Frequently asked questions
Check out some of the most asked questions relating to all things "Screen printing".
For even more information, click here to download a data sheet from our "FACT SHEET" page.
Artwork - Preferred Format
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Our preferred format for all graphics files, are either vector EPS or Adobe Illustrator AI files.
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Text must be converted to outlines.
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Images placed into a file need to be either embedded or supplied as separate files.
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Files should be supplied to scale where possible.
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If files are not supplied to scale, design dimensions are required.
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Images must be a minimum of 300 dpi.
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PMS colours must be quoted.
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Artwork - Other Formats
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PDF files can be used depending on originating artwork – image must be at least 300dpi, & created at printing size.
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JPEG files are generally not of a good enough quality to create print ready artwork, but can sometimes be used depending on quality – image must be at least 300 dpi, &created at printing size.
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CorelDraw files
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Word Documents or any other Office based programs are not sufficient for finished artwork.
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Artwork creation fees would apply to any of these formats [See Below for details]
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Artwork - Text & Fonts
All fonts must be converted to outlines/curves
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To convert to curves/outline in CorelDraw – use the function “Convert to Curves” from the Type menu.
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To convert to curves/outlines in Adobe Illustrator, use the function “Create Outlines” from the Type menu.
Alternatively, you can suppy us with the font file for the particular font required, and we will load that file into our system
Print Sizes
How large can I print my design?
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On light coloured garments that dont require an underbase, we can print a maximum of 40cm wide x 58cm long
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On dark coloured garments that do require an underbase, we can print a maximum of 40cm wide x 48cm long
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Print Colours
How many colours can I print in my design?
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On light coloured garments, we can print a maximum of 12-14 colours
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On dark coloured garments, we can print a maximum of 11-12colours
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Do you supply garments
We supply a vast range of garments from various suppliers. We can supply tee's, hoodies, polo's, headwear, tea towels, tote bags, and more. Visit our PRODUCTS page for more details regarding garmets & products that we can supply.
Can I supply my own garments
Altough we supply a large range of garments at very competitive prices, you are also welcome to supply your own garments for printing if you'd like. If you do choose to supply your own garments, please note the following:
Please check your stock carefully before delivering it to us, as we dont individually physically QC garments delivered to us. If garments are delivered with visible faults, these garments will be put aside where possible & not printed, and your order will only be fulfilled using the availabe garments.
Before delivering your stock to us, it's a good idea to check with us, as to whether your garments will be suitable for the application you have in mind. Not all garments are suitable for all printing applications.
Stock should be delivered clearly labelled, neatly boxed & ready to easliy unpack & print. Additional charges apply if garments are delivered in individual poly bags
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Can I get a garment sample
We supply a large range of garments, and you're more than welcome to make an appointment to visit our Office to see our range. Alternatively, if you'd like to check garments for size, colour & fit we can arrange samples to be sent out to you.
Samples, be it 1 garment or a full size set, are charged at our wholesale prices.
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Can you match my Print Colours
We use the standard Pantone Matching System [PMS] for colour matching. Spot colours required in your screenprint should be specified using these PMS reference.
Always bear in mind that colours will look different under various lighting conditions, and different again when viewd on a computer screen, as all screens are calibrated differently.
Designs that are done using CMYK process printing, cannot be matched back to specific PMS colours.
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Do you keep screens for repeat print runs
Unfortunately, due to the large number of prints that we produce on a weekly basis, and the sheer size and volume of screens, we are unable to keep screens once a print run is complete. That said, we constantly re-claim screens & re-use them for other jobs. We do hold onto your films though, and we file them in an individual job bag in our library. This means that if you do need to repeat a print run, we can easily access these films & re-expose screens as needed [Charges may apply - call us for more details]
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Can I get a print sample
If, prior to bulk production, you require a physical sample of your print, whether it be for range salesman or approval samples, please let us know when you place your order, as sampling may attract additional charges.
To see different print techniques, you can either visit our showroom or check out the gallery section of our website.
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Can I see my print before proceeding to bulk
If required, before we proceed with printing your design, we can email you a photo of the first print off the machine for you to approve. Alternatively, if you are in the local Melbourne area, you can make an on-site visit to approve your print, however, you would need to be available at short notice or by pre arranged appointment. Please note that approvals need to come through promptly, as we bill machine waiting time after 30 minutes.
This appoval process is for you to check colours & positions etc. Please note however, that we cannot make artwork changes at this stage, without you incurring additional charges.
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Do you offer specialty inks
We offer Metallic inks, Shimmers, Glitter, Glow in the dark, Suede, Flock, Foil, Discharge, Vintage & Soft hand feel, High Density and puff. If you do require a special effect in your print, please be sure to let us know when we quote the job, as we need to be sure that your fabrication & design are compatible with the special effect that you're looking at. There may also be additional charges for certain special effect inks. Check out our Services Page & Gallery for examples.
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Care Instruction for printed garments
Various print methods may require specific care requirements, however, as a general rul, we recommend cold machine or hand wash, with the garment turned inside out. Tumble drying is not recomended as it may cause fabric shrinkage and potentially damage the print.Plastisol prints, foils, flocks & other specialty inks should not be ironed over. Printed garments should be ironed on the reverse side
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Why does my print need a white under-base
Does your logo consist of 2 colours, but is being printed on dark coloured garments? If so, this 2 colour print is probably going to turn out to be a 3 colour print. Why the extra colour? The extra colour is actually something that you do not see on the surface of your printed garments, but its is something that goes under your design, and is referred to as an under-base. Printing with an under-base is a necessary technique that we use with ceratin coloured garments to ensure a sharp crisp print & ensure that PMS colours are represented accurately.
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Payment methods
Our preferred payment method via EFT (online bank transfer). All of ou banking details are lsited at the bottom of our invoice. Simply forward a copy of the bank remittance, and email it to us to confirm that your payment has been made. We also accpet Cheques & Cash. At this stage, we do not accept credit card payments.
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Collecting finished goods
Once your job is complete & your account is settled, you either collect your goods from our warehouse in Melbourne, or we can organise for your finished goods to be shipped to you. If you do want us to ship the goods for you, please advise this at the time of placing your order, so that we can provide you with a quote for freight. We use direct courier services for Melbourne Metro deliveries, and we can also organise freight to Regional area's & interstate. Regional deliveries can take up to 3 days, and interstate deliveries can take up to 5 days, so be sure to allow for this in your timeline.