Perfecting Your Artwork for the Best Prints
ARTWORK
What format should my artwork be in?
• Your artwork should be uploaded as a PNG file.
• A minimum resolution of 300dpi is required for the best print quality (the higher, the better).
• If you want a transparent background, please ensure your file is saved that way.
• Gang sheets must have a transparent background when uploaded.
• Avoid large empty spaces around your artwork, as they will affect sizing in the gang sheet builder.
What size should my artwork be?
• You can upload artwork up to 57cm wide.
• General size guidelines:
• Pocket prints: 10x10cm
• Letterbox prints: 28cm x 10cm
• Large prints: 28cm x 28cm
• DTF printing allows for flexible scaling, so you can adjust your artwork to fit different garment sizes.
What if my artwork isn’t high resolution?
• Low-resolution artwork may result in poor print quality.
• If your image is pixelated or contains semi-transparent pixels, additional white may be added to the design, affecting the final colours and potentially causing unwanted white outlines.
Will there be white peeking out from my transfers?
• No, as long as you provide high-quality, 300dpi artwork, there will be no white outlines.
Can I just increase the resolution of my artwork in an editing program?
• No, increasing the resolution (e.g., from 72dpi to 300dpi) does not improve image quality.
• If your artwork is originally low quality or contains semi-transparent pixels, it may print blurry or pixelated, leading to white underbase visibility.
Can you fix or recreate my artwork?
• Yes, in most cases, we can fix or recreate your artwork for a small artwork fee.
• You will receive a link to review and approve the updated file before proceeding with your order.
Can you resize my artwork?
• Yes, we can resize your artwork for a small artwork fee.
• Alternatively, you can resize it yourself using an image editing tool. If you don’t have access to Photoshop, we recommend using Photopea (a free online editor similar to Photoshop).
Can I print photos?
• Yes! High-resolution 300dpi photos print beautifully with DTF.
Can you print designs with fade-outs, shadows, or semi-transparent pixels?
• No. Every pixel is printed with a white underbase, meaning fade-outs or shadows will not work as intended.
• To achieve a similar effect, we recommend halftoning your design before uploading it.
Get the Right Fit for Your Prints
Print Quantities & Sizing
How many prints will I get?
• The number of prints you receive depends on your artwork size.
• Before placing an order, use our cost calculator to estimate costs and ensure it fits within your budget.
As a guideline, on 1 metre of film, you can fit:
• 60 pocket-sized prints (9cm x 9cm)
• 12 letterbox prints (28cm x 15cm)
• 8 large prints (28cm x 20cm)
Can I print A4 or A3 sheets?
• We only on this site offer bulk metre orders.
• We do have a site where you can order smaller sizes, please visit www.printshopmanchester.co.uk for that.
Order Requirements
What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
• DTF Transfers: 100cm minimum order
• UV Transfers: 100cm minimum order
PICK THE RIGHT COLOURS FOR YOUR PRINTS
Colours
Will my colours print correctly?
• DTF printers use a CMYK colour model, while your computer screen and programs like Photoshop use RGB.
• Since every computer screen displays colours differently, we ensure accuracy by using a colour-calibrated system with an I1 Publisher Pro 3 spectrophotometer.
• We can convert RGB colours to CMYK correctly, so your prints will match your design as closely as possible.
Can you colour match a specific colour I need?
• Yes, we can colour match a specific shade for a small fee.
• You’ll need to physically send us a reference, such as a garment or a colour swatch, for us to match.
Can you send me a colour swatch?
• Yes, we offer a colour swatch for a small fee.
• The swatch contains a wide range of colours for you to use in your designs.
• You’ll also receive an electronic version for easy colour picking within your image editing software.
[Purchase your Colour Swatch here.]
MAKE SURE YOUR ORDER IS ON TIME
Order & Turnaround
What is a gang sheet or gang file?
• A gang sheet (or gang file) is a predefined canvas size where all your artwork is placed.
• Common sizes include 57cm wide x 100cm.
What is your turnaround time?
• Our standard turnaround time is 24 hours from when your payment and artwork approval are received.
What does the 24-hour turnaround mean?
• The 24-hour turnaround begins once our team approves your artwork for printing.
• After placing your order, it enters the queue for artwork approval. Orders are processed in numerical order, meaning any orders placed before yours will be approved first.
• Orders placed after 1pm on Friday or over the weekend (until 8am Monday) will be reviewed as quickly as possible on Monday. Please note, due to the high volume of orders, artwork approval may take longer on Mondays.
• Orders placed after 1pm on a business day will be placed in the queue for artwork approval the next business day.
• Although we aim to print your order within 24 hours of artwork approval, please note that we cannot guarantee immediate dispatch. Our couriers pick up packages before 4pm (on business days), but we will dispatch your order as quickly as possible, with the next scheduled courier pickup.
Once I place my order, what happens next?
• After you place your order (during business hours from 8am - 4:30pm), it will be placed into the artwork approval queue.
• Orders placed outside of business hours will enter the queue the next business day.
• Our team works diligently to check artwork and notify customers of any issues. If you don’t hear from us, please check your spam folder (sometimes our emails end up there, so make sure to whitelist us!).
• Once your artwork is approved, it will proceed to the print-ready process, handled by our 3 graphic designers. They ensure your artwork is perfected before it is prepared for printing.
• After this, it moves to the ganging team for printing.
• Printing is the exciting part! We have 5 commercial large-format DTF Heat Transfer printers and 1 large-format UV DTF Transfer printer, running daily from 8am - 4pm.
Can I change or cancel my order?
• We understand mistakes happen! If you realise an error in your order, please contact us immediately so we can place your order on hold. We’ll send you edit links to update and resubmit your artwork.
• Due to our fast turnaround time, once your order has been approved and enters the printing queue, no changes or cancellations can be made.
• If you wish to cancel or refund your order, please do so as soon as possible. If work has already started on your order or if we’ve communicated regarding your order, an administration fee will apply for cancellations.
FIND OUT HOW WE MAKE OUR TRANSFERS
Printing Process & Materials
What type of printers do you use?
• We use commercial-grade industrial Resolute DTF wide-format printers, known as the best in the industry for both UV DTF and DTF Heat Transfers.
• These printers have 4 print heads, enabling them to produce high-quality prints at extremely fast speeds, which helps us maintain quick turnaround times.
What ink, film, and adhesive powder do you use?
• We use Dupont ink, Kodak film, and Resolute powder. After extensive testing of various consumables, we’ve developed a unique printing method that ensures vibrant, long-lasting prints.
• The combination of these high-quality materials results in resilient prints with bright colours and a soft feel.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR PRINT TRANSFERS
Application & Care
How do I apply DTF Heat Transfers?
• Our transfers require only 3-5 seconds to apply, but the temperature, time, and pressure may vary depending on the material you’re using:
• Cotton: 150°C, 3-5 seconds press, 90 PSI pressure.
• Polyester: 130°C, 3-5 seconds press, 90 PSI pressure.
Can I use an iron to apply DTF Heat Transfers?
• No, we do not recommend using an iron, as it does not provide even heat distribution and consistent pressure, both of which are essential for ensuring the longevity and quality of your transfers. A heat press is required for optimal results.
Can DTF Heat Transfers be applied to mugs and bottles?
• Unfortunately, no. However, our UV DTF Transfers can be used for mugs and bottles.
What materials can DTF Heat Transfers be applied to?
• DTF Heat Transfers can be applied to a variety of materials, including:
• All textiles: cotton, polyester, blends, canvas, hessian, leather, leatherette, denim, and neoprene.
• Wood, MDF, and cardboard.
Why is my DTF Heat Transfer not adhering to my garment?
• This is typically due to an issue with pressure. Either too little or too much pressure, or uneven pressure, can cause the transfer to fail.
• Try increasing pressure or using a heat press pillow if there are buttons, seams, or zips creating uneven surfaces.
• To check if your pressure is sufficient, watch our video tutorial where Harry demonstrates how to test your pressure.
What are the care instructions for DTF Heat Transfers?
• To ensure the longevity of your DTF Heat Transfers, follow these care guidelines:
• Wash on a cool wash (30-40°C) or cold wash, using medium wash cycles (600-800 RPM).
• Use mild detergents and avoid fabric softeners.
• Avoid washing garments right after they’ve been washed.
• Line dry inside out.
• Do not tumble dry.
• Do not iron the print.
• Do not wash within 24-36 hours of pressing.
How do I choose a heat press?
• We don’t have a specific brand we recommend, but here are a few key points to consider when purchasing a heat press:
1. Heat Distribution: Make sure the machine provides even heat distribution across the platen. Poor heat management can lead to uneven transfers.
2. Accurate Temperature: Ensure the heat press has precise temperature control. The correct temperature is vital for a successful transfer.
3. Even Pressure: Look for a machine with centralised pressure adjustment and a flotational heat platen. Swing-away presses are preferred for even pressure. Pneumatic presses offer more accurate pressure control but are more expensive.
4. Easy Operation: Choose a press that opens and closes smoothly, making it easier to use for regular printing.
5. Digital Time and Temperature: Digital controls allow for consistent settings, which is essential for high-volume printing.
6. Platen Size: A larger platen, ideally 40x50cm, provides more flexibility for various garment sizes.
7. Warranty: Always check the length of the warranty and after-sales support offered by the manufacturer.
8. Customer Service: Choose a brand with reliable customer service in case of any issues with the press.
Can DTF Heat Transfers be applied to water/wind-resistant clothing?
• No, as manufacturers often use chemicals to make fabrics water or wind-resistant, which can react negatively with water-based inks. We recommend testing your transfers on these fabrics first, as the chemicals may cause issues.
Can DTF Transfers be applied to sublimated garments?
• Yes, DTF transfers can be applied to sublimated garments, but there may be dye migration.
• We’ve added a white underbase to help prevent dye migration, but it could still occur on certain fabrics.
• For sublimated synthetic fabrics, we recommend lowering the temperature to 120°C-130°C for better results.
• We also offer blockout transfers to prevent dye migration, available for purchase [here].
FIND OUT WHY WE THINK DTF IS THE FUTURE
Why Are DTF Heat Transfers Superior to Vinyl, DTG, and Screen Printing?
Why Choose DTF Heat Transfers?
We’re big fans of DTF Heat Transfers, and here’s why we think they’re a game-changer in garment decoration:
• Soft Feel: DTF transfers create a soft-to-the-touch finish that doesn’t peel, fade, or crack over time.
• No Weeding: With DTF, there’s no tedious weeding process. Just print and apply!
• Gradient Colours: DTF printing allows you to create stunning gradient effects and colour transitions.
• Scalable Designs: DTF lets you easily scale your designs to fit any size garment or product.
• Mix and Match Artwork: You can combine artwork of different sizes on one gang sheet, making the process super flexible.
• No Pre-Treatment Needed: DTF transfers don’t require any pre-treatment of the fabric, saving you time and effort.
• Unlimited Colours: With DTF, you’re not restricted to a few colours – you can use a full spectrum of vibrant hues.
• Durability: DTF transfers are built to last, ensuring long-lasting prints that hold up wash after wash.
• Versatility: DTF can be applied to a wide range of materials including cotton, polyester, blends, canvas, leather, denim, wood, MDF, and more.
DTF is not just an option – it’s the best solution for your printing needs!