silkscreen printing should include 8 colours maximum.
Images intended for DTF can be in a RGB color mode with standard sRGB IEC61966-2 profile.
Images for CMYK printing are separated into 4 colours :
Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black.
We work with the Pantone Matching System, Coated Plus Series. If the the Pantone shade is not specified, we find the closest match to the shade on the print file.
In the case of embroidery, we select a thread colour closest to the colour shade on the file.
4. Scale to print size.
1:1
Images should be sized according to the desired print measurement 1:1. Vector images can be scaled up to a very large size. However, images that have originated from a JPG or PNG file may distort or pixelate when scaled to the printing size.
5. Base print
When printing on a black or coloured T-shirt, sweatshirt or hoodie, a black, white or transparent layer may be printed first. Called an underprint. This creates a base for the main print to sit on allowing for brighter colours and smoother printing. Base prints are optional, depending on the design. Often white T-shirts do not require an underprint.
If a underprint or base print is required, it should be included in the image file.
6. Vector File Requirements
PDF is the most preferred format for vector files. Although we accept AI, CDR EPS also. Before saving a PDF, the image must first be a vetor.
To create a vector:
- Fonts and strokes converted into curves
- All curves must be closed.
- Minimum line thickness 1 mm
7. Crossing of lines is not allowed
There should be no effects, invisible or blocked layers, extra lines and objects. The plotter and embroiderer can only cut along hairline lines. And when silkscreen printing, it is best for layers not to sit on top of each other – as each layer increases the volume of the ink, which can have undesired effects.
Final recommendations
- Gradient meshes, glows, raster shadows and vector masks should be removed.
- If vector files have raster elements they should be embeded into the file.
- Data files should not contain any flare, glow or fades to transparency
- Images should be placed on a transparent background.
- Specify the Pantone shade or the hex (#) code.