Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: May 2024
General Questions
Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing
Engraving Services
Account Questions
Contact Questions
General Questions
How do I track my order?
Once your order has shipped, you will receive a tracking number via email. You can use this number to track your order on our website or on the carrier's website.
Can I cancel or modify my order after it has been placed?
Once an order is placed, it enters the production process quickly. Contact us as soon as possible to discuss any changes or cancellations, but note that modifications may not be possible once production has started for custom items.
Do you accept returns or exchanges?
Absolutely! We have a 30-day returns policy and will gladly accept exchanges and returns for all non-customized or personalized orders. Customized orders, which are printed or engraved on demand, cannot be returned. However, we are committed to ensuring you receive the highest quality products and will gladly work with you in the event that you are not satisfied with your order.
To initiate an exchange or return, contact us within 30 days of delivery, state your issue, and provide your order number in the email. Items for exchange/return must be in the same NEW condition as when you received them. We will not accept returns for any used or worn items.
How long will it take to process my order?
Our processing times are regularly updated and displayed at the top of our home page in the announcement bar. Please be sure to view this information before placing your order so you can plan accordingly. We try our best to ship orders out as early as the same day if they are submitted before 12pm EST. If you need expedited shipping, the option for UPS next-day or 2nd-day air will be available at checkout.
Can I use copyrighted or trademarked images?
No, we cannot reproduce copyrighted or trademarked images without proper authorization. Ensure you have the right to use any logos or designs you submit for customization. We will not be held responsible for any copyrighted or trademarked content.
Do you offer bulk discounts?
Yes, discounts are automatically applied at checkout. We often share promotions on our facebook & Instagram pages so be sure to follow us to receive these updates or subscribe to our newsletter!
Direct-to-Fim (DTF) Printing
What is DTF?
Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is a process that transfers prints onto fabric or other substrates using a heat press. DTF is a game-changer in custom apparel. Unlike traditional printing methods that apply ink directly onto the garment, DTF prints your design onto a transparent PET film first.
This film, loaded with your vibrant design, is transferred onto any material using heat and pressure. The result? A high-resolution, soft-to-the-touch, and durable print that can withstand wash and wear, all while maintaining stunning detail and vibrant colors not possible with traditional screen printing.
Our Process
Our transfers and gang sheets are printed by us in-house on a commercial grade Direct-to-Film printer that is specifically designed for DTF printing. We only use high-quality water based inks, powder, and film to ensure professional prints. Our transfers can be peeled while hot, cold, or warm.
They can also be applied to all kinds of fabrics, from combed cotton, ring-spun cotton, organic cotton, polyesters, blended fabrics, poly-cottons, tri-blends, polyester-spandex, Lycra, and more! Our transfers are easy to peel and trusted by many businesses and hobbyists alike.
1. Cost-Effectiveness: Unlike traditional methods, where setup and run costs can be prohibitive for small batches, Direct-to-film (DTF) printing is more economical, making it feasible to produce large or small quantities of custom apparel without inflated expenses.
2. Multi-Color Designs: Screen printing requires separate screens and runs for each color, which can escalate costs significantly, especially for designs with numerous colors. DTF printing simplifies this process, allowing for multi-color designs without driving up expenses.
3. Enhanced Visibility on Dark Fabrics: Dark-colored fabrics pose a challenge for traditional printing methods, often requiring the application of a flash layer to ensure colors show up effectively. DTF printing eliminates this extra step, providing vibrant and clear prints on dark fabrics without incurring additional costs.
4. Compatibility with Ribbed Fabrics: Unlike screen printing, which may not adhere well to porous or ribbed fabrics like those used in golf or polo shirts, DTF printing offers better compatibility, ensuring high-quality prints on a wider range of materials.
5. Intricate Design Capabilities: DTF printing excels in reproducing intricate designs with precision and detail, offering possibilities not achievable with traditional screen printing methods. This makes it ideal for intricate artwork, fine lines, and complex graphics that demand high resolution and clarity.
Direct-to-film (DTF) printing presents a cost-effective, versatile, and high-quality solution for large or small-scale printing projects, intricate designs, and challenging fabric types, making it a preferred choice for personalized apparel production.
These advantages make it a preferred choice for businesses and
individuals seeking efficient and high-quality garment decoration.
However, Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing should not be seen as a replacement for screen printing but rather as a complementary technique. While screen printing remains ideal for large batch orders with its durability and vibrant results, DTF printing excels in producing highly detailed, full-color designs with lower setup costs and faster turnaround times. By combining both methods, businesses can offer a broader range of customization options, catering to various customer needs and project requirements. This synergy allows for more flexibility and creativity, ensuring the highest quality products regardless of order size or complexity.
Artwork Guidelines
Direct-to-film (DTF) printing offers several benefits over traditional printing methods:
- Do NOT mirror images
- Images should have a resolution of at least 300 DPI or higher.
- RGB color mode is preferred.
- Please remove any backgrounds, white spaces, or borders you do not want to be printed.
- Outlines should be at least .02 pts in width for adhesive to adhere to the artwork.
- Please remove any transparency, see-through effects, or drop-shadows, as these effects do not work with DTF.
- Crop images to be the exact size needed for your project to ensure there is no empty space around the edges.
Heat-Pressing Instructions
1. Pre-heat your heat-press to 300-305 degrees (F).
2. Pre-press your garment for 5 seconds to remove any wrinkles or moisture.
3. Press for 10 seconds using heavy pressure.
4. Peel film from the corner of the transfer in a quick fast motion as if removing a bandage.
5. Press again using a finishing sheet (Teflon sheet or parchment paper) for at least 5 seconds at 300-305 degrees (F).
DTF Care Instructions
Washing Garments:
- Turn garment inside out
- Machine wash cold
- Do not bleach
- Tumble-dry low
- Do not dry-clean
- Do not iron over printed area
Storing DTF Transfers
Proper storage of DTF (Direct-to-Film) transfers is crucial to maintain their quality and ensure optimal results when used.
Here are some tips for storing DTF transfers correctly:
- Store DTF transfers in a cool dry environment.
- Lay flat to prevent creases or bends
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Use airtight bags or containers
- Maintain a temperature between 60-75°F (15-24°C)
- Handle with Care - clean dry hands or use gloves to prevent the transfer of dirt and oils.
Engraving Services
Our Process
Our tumblers, patches, and other engraveable items are all cut or engraved by us in-house, using an advanced commercial C02 laser. By using a commercial grade laser, we are able to have precise cuts and engravings not always possible with non-commercial equipment.
Artwork Guidelines for Engraving
Account Sign-in & Password
Resetting Your Password
If you have forgotten your password, click the "Forgot password?" link on the Sign In screen. Enter your email address, and we will send you a link to reset your password.
Changing Your Login Email Address or Password
In order to update your email address, please contact us at info@printpony.co so we can update it for you.