Tips for Checking the Quality of Printed Shirts - Our Guide

Shirts are a staple clothing item in everyone’s closet. Our favourites are worn, re-worn, washed, and worn again—it’s no wonder why they wear out so much faster than anything else!

The shirts you wear may not last as long as a sturdy pair of denim jeans, but there’s no reason for them not to serve you for years. The same is true for custom t-shirts. You just have to know how to recognize quality!

There are a number of things you should be looking for in a good shirt. Whether you’re adding a piece or two to your closet or buying custom t-shirts in bulk, keep these three tips in mind:

1. Check the Shirt’s Construction

The stitches of a t-shirt keep everything together. To get a relatively good idea of how high quality a shirt is, check the seams. Good shirts have tighter stitches and threads of good quality. The pieces will hold together much longer and ensure the shirt serves its wearer for years to come.serigraphy

2. Check the Fabric's Quality

One of the easiest ways to gauge a shirt’s quality is by touching it. A high-quality t-shirt will never feel like it’s made from a plastic material and won’t last more than a few wears.

Check the thickness of the fabric. If there’s a print on the shirt, hold it against a light source to see whether it becomes transparent. If you can see through the shirt, the material probably won’t last you very long.

Crumple any part of the printed shirt in your hand and release it. If wrinkles are left behind, it’s an easy indicator of a poor quality print. If it has absolutely no wrinkles, though, it is likely made of synthetic material. A few light wrinkles are usually fine.

Softness is another trademark that's often associated with great quality custom t-shirts. That said, don’t take a shirt’s texture at face value. Some shirts are mechanically or chemically softened. Since they’re essentially partially worn out when you purchase them, they’ll show signs of wear and tear relatively quickly. High-quality shirts are soft because they are made with a higher thread count.

3. Check the Printing Technique

Our third tip for checking the quality of a printed shirt is inspecting the printing technique used. If you stretch the print, do you see the ink breaking? If so, the shirt won’t last you very long. Quality print shirts have ink that extends along with the threads which will last much longer.t shirt printing

Good quality prints don’t fade and discolour very quickly. If you touch the print and see the ink stain your fingers, walk away—that shirt won’t last very long.

Why is it important to check the quality of printed shirts?

Quality printed shirts can last you years if they’re cared for properly. That is, of course, if you purchase good shirts in the first place. Use our three tips to identify the type of custom t-shirts you should be adding to your closet and avoid the ones that will break down in a few washes.

Clever Print is a local printing company in Canada. We supply our clients with custom t-shirts, screen printing, embroidery, and more. Keep us on the top of your list when you’re looking for high-quality products!

Helpful Tips to Ensure Successful Logo Embroidering - Our Guide

When you are trying to stick logos or any other design onto bags, hats, polos, and any other item made of fabric, there is always this underlying fear that it will peel off over time. Fortunately, there is a solution to this, and one that will ensure that your design will be there forever.screen printing Canada

We’re talking about embroidery. Not only is this extremely durable, but aesthetic advantages come with it too. Most notably, it lets you achieve a 3D effect on any design you choose. Plus, they are an extremely cost-efficient way to represent your business, especially during events and promotional activities.

That said, if you are embroidering for the first time, here are some tips to help ensure you have a smooth and successful experience:

1. Keep everything simple

Whatever you do, keep your logo design as simple as possible. This will mean that the embroidery machine will not have to use as much material or work as hard, helping you cut down on costs. It will also result in a more effective design since logos work better when they are simple. Just look at Nike, Apple, and many other big brands out there. They are straightforward yet astoundingly recognizable and awesome-looking!

However, the biggest reason you should keep your logo simple is that the final product can never be as clean as a digital version of the logo. Some details will inevitably be lost along the way. The good news is that the 3D effect we mentioned earlier adds status and professionalism to your brand, but only if you keep the logo simple!screen printing toronto

2. Implement commonly used fonts

While you can certainly use any available font, there is no guarantee that the machine will be able to replicate the complicated ones accurately. Plus, if you are using an uncommon font, the software will have to spend time generating new patterns for the embroidering machine to use.

If you are not too limited by time, you can get away with rarer fonts and ones that are a little complicated. However, keeping it simple will move the process faster, helping you save time and money. Plus—as we have just mentioned—a great logo is usually simple, meaning that you can never go wrong with choosing a simplistic font.

3. Limit the colours

While you have access to every colour spectrum using logo-designing software, this does not mean that you should use them all. This is because the logo you design might look great on the screen, but having it embroidered is a whole different challenge.

For instance, if you have a gradient that turns from green to purple, the embroidery machine will have to spend a lot of time switching colors to replicate the design. This is because the machine can only work with one colour at a time. It must go back and change every time there is a new colour introduced.

Additionally, take note that you will not be able to replicate certain things with embroideries such as drop shadows, gradients, and other complicated effects.screen printing near me

Conclusion

This whole article can easily be summarized by one line: keep your logo design simple. After all, a simple logo is a great logo and will help you save plenty of time and money. By keeping these tips in mind, not only will embroidering become much easier to execute, but you will also end up with a result that you can be proud of.

Are you looking for custom embroidery services near you in Ottawa? Our team at Clever Print can help you. Embroidering has never been easier with us - get started with us today!

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Types of Ink Used on Your Custom T-Shirts & Why It Matters

Businesses with memorable brands often have good promotional materials. They have their logo on things like bags, t-shirts, notepad sets, laptop sleeves and others. This is thanks to printers that match the item to the nature of their client’s business. It makes sense for a bookstore to give cloth bags with their logo on it, for example, or a theme park to print their logo on caps or t-shirts.embroidery near me

In making t-shirts, a printing company must do more than match the product to the service. They also have to consider what type of ink works with the job order. Screen printing normally uses one of the three types of ink. Complex prints may use a combination of these. Below, we’ll explain the different types of ink and where you can expect them to be used.

Plastisol ink - for fine, matte details

The majority of printers prefer using plastisol ink. This is an ink-based in polyvinyl chloride or PVC, and is thickened using plasticizer. This ink is easy to mix, versatile, and fade-proof. Because it is viscous, it can be shaped in fine detail, making it a good choice for complex prints with a lot of elements. Plastisol ink also comes in different colours.

Printers like using this because it can stay on a screen for extended periods of time without it clumping up or drying. Plastisol ink works with different printing methods and equipment, and the designs it produces stands up to heat. Once dried, it has a low-gloss finish, perfect for matte designs and flat images. When you look at it from the side, it does not arch or produce raised bumps on the shirt, making it a good choice for logos.screen printing Canada

Water-based ink - for a softer hand feel

In serigraphy, water-based inks are those that soak into the fabric. This is in contrast to plastisol, which sits on the surface of the shirt. Some designs look better with water-based ink since its tendency to sit lower into the material gives the image or the text a softer feel. Water-based inks are also more customizable and are environmentally friendly.

This type of ink needs a longer drying time and must be put under a heat source to cure. It is also semi-transparent, which makes it good for complex designs that need various grades of ink to produce an effect. For printers who can handle them well and have the knowledge and experience, using water-based inks provide more range and creativity.

Discharge ink - for large batches of light-coloured shirts

Discharge ink is mostly water-based, though there are variants that use plastisol. This process involves removing the colour of the fabric on areas where the design will go. Discharge ink is popularly used with 100 percent cotton shirts, since the discharge agent interacts the best with this type of material. It can also be used on cotton blends, with varying degrees of success.

This type of ink is a good option for batches that need to be finished quickly, or ones that need the softest hand feel. Since it works better on lighter t-shirts, its effects won’t look as good on darker coloured shirts. Jobs that need printing on royal blue, forest green, or maroon shirts should use other types of ink.screen printing

Conclusion

The ink used in printing affects the outcome of the design. Printers take into account the shirt colour, the size of the order, and even the details on the t-shirt to determine the ink to be used. Some things, such as eco-friendliness or speed, are also factored in if the client requests it.

For screen printing in Toronto, contact our professional team at Clever Print today. We’re your one-stop-shop for all your customed print products, and we’re happy to help!

Advantages of Using Printed Postcards for Ad Campaigns

Companies are gaining on each other in fighting for their demographics’ attention through online platforms. With all the buzz that digital marketing strategies generate, it can be challenging for an owner to know which modern approach will work best for their business to grow. On the other hand, sometimes the old mediums, such as postcard advertising, are still best when it comes to creating a deeper connection with your audience.custom embroidery

Using traditional mediums in today’s digital age

Many marketing experts consider postcards as a cheap and effective form of marketing that can be a versatile tool in getting prospective clients’ attention. Companies usually make use of postcards to send direct personal messages to their customers. This creates an intimate bond between client and service provider, which allows for an easier way to generate leads in gaining higher sales figures.

In this article, we will share three advantages of using custom printed postcards for your company’ marketing campaign:

1. They give an impactful message

One of the many benefits that printed postcards have is that they’re much more personal compared to their online counterpart. With the accessibility of technology these days, sending mail attachments is already taken for granted. This is the reason utilizing printed postcards will leave a mark on your customers’ interest and attention since they’re most likely to keep physical cards over digital notifications.custom t shirts

Whether you’re using a postcard to greet your customers or to propose a compelling offer, this printed medium offers a strong presence that digital forms, such as e-mails and pop-up notices, won’t be able to replicate.

2. They deliver high return on investment rates

The accessibility of a postcard’s design is one of its most significant advantages. Unlike ad placement in magazines, postcards are much cheaper due to their size and material value. In terms of what you’ll gain regarding the capital that you’ll invest, postcard advertising campaigns yield more significant results compared to other traditional mediums.

Contrary to popular belief, postcard marketing campaigns are relatively cheap, even if it requires physical products. Printing technologies are much cheaper today compared to the past since there aren’t as many competitors in the market who use it as a primary means of running ad campaigns. As a result, you can create postcards ads, even with your limited resources.

3. They allow your customers to gain access to incentives

The best way to attract customers is by offering incentives, and what better way to draw people to your brand than by using postcards to provide freebies and discounts? Since many newspapers and magazines are shifting their efforts in publication to digital spaces, the classic tradition of placing discount coupons has become less popular.

Your postcard’s design can include limited-use vouchers that offer your customer with package deals or discounts that they can use on their next purchase. You can step it up a notch by mixing traditional mediums with modern platforms or include a promo or QR code to be printed on your postcards that your customers can access to find great deals!embroidered shirts

Conclusion

Many business owners are convinced that traditional media is dead, with many industries shifting towards digital transactions. In reality, many companies are now prioritizing their investment in strategies that require traditional mediums so that they can gain the upper hand on their competitors. Showing that you have the time, resources, and commitment that you can invest in traditional mediums allows your brand to feel more professional to your chosen demographic.

The key to winning your customers’ favour is by making sure that your brand can stand out from the competition. At Clever Print, we help businesses show their best by printing products that represent their brand. We offer custom banners, brochures, postcards, and custom T-shirt printing services in Ottawa. Get in touch with us today, and we’ll make sure to produce high-quality prints of your company’s promotional paraphernalia!

Custom T-Shirts Printing: How to Design Your Own T-Shirt

Custom shirts printing is getting progressively increasingly mainstream as individuals need to be increasingly individual in what they wear. In the event that you realize how to structure your own shirts, at that point you have a preferred position over your companions, since you no longer need to trawl the shopping centers for extraordinary plans. serigraphy

Truth be told, you are not simply limited to shirts. You can likewise structure your own hoodies, rashies, polos and athletic equipment, also youngsters' garments and an assortment of tops for ladies. On the off chance that it very well may be printed, you can plan you own! Indeed, even thickset holders and mugs can be printed with your own logo or name - or some other plan you can think of. This is a definitive in cool! 

Custom T-Shirts Printing 

Do you have a structure you couldn't want anything more than to wear? That you couldn't want anything more than to see on your shirt or top? Provided that this is true, you can without much of a stretch have it imprinted onto an article of clothing of your decision. The days are over when you need to stroll round the shops attempting to discover a structure you like. You can spare a lot of time by picking the structure first, instead of strolling around attempting to discover something you like. 

In the event that time is cash to you, the custom shirts printing can be less expensive than going through hours in shopping centers. It is currently conceivable to plan your own shirt with your own example, logo or even your name. That, yet they make extraordinary endowments. t shirt printing

Presents for Special Occasions 

Does a dear companion or relative has a birthday or commemoration coming up in the blink of an eye? Is it accurate to say that you are stuck for a present for that man or lady who appears to have everything? A custom shirt printed with their names and uncommon date, or even a photo of their cherished one, would be a delightful and one of a kind present for a commemoration or exceptional birthday. 

Sports clubs can have their own names printed, and every individual could have their names imprinted on their shirts simply like proficient athletes and ladies. The organizations that give bespoke shirt printing can commonly run off single articles of clothing or mass requests. Normally, the more you request the less you pay for every thing, except singles are commonly conceivable at moderate costs. These costs are normally a great deal lower than you may envision them to be. 

It is likewise conceivable to structure your own shirts both front and back, and each side can be printed with an alternate example or theme. You could sell them from your own store, from a market slow down or even on the web. Your USP would be that the pieces of clothing are really novel, since you planned them yourself. Truth be told, you can even set up your own custom shirts printing business on the web! Forward your requests to a web based printing firm and procure a commission for each deal! 

Instructions to Design Your Own T-Shirt 

Many piece of clothing printing organizations will permit you the utilization of an online structure instrument. You can utilize this to move your plans to your decision of attire. You can even utilize layering to consolidate various themes or examples, scaling devices, enhancements and a book instrument to include names or mottos. 

You can utilize drawings, picture documents or even you own computerized photos, yet follow the exhortation gave on the ideal record design for your last picture. When you are content with the last structure, send it to the printing organization with your request. They will at that point print it for you. t•shrrt printing near me

Generally utilized printing strategies incorporate silk screen, especially appropriate for huge regions of shading, and inkjet. Screen printing is the more prudent for bigger requests, while direct to article of clothing advanced inkjet is incredible for structures with various hues. Inkjet is the more affordable of the two for singular pieces of clothing or little amounts. 

Other printing techniques are utilized for specific sorts of structure, for example, plot printing (feline cut) for herd impacts, however the over two are the most generally utilized. In the event that you requested a couple of shirts, at that point inkjet would be the printer's decision.