Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, apparel decorating lasts several years, even with regular use and proper care under normal wear and care conditions.  It’s always best to wash the apparel inside out and tumble dry low, or hang, and this usually helps prolong the garment.

For large format items such as vinyl banners and yard signs, we use UV inks so outdoor signage is durable and waterproof.  However, direct sunlight and extreme weather conditions for prolonged periods of time can cause the signs to fade faster.  We do offer lamination options on some signage so that colors stay even longer.

For commercial vehicles and storefront vinyls, we use uv inks and lamination on high quality vinyl so that it can withstand various weather elements and sun.  For solid non printed vinyls, we use permanent adhesive materials suitable for commercial lettering that resists fading, even in harsh weather conditions and sunlight.  Basic solid vinyl lettering should last many years.  If laminated, even more years.

For apparel projects, most turnaround time is 7-10 business days.

For paper printing projects, most turnaround time is 3-5 business days.

For large format and signage, most turnaround time is 5 business days.

For promotional items, it depends on the item.  It can be as quick as a few days to a few weeks.

Since everything is custom printed, each job will vary.  Please let us know if there is a specific date that you would like everything by, and we will do our best to meet your deadline!

A screen fee is the setup charge for preparing the design for printing.  In screen printing, it’s usually a different screen per color per location, which is why multiple screen fees may be charged.  This process usually starts off with printing film positives that appear dark and opaque on a clear film (this blocks light from the exposure unit during the screen exposure process).  Each color in the design used will be burned on a different screen - so the more colors used, the more screens used.  

A tape fee, also called a digitizing fee, is a charge for creating a digital version of artwork that an embroidery machine can read.  The file is called a DST (Digital Stitch Tajima) file, which is used to calculate the total stitch count, and instruct the machine on how to embroider a logo onto the product.  

A vector file is a file that won’t lose any quality when resized, no matter how small or how large.  They’re created using lines, curves, and points.  They won’t become fuzzy or distorted.  They’re usually used for digital illustrations and logos, frequently adjusted to be used on a variety of promotional material.  The most common types of vector files are AI (Adobe Illustrator), EPS (Encapsulated PostScript), PDF (Portable Document Format) and SVG (Scalable vector Graphics). 

A file will not automatically become a vector file just by changing the extension of the file, or opening the file up in specific programs, and then saved as a certain file extension.  The file will need to be created in a vector based program, such as Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw, and saved as a vector file. 

A vector file is always preferred when submitting artwork. In the event that a vector file cannot be provided, a high resolution file (300dpi and the file at size) is requested.

Outlined fonts are also recommended, however you may also send us the font files used in your files so if we ever need to alter anything, we will have the original fonts. 

If you have specific PMS colors that you would like to use, please provide this information as well.

If you are sending print files for offset or large format, the files will need to have bleeds.  For offset printing (business cards, flyers, postcards, roll labels), a bleed of .25” additional (.125” on each side) is preferred.  

 You will only be able to provide your own items if they are made of fabric.  We would need to see the material prior to accepting the job.  There are some fabrics that we will not be able to decorate on.

Since everything is custom printed, each job will vary.

For apparel projects, some factors that can affect pricing can depend on (but not limited to) which brand you are looking at, how many colors, how large the image is, how many decoration locations, type of decorating, and how many pieces.

For paper printing projects, some factors that can affect pricing can depend on (but not limited to) type of paper, the size, the type of fold, and how many.

For large format projects, some factors that can affect pricing can depend on (but not limited to) the type of frame/material used and different types of finishing, and size of the items needed.

For commercial graphics, some factors that can affect pricing can depend on (but not limited to) would be colors, material type, size, and if installation is required (would need to know location, type of surface, if anything needs to be removed like old vinyl)

At the moment we are not offering reseller pricing.  

A PMS color, also known as a Pantone Matching System color, or a spot color, is a standardized color system used as a guide to identify colors on various textiles for commercial printers.  They are solid inks that are assigned a number that look the same no matter who prints, however, different textiles and finishes may alter shades of that specific color, but the color should still stay pretty consistent.  Learn more about PMS colors.