1. Fabric colour
Printing inks are slightly translucent. On a white textile they render the intended colour; on a coloured or dark textile the fabric colour influences the result. That's why we add a white underbase on dark textiles: it restores colour brightness, but the finish still differs slightly.
2. Material
- Cotton : absorbs ink, soft feel, colours slightly more muted.
- Polyester : smooth surface, vivid colours, but it requires suitable inks and temperatures. On some dyed polyesters, the fabric colour can "migrate" into a light print: we choose materials that reduce this effect.
- Blends : behaviour depends on the proportion of each fibre.
3. Weight and knit
A thin t-shirt with an open knit provides a less even surface: very fine details are less sharp than on a thick sweatshirt with tight fleece. In embroidery, a textile that's too thin can pucker.
4. Elasticity
Textiles with elastane (sports, fitted cuts) stretch: the marking must follow. DTF and flex stretch are suitable; a large rigid fill is less so.
5. Treatments
Water-repellent or technical textiles (softshells, windbreakers) have treated surfaces that require specific materials and settings. That's why we check each reference before marking.
How to anticipate
- Tell us all the garments and colours involved when requesting a quote.
- For a critical logo colour, give your Pantone reference.
- For a large order, request a sample piece before production.
Also read: prepare a perfect print file and which technique to choose.
