TECHNOLOGY
should be no less than 150 dpi. If your image has fine details, we suggest submitting the image at 300 dpi. And it’s always best to submit a larger print file that we can scale down instead of vice versa. If we do print out a lowresolution file that’s scaled up, then it will be blurred, stretched, and the edges will be pixelated. Generally it is not what highquality online stores should be aiming for. When you upload a bad file in the mock-up generator it’ll look like it’s 150 DPI and then you’ll think it’s fine. But the root of the problem is still that you’re submitting a bad print file. Even 300 dpi does not guarantee a quality print if you use a low-quality file in the first place. If you uploaded a bad quality photo or just typed in a different resolution in Photoshop, then the quality may still be poor. Tip: To quickly find out if your image is large enough to be printed in a good quality, upload it to the mock-up generator and see if you can scale it to the desired size. We don’t recommend scaling the file to a point where resolution drops below 150. Pixelated edges and blurry image are the top signs of a poor quality print file.
2. Transparencies Another common problem is when print files include semi-transparent pixels/values/ elements. These are not recommended in DTG printing because the white underbase will be showing through those semi-transparencies, creating a very speckled look, which can often look poor quality. We suggest using 100% opaque (solid) colours only. To avoid this, use half-toning to achieve a similar “glow” effect. 3. Backgrounds Always remove backgrounds! Even if you’re printing on a white garment and you think it’ll be fine if you leave the white background – don’t. It may cause quality issues. If you’re printing a black background on black, then you’ll be left with a greyish rectangle around your design. That’s because these prints on dark garments require a white underbase, and as a result, the printed black will be a lighter shade than the actual garment. Orders are frequently put on hold because the backgrounds haven’t been completely
removed. If any residue at all is left over, it will be visible when the shirt gets printed. The way we test this (and you can, too) is by opening the file in Photoshop, adding a different colour background, and duplicating the layer several times to make any residue show up. Bottom line: we suggest you avoid solid backgrounds entirely (unless it’s an express part of your design). If you’re printing on a white t-shirt, we suggest removing any white elements in the design. This is because we don’t print white ink on white shirts. If your artwork includes white, it won’t print. 4. Missing or incorrect inside label info If you’ve decided to print a custom inside label on your shirt, there’s info you’re required by law to add: · Garment’s country of origin · Size · Fabric info These details are different for each shirt model, so make sure you have the right info before you submit your print files. Also remember that the print area is 3×3, and the minimum font size is 6 pts. One layer of ink is best for tiny
December - January 2018 SCREENTEX |
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