File Prep
Please use the following resources to prepare your files for print. Feel free to contact us if you still have questions.
Prepare Your Art
All files must be at least 300 ppi or Vector Format. If your file is not 300 ppi, you cannot just increase the resolution of the file. This is called “upsampling” and will result in a blurry image. If you are creating your file in Adobe illustrator or another Vector-based software, just size your image to the size you want it to print.
Halftones: Please allow us to halftone the images for you. If we do not control the halftones, we cannot guarantee the quality of the print. We do understand that some designs are complex and will require separation fees, as a client you may be inclined to try to separate or halftone the image yourself to try to keep your cost as low as possible. Unfortunately this does not work. Our computers in the art department are calibrated to set the halftones specifically for the films and screens that we use for printing. Often times if you try to separate or halftone the image yourself it may cause more art charges than you would have originally incurred.
Accepted File Types
We accept the following File Types:
Illustrator (.AI)
Vector (.EPS)
Photoshop (.PSD)
PDF
JPEG
TIFF
We prefer .AI or .EPS files first because Vector images can be scaled without affecting quality.
We prefer .PSD or .PDF second & .JPG, .PNG, or .TIFF last.
Convert Your Text to Outlines
If you are creating your file in Adobe Illustrator, you will need to choose “Create Outlines” on all your text. This allows us to open the file without requiring the font.
Picking PMS Colors
We will provide free pantone color matching for your garments when your orders are submitted. However, there is an issue with pantone matching, and that is that not every color looks the same on every monitor. A certain red on your screen may appear to be a different red on ours. There is no universal color calibration for computers. It is always best to try to supply your own pantone colors if possible. The best way to do this, and the most accurate way, is to use a Pantone Plus Series Solid Coated Formula Guide.
Possible Printing Issues
Why Not To Print Over Seams, Pockets or Zippers
To get the best quality print when screen printing, we need as flat of a surface as possible between the pallet (that the
garment lays on) and the screen (that holds your design). The fronts and backs of t-shirts are consistently smooth and the same thickness, which allows us to get a perfect print every time. However, when you print over a seam, pocket or zipper, it creates an inconsistency, because these are thicker portions of the garment. When you print over these portions of the garments, it creates a gap in the print where the ink from the screen does not touch the shirt due to the ridge caused by the seam.
What Issues Will Arise When Printing Hoodies
Hoodies are one of the more difficult garments to print on, but they are also one of the best selling items during the
winter.
The following are a few issues to be aware of when printing hoodies:
Prints on the hood itself vary based on what brand of sweatshirt you are printing on. We may have to heat press the
design onto the hood if it is double lined. Only single lined sweatshirts work with hood prints.
We do have special pallets that have indentations for the zipper and pocket seams, but not every sweatshirt is exactly the same. When you print over these portions of garments, it creates a gap in the print where the ink in the screen does not hit the shirt due to the ridge caused by the seam. For this reason, we do not recommend printing over-the-zipper.
If you would like to order the same design on both t-shirts and hoodies, we suggest using a wider and shorter design so
that the design can be large, but not be close to the pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll likely find an answer here, but you can also chat with us (below) right now, tweet at us or shoot us an email. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
1. What is the standard screen size?
Our standard screen size is 14″ x 17″.
2. How do I prep the files?
All Files must be 300 DPI or a Vector File. Preferred file types are .PSD, .TIF, .EPS, .AI, .PDF, and .JPG. See File prep for more info on how to prepare your order. Orders cannot be started until we have usable artwork.
3. What is your turnaround time?
Typical turnaround time is 7-15 business days + shipping time. Turnaround time is only an estimate, is not guaranteed and starts when your order is paid for AND we have all information to complete your job. Complex designs or orders with extra add-ons may increase turnaround time. The most up-to-date turnaround time will be listed on your quote and invoice. If you have a deadline for your order, you must let us know when placing your order and a rush fee may imply.
Note: Taking longer than 24 hours to approve your digital proofs may delay your order. Any circumstances out of GPSA’s
control (ie: weather delays, shipping errors by the supplier, etc.) may also require more time and are not factored into the initial turn around time estimate.
4. Do you have a minimum?
We will do an order as small as 12 shirts per design but there will be some restrictions on size and number of colors.
5. Can I mix and match shirt & ink colors?
Yes. Different shirt colors are ok as long as the ink colors are the same. If we need to change ink colors additional fees will apply.
6. Can I mix shirt sizes & do I need to order in dozens?
You can order as many different shirt sizes as you want and you DON’T have to order in dozens, unless otherwise stated. Certain brands require ordering in half dozens.
7. Can you do (insert crazy idea here)?
Maybe. Why don’t you drop us an email and we’ll see what we can do!
Terms & Conditions
Turnaround
The turn around time on your order with GPSA starts when you’ve paid in full, we have all information required to
complete your order (all artwork, correct tag files, all fonts required for editable tags, all shipping info, etc.) & your
proofs have been approved. Delay in receipt of *any* of this info could result in production delays.
Most proofs are sent within 24 hours, after receiving payment and all necessary information. Our current turnaround time is 5-7 Business Days Average + Shipping.
Complex orders/add-ons may increase turnaround. Delay in approval of proofs could also result in production delays.
Each finishing service (printed tags, hem tags, etc.) will add extra time to the turn around on orders, adding roughly 2 days per finishing to the turn around time. The most up-to-date turnaround time will be listed on your quote and invoice.
If you have a deadline for your order, it is very important that you let us know when placing your order and a rush fee may apply if there is not enough time to complete your order under normal circumstances. If you do not advise us about a due date until after your order has been paid for and pushed through our system, we may not be able to accommodate your request.
Any circumstances out of GPSA’s control (ie: weather delays, shipping errors by the supplier, etc.) may also require more time and are not factored into the initial turn around time estimate.
Minimums
All minimums for GPSA are listed independently through our website, but an approximate condensed version is:
1-3 Ink Colors: 12 Pieces Minimum
4-6 Ink Colors: 36 Pieces Minimum
7-10 Ink Colors: 50 Pieces Minimum
Any Order With Finishings: 50 Pieces Minimum
Process Printing: Depending on Complexity, either 50 or 100 Pieces Minimum
If you have any questions about our minimums that cannot be answered in the information above or on our website,
please contact us.
Terms
Orders must be paid in full before the order begins unless otherwise approved by GPSA staff. If you pay via check, the turn around time clock on your order will not begin until your check clears.
Artwork
All files must be 300 DPI or vector format. The design should be sized to the size you would like it to print. Text must be converted to outlines. Printing can only be as good as the artwork.
GPSA will not be responsible for poor quality printing due to poor artwork. Please see our file prep page for more details. GPSA is not responsible for any misspellings, errors, or issues in your art file. We do our best to catch these errors and point them out to you, but we may not catch them all.
If it is in your art file and on your approval, that is how we will print it.
Art Approval | Order Proofing
All artwork is to be approved via a digital proof through email. Artwork must be checked for spelling, color, sizes
ordered, placement of the art and accuracy of artwork by the customer.
It is very important to look over every detail of the proof, as this is how your garments will print. GPSA will not accept responsibility for corrections not implemented and/or requested after artwork approval.
Any modifications requested after customer approval will result in production delays and could require additional expenses. Any delays in the approval process longer than 24 hours after receipt of the proof could result in production delays.
Out of Stock Items
GPSA is not responsible for items that are out of stock. While we check items we know to have potential stock issues, all garments are ordered after your order is placed, and we cannot guarantee their availability. If items are out of stock, we will provide you with a list of possible replacements and get it approved by you before using your chosen item.
Specific Measurements When Printing
Even though GPSA’s printers have over 20 years of experience, there is no way to effectively and efficiently measure a distance from the collar on each shirt as each garment is loaded onto the press by hand. If you request a print that is 2” down from the collar, we will use that as a guide and do our best to make sure that all shirts hit that target, but not all shirts will hit exactly at 2”, they may be off by as much as an inch in either direction. This will not be considered a misprint and GPSA will not reprint or refund these shirts.
Changes to Your Order After Payment
Any change made to your order that is not due to a stock issue on behalf of the stock suppliers will be subject to a
change fee of $50.00 in addition to the additional costs to make the changes.
Any changes to your order after it has been placed will delay your order, even if you have paid a rush fee and/or have given us a required date. It is very important that you do not place your order until you are certain that’s what you want. Once the process begins, everyone in our shop starts to work on different aspects of the job, changes become costly and time consuming.
Cancellations & Restocking Fees
Cancellations made after order has been placed will be subject to a 15% restocking fee plus any additional fees required to cover services already rendered. No cancellations will be accepted once production or any manipulation of the garments (tag removal, printed tags, printing, hem tagging, etc.) has begun on the order.
Must-Have Dates
GPSA will do everything we can to meet any must-have date, but we cannot guarantee it. Rush fees may apply. Customer may be responsible for any expedited shipping charges associated with the order.
Shipping
GPSA cannot be responsible for any shipping delays caused by the shipping company.
Returned Checks
There will be a $30.00 returned check fee.
Pricing
GPSA reserves the right to change pricing without notice.
Garment Disclaimer
GPSA is not responsible for manufacturer defects such as color inconsistencies, stitching errors, mislabeled garments, loose/inconsistent stitching, and/or garment defects (holes in garments, ripped seams, etc.). We try our hardest to inspect the garments as we print them, but we cannot guarantee each garment. We are not the manufacturers of these garments, so we cannot ensure their construction.
If it is in your art file and on your approval, that is how we will print it.
