The SIMPLEST answer is we take an image and print it onto a surface. BUT not all images are the same, not all surfaces are the same, and most print jobs have something that makes them unique.
So how to get started then?
The QUICK answer is 1) you provide an image,2) let us know whether we would be providing the print materials (the link to one of our wholesale garment providers is here) or if you will be providing, and then 3) when you would need it by.
The type of image, what it's going on, how quickly you need it, and the quantity will help determine what the best method of printing (and cost) will be. ---- A MORE DETAILED EXPLANATION would be: what we usually tell clients is that they should provide an image (or images), at as high a resolution as possible (at least 300dpi or a vector file) at probable print size. We accept most file types, including JPG, PNG, PDF, PSD, EPS, AI and more.
Images pulled directly from an internet search are usually NOT high enough resolution and will either result in a poor quality print or an extra fee to make them suitable.
At current we are NOT providing design services, though we hope to reincorporate that service in the future. If you need image creation services, we suggest either directly contacting a graphic designer, or if it is a smaller design, hiring someone from an application like Fiverr is a good place to start.
Once we have an image, an idea of what it's going on, and how many, then we can figure what kind of imprint would work best for your project. Here are most of the services we provide:
GARMENT SCREEN PRINTING The most traditional method, this is priced by number of colors in the image and printing quantity.
This method is best for higher quantity orders and/or images with a few colors. It is also the longest lasting print, the most vibrant print, and some surfaces can ONLY be printed using screen printing. Also this is the option if you would like a special effect, like puff ink, glow in the dark, glitter/shimmer, etc. There are no minimums but the price does increase significantly the smaller the quantity required.
The downside is that because each color is made into its own screen, at lower quantities having many colors in the image can get very expensive quickly, and even on reorders that cost won't go down, because of our material and setup time costs.
Also because each color gets its own screen, there will be some translation from screen to garment, and graphic elements like gradients, lots of small variations of color, or very fine detail may be different than expected in the final print.
Because of the inks involved, traditional screen prints can usually be felt on the garment. There are ways to minimize this, but most likely the print will have a "hand" or feel to the print.
The largest print size we can go without incurring extra charge is 14"x14". With an additional charge per color we can screen print on garments up to 15"x18".
Turnaround is normally 10-12 working days. With a rush charge it can be as low as one day, please contact us to see if we have rush availability.
DIRECT TO GARMENT (DTG) A style of printing where the garment is placed on a flatbed printer and inkjet printed onto at least 80% cotton surface. This is priced by quantity and size of the image, there are no minimums.
This is the ideal solution for printing smaller quantities like gifts or samples, or printing exactly what you see on screen. Printing and cost wise, this method also works very well for gradients or large number of colors for certain quantities. Also, unlike traditional screen printing, there is no "feel" to the print.
The drawback is because each garment is printed all-at-once one-at-a-time, the cost is relatively high and never decreases that much.
Other issues are that because the inks are transparent and water based, this method only works on at least 80% cotton garments (note: most sweatshirts, unless it has a "cotton face", are 50/50 cotton/ploy blends and do not work well for DTG). Also, because of the water based inks, over the lifetime of the garment, the print will eventually fade.
Maximum print size is 16"x18". Turnaround is usually one week, rush orders are usually not available.
PRINTED TRANSFER A printed transfer is an image printed onto a sheet and then transferred to the garment via a heat press. We have sourced professional grade transfers which are glue backed, direct to film printed, a significant improvement on home inkjet transfers. These have a minimum quantity of 10, and are priced by size and quantity of the image, but there are no limitations on number of colors and the level of detail is very good.
This is a great cost-effective option for images with lots of color/detail. Also some garments, like nylon windbreakers, the best way to get an image with lots of colors on it is with a transfer.
Another option with transfers is the ability to print extras without having the garments in hand. Traditional screen printing and DTG are print to order and need all the garments in hand ahead of time to get started. With transfers, more-than-needed-currently can be printed and then pressed later at minimal cost, this is a great cost-effective way to add logos when adding team members, or orders where the customers don't order all at once.
The downside to transfers is they have the shortest lifespan of the prints we offer. Our transfers are rated to last up to 50-80 washes, but over time will degrade quicker than other printing methods. Another downside is that some clients do not like the feel of transfers, they have a flat plastic feel that can be unappealing to some.
Maximum print size is 11"x16". Turnaround is at least a week and rush options are not available.
EMBROIDERY Embroidery is stitched onto the garment using thread, it is priced by quantity and number of stitches. The number of stitches is determined by the size and complexity of the image.Most of the time there is a minimum order of 6 pieces, and a minimum stitch count price of 5000 stitches, with each additional 1000 stitches costing an extra $0.65 each. For embroidery there is a one time, one size digitizing charge of $35.
Embroidery is great way to get a long-lasting premium looking imprint. 3D effects can be applied to give the image even more "pop".
Unfortunately with small exceptions we cannot accommodate requests for single piece/small quantity stitching. Also embroidery is not great at capturing detail or linework.
Maximum size is 10"x10" but anything over 4"x4" does start to get relatively expensive because of the number of stitches required.
Turnaround is at least 2 weeks with no rush capability.
PAD PRINTING Pad printing is printing on anything not flat. We can print up to 2 colors and maximum print size is 3". Setup charges are $60 per image per color. Due to differences in materials and inks needed to print on them, we require at least one printable piece that can be damaged, and each different printing material requires a separate setup. We can print with very fine detail but large fields of color tend to be a problem. Metals work best for pad printing while silicone has the most difficulty. Pad Printing pricing has many variables including weight of the item, ink coverage, and time needed to set up the print.
Turnaround time is usually a week, subject to current job schedule.
LARGE FORMAT PRINTING We can provide banner/flag/step-and-repeat printing courtesy of one of our vendors. Inquire about themaximum size possible. Turnaround is normally within a week, though some rush options are available.
We can offer some limited large format screen printing options, inquire about availability.
COMMON QUESTIONS: Does it matter if the garments are different colors? -Not at all, the same image can be printed on any color background. But depending on the colors in the image, a color change or white base would be required to make the image work correctly.
Do you print samples / have minimums / Is it possible to print just one? -In most instances we have no minimums and can print just one. DTG is usually the most cost-effective way to achieve this, but due to differences in the feel/final quality of DTG and screen printing, it may make more sense to screen print the sample, which we can accommodate.
I don't have all the garments or money for a full order yet, can you print some now and then some later at the same price? -DTG or Transfer is probably the best way to achieve this sort of thing, though to keep the same price transfer would be the way to go. For screen printing, because of the screen cost and setup process, only items available at the time of printing will count towards a quantity discount. Split orders will be priced at the quantity available at the time of printing.
We have both toddler/youth and adult sizes, how does that work? -Printing is mostly a fixed image size per price,which means the smallest print size available will be the one used. Because of the difference in print sizes available between youth and adult sizes, we usually recommend at least two sizes of prints with this kind of project. Pricing is based in number of prints in each size range.
What kind of inks do you use? -We generally use plastisol inks for garment printing, it is long-lasting and vibrant. We can accommodate requests for water-based printing, but due to different factors, it usually can only be a one or two color print.
Can these garments be washed regularly? -Yes, this should be like any other shirt or garment you buy. Transfers have a limited lifespan, but should still wash as anything else.
Can Printersaurus Rex provide mockups? -We ask that you provide them as much as possible. Please see our templates and standard print locations and distances here. If you are having trouble deciding how large the print should be, we recommend printing the image out on a home printer to "sample" how it might look at a particular size/placement.
If you need us to provide mockups, we charge $10 per mockup. If mockups or print sizes are not provided, the final printed image will be at our discretion based on our correspondence.
Are there discounts? -If you refer a client to us who ends up placing an order, you will receive a one-time referral discount.
We are a school PTA/non-profit, are we tax-exempt? -Unfortunately no, tax law is such that the goods you buy for fundraisers are still taxable.
Are there extra charges we should know about? -Most of the time no, under certain circumstances there are small additional fees per item (like an extra $0.25 per item for sweatshirts), but in essence the price we quote for printing and the blank garment is the final price per item. We will let you know ahead of time of any additional fees, like color changes, digitizing, mock up fees, etc. We do not charge screen or set up fees, that is already included in the print price, we try to eliminate hidden fees as much as possible. We do charge tax though (10.25% - Burbank) , so there is that to keep in mind.
Is this similar to Cricut? -A Cricut/vinyl cut transfer is similar in that it can put an image on a shirt, and can be a great option for a single quick piece. There are some disadvantages to them as well though, including the lifespan and washability of the garment, along with limited color palette and print feel.
Can you print names/numbers/jerseys? Because of the individuality of names and numbers jerseys, it is not cost effective to screen print them. We use a service which provides names and numbers in limited fonts and colors. For logos and images, we can print those as necessary, though for baseball jerseys we do not offer applique script fonts.
Can you print over seams? -Screen printing over seams is problematic but possible. DTG over seams works better and might be the better choice to achieve that kind of project.
Do you offer sublimation? -This is not a service we offer, though we can get it done in very limited instances.
Can imprint hats? -Hats are best achieved with embroidery, or if more detail is needed, transfers work as well.
Custom tagging? -We can provide custom size tagging. The price is generally a $20 setup fee and then $0.50 each for a 1 color print.
Do you do everything in-house? -We do as much as we can in-house, but for very large quantities of screen prints, embroidery, and pad printing we use trusted vendors who give us wholesale prices.
Why are you so much cheaper than Custom Ink and other print places I've heard about? -All those commercials and Super Bowl spots have to be paid for somehow.