How are the t-shirts printed?
We have 3 processes we use for printing t-shirts. - One: Traditional screen printing – this process uses a screen printing press and screens to press the ink colors onto a shirt. This is the most durable of our processes, but it is limited to a maximum of 6 colors.
- Two: Screen printed transfers – this process is best used when you have an image that you will use repeatedly over time but you don’t want to preorder a large number of shirts in advance. This type of transfer requires you to have or have access to a commercial heat press with the correct temperatures and pressure. This process uses the same ink as screen printing, therefore it is just as durable as traditional screen printing.
- Three: Direct-to-garment printing – we are happy to say that we are pioneers in this wave-of-the-future technology. With this technology we can print almost any digital image onto a t-shirt economically, at numbers as few as one at a time. This process is not an ink jet transfer, but an entirely new technology which prints directly on the garment using special ink that has a smooth feel, vibrant color, and a color-fast finish.
What color shirts do you have available?
The brand of shirt we recommend – the Hanes 6.1 oz Tagless Tee – has a color chart here: http://www.hanesprintables.com/Marketing/ColorChart.aspx. There are over 30 shirt colors from which to select. Be aware that not all colors come in all sizes. Contact us to make sure we have the color that you want in the size that you need. If you have a different brand of t-shirt you prefer, we can get that brand for you. However, the color selection will vary depending on the brand and style of shirt selected. What ink colors are available?
Our standard ink colors are found here: Additional ink colors can be ordered for a small fee. We provide Pantone matching colors for an additional fee per color. How many colors can you have on a shirt?
With the traditional screen printing process, you can have up to 6 colors on a light colored shirt or up to 5 colors on a dark colored shirt. Can you print on the front and the back of the t-shirt?
Yes. We can also print on the sleeves, but there is a charge for each additional location. What other locations can you print on?
We can print almost anywhere on a t-shirt. The most popular locations are the front left chest, a full front image, the nape of the neck, a full back image, and the left sleeve or the right sleeve. Current styles often have asymmetrical placements such as under the arm or off-center. We can do these locations also. Contact us for more details. How big can the image be?
Our normal image limits are 12.5in x 12.5in. If you are printing both adults and kids sizes, know that some kids’ shirts are smaller than 12.5in x 12.5in, therefore getting the proper image size is crucial. We can make one image size for your order; however, please understand that while an image may be too large for a child’s size t-shirt, it might lost, i.e. too small, on say a 2XL or 3XL shirt. For optimal image size, two sets of artwork will be required – one for youth size and one for adult size. Also, there is an additional art fee involved when there are two sets of artwork. An oversized image, larger that 12.5in x 12.5in, can also be provided at an additional charge. For more details, contact us. What are the t-shirt sizes do you carry?
We normally stock youth sizes and adult XS to adult XL for our standard price. We also stock 2XL, 3XL and 4XL at a slightly increased price. We can special order up to adult 25XL at premium pricing based on the size of the shirt ordered. Contact us for more details. How many shirts do I have to order?
There is no minimum order. For small orders, we suggest our direct to garment (DTG) process. For traditional screen printing, there is no minimum order, but please keep in mind that the set up cost and labor is the same whether you print one shirt or 100 shirts. Therefore, the more shirts you order, the lower the per-shirt price. The screen charge covers the cost of preparing the screen for printing - screens, emulsion, etc. Obviously the more colors per shirt, these expenses add up. To cover these expenses, we charge $20 per screen. We normally prefer to quote an all-inclusive price with no additional fees, but it is common in the industry to break out the additional charges. We can submit a quote to you in either way. When comparing quotes of several companies, beware of “low cost” bids. Confirm that all charges are included to avoid invoice-time surprises. How long does it take?
There are many variables such as peak season, size of order, and type of artwork. Our normal turnaround time is 10 business days. However, we can get the order to you sooner for a rush charge. If I reorder, do you keep my artwork or screens?
Yes, you can order more at any time. We keep your artwork on file indefinitely. However, we hold your screens up to two weeks after your original order. Any orders placed during this time will not incur an additional screen fee. Any order received after the screens are recycled will incur an additional screen charge. If you anticipate reordering on a regular basis, we can hold your screens for a small storage fee. Contact us for details. Why do dark shirts cost more than light shirts?
Right off the bat, dark shirts cost us more than light color shirts. In addition, in order to get good, rich colors on dark shirts, a white layer of ink called an underbase must be screened onto the shirt prior to laying down the ink colors in the image. Our additional cost for dark shirts covers this extra work. Can you do kids’ shirts?
Yes we can. We carry sizes XS (2-4) to L (14-16). How do I place my order?
At the moment, the easiest way is to contact us by phone or email. If using email, be sure to include as many details covering quantity, color, artwork, and when you would like to have them delivered as possible so we can give as accurate an estimate as possible. How do I pay for my order?
We accept MasterCard, Visa, company checks and our personal favorite cash. We can accept personal checks, but there is an additional time delay until the check clears. What do you require before you start work on my order?
We require a 50% deposit in order to begin work on your order. We also require that you sign and fax to us the quote that we send to you, which is your written authorization to begin your order. Can I get a sample before you print the order?
Because of the set-up time involved, it is difficult for us to provide an actual sample before each print run. We will email you a sample of the final artwork as a proof that will require your signoff prior to production. Local clients can schedule a time to make artwork approvals in person prior to the final print run providing this does not delay our production. Yes, we will call or email or both depending upon your preference. Yes, we will notify you upon shipping, again, depending upon your preference. The process goes like this: when you submit your specifications, we will email you a quote. After you approve the quote, you will submit your deposit and fax your authorization. We will start on the artwork which we will send to you for approval. After the deposit is received and the artwork is approved, we will begin production. We will notify you when production is finished and the order has been shipped. You will then receive the product; you will open it excitedly, cry out in joy and proceed to name your first born after us. Can I combine different types of shirts in one order, i.e. polos, T-shirts, sweat-shirts, etc.?
Yes, as long as they are in the same color group and require the same treatment. Can I have different color inks on different color shirts in the same order? For example, can I get white ink on light blue shirts and light blue ink on white shirts using the same design?
Yes, for an ink change fee of $20 for each color change. Can you match PMS colors?
Yes. The PMS matching fee is $20 per color. Can I provide the shirts?
Yes, but the savings will be minimal. Also, while we strive to take the utmost care of our clients’ apparel, accidents sometimes happen, so unless it is an item we normally stock, we can not replace or compensate for customer-supplied garments.
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