Getting custom t-shirts printed in Singapore should be a smooth and exciting process—whether for branding, events, or merchandise. However, many clients encounter delays, poor print quality, or unexpected costs simply because of preventable errors. The best way to ensure a seamless experience is to know what pitfalls to avoid before placing your next order.
Here are seven costly mistakes that people make in the t-shirt printing process—and how you can avoid each one.
Mistake 1 – Choosing the Wrong Fabric for Your Print
Not all fabrics react the same to print methods. Cotton is a reliable choice, especially for screen printing and direct-to-garment (DTG), but synthetic fabrics may require different inks and processes. For live silk screen printing, fabric absorbency affects how well the ink sets. Choosing incompatible materials leads to poor adhesion, faded colours, or cracking.
Fix: Always consult your print provider on fabric compatibility with your selected printing technique.
Mistake 2 – Ignoring Resolution Requirements for Artwork
Submitting low-resolution artwork is one of the quickest ways to end up with blurry, pixelated prints. Stretching a small logo to fit a large t-shirt area compromises clarity and professional appeal.
Fix: Ensure your designs are at least 300 DPI and in vector format when possible. Confirm the sizing specs with your printer before final submission.
Mistake 3 – Using Too Many Colours for the Wrong Print Type
With custom t-shirt printing, especially for screen printing, each colour layer adds cost and production time. Designs with complex colour gradients don’t translate well through processes like silk screening and may require digital printing instead.
Fix: Simplify your design if using screen printing or choose DTG if your artwork is full colour. Understanding print method limitations prevents overdesign.
Mistake 4 – Underestimating Turnaround Times
Printing isn’t instant. High-volume jobs, especially those requiring drying, curing, or custom inks, can take days or weeks to complete. Rushing the process could limit your printing options or inflate your budget.
Fix: Always plan ahead. If you’re looking to feature live printing at an event, coordinate the logistics with your vendor weeks in advance to ensure they can accommodate your volume and timeline.
Mistake 5 – Overlooking Print Placement and Proportions
Bad placement can make even the best designs look amateur. Prints that sit too high, too low, or are off-centre can ruin the shirt’s overall appeal. Additionally, using the same print size across multiple shirt sizes often results in imbalance.
Fix: Adjust artwork proportionally for each garment size and review placement proofs before final production. Ask your printer for mock-ups or samples when available.
Mistake 6 – Skipping Test Prints or Proof Checks
Skipping sample reviews to save time is a false economy. What looks good on screen might not transfer perfectly to fabric. Ink saturation, colour mixing, and line thickness can all change once printed.
Fix: Always request a test print, especially for first-time designs or new printers. This step ensures you’re happy with the output before committing to a full run.
Mistake 7 – Choosing the Cheapest Option Without Checking Quality
Going with the lowest quote may seem like a smart move, but it can result in thin fabrics, poor stitching, or subpar ink quality. Especially with t-shirt printing in Singapore, quality varies widely between vendors.
Fix: Evaluate your printing partner based on reviews, sample work, and responsiveness—not just price. If you’re considering live printing for events, test their setup beforehand to assess their professionalism and quality assurance.
Conclusion:
T-shirt printing can be a powerful branding and merchandising tool when done right. Avoiding these seven common mistakes will save you money, preserve your design integrity, and lead to a final product you can be proud of. Whether you’re preparing for a bulk custom t-shirt printing job or an interactive event featuring live printing, being informed from the start sets you up for success.
Contact Monster Prints today to get expert guidance and flawless execution for your next t-shirt printing project.