One of the first things to consider when printing direct-to-film is color. Here are three tips to help improve color in your DTF prints:
- Understand the Technology and Your DTF Printer
- Not all colors are treated equally. Make a test swatch print to prepare yourself and your customers for color outcomes.
- Gray is a color that can come off as too warm or too cool. No other colors (CMY) should exist in a true neutral gray. It should just be a variation of black (K).
2. Examine the Artwork Before you Print
- Open in Adobe Photoshop (or similar program) and add a background to simulate what color it will be printed on.
- Review print size and make sure it is the size it will be printed
- Resolution should be set at 300 dpi
- Review colors, especially black and make sure it is set to 100 percent K to ensure full vibrancy
- Check saturation levels and increase where necessary
3. Be Aware of Color Modes
- RGB vs CMYK
- RGB is what is usually displayed on screen
- CMYK is for printing and how your files should be set
- If your files were originally set for RGB, colors will be slightly different when changing to CMYK
- Some RIP software will convert artwork automatically
Use these tips to help improve your next prints.
