Frequently Asked Questions

Labels
What kind of materials can you print on?

We can print on many different types of materials – from paper, thermal transfer, to polypropylene and other plastic type materials to withstand wet conditions. For example, bath and body products need labels that can withstand exposure to moisture and oils, whereas paper labels wouldn’t.

We can also laminate labels with a thin layer of clear film, which protects the inks and prevents the label from damage or rubbing off.

What are copy directions? Are they important?
Roll directions indicate how the rolls of labels are produced, so that the labels are facing the right direction on the roll at the time of application. Usually copy directions are only important if the labels are going to be machine applied onto the product, and ensure that the applicator is dispensing the labels in the right direction onto the containers (usually bottles or jars). If the labels are being hand applied (meaning no machinery will be used in the application process), then roll direction is not important.
I want to get some stickers printed, but I want a special shape. Do you offer that?
Yes, we can print labels for you in a special shape (eg. the knife cuts out around the design). If you need labels printed in a special shape, this will require a small once-off fee for the knife, which is customised to your design. Otherwise, we have a wide selection of knives in varying sizes and shapes on hand that we can use for your label design.
What is the delivery time for labels?
Once the artwork is approved, it usually takes about 7-10 working days for your labels to be printed.
How should I supply my artwork?

Software Supported

Adobe Photoshop – up to and including CS5

Adobe Illustrator – up to and including CS5

Please supply artwork in either an EPS or PDF format, with the fonts outlined or supplied. Please do not create text in Photoshop, as it may appear grainy on the final product. If there are any images that the design is linked to, please include those in addition to the design, so that it all links when we open the file and make sure that they are high resolution (300dpi), and are in either CMYK or PMS colours. We recommend including 2mm bleed around the design. Please ensure all main elements of the design – text, images, barcodes – are clear of the knifeline by at least 1.5mm, to allow for slight shifts during the die-cutting stage of production.

You can send us files via several different ways.

If your files are under 7mb, you can send them via email to [email protected].

If your files are larger than 7mb, you can register and send them to us via an upload site, such as dropsend.com or yousendit.com.

Otherwise, you can burn your files onto a CD and mail it to us.

What does ‘four colour process’ mean?
Basically, we can break down all real world colour into 4 primary colours: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. This is what is known as CMYK. When the machine prints out something in CMYK, it prints out tiny dots in each of the 4 colours. It’s when the colours overlap each other, they create lighter or darker tones within the image. This printing process is best for photos and very detailed illustrations.
What are ‘spot colours’?

Spot colours are also called PMS colours, and are what the print industry uses to match specific colours. Each spot colour is delegated a code number, so that it is easier to refer to a certain colour. For example, some of our clients have a carton printed for their product, but they want to order labels that match the same colour of their cartons. Spot colours are the industry standard for colour matching, so when someone specifies a certain colour, it will be matched to the swatch of the same colour code with minimal variations in tone and colour. Of course, that can depend on the paper stock and finishing as well, as some paper stocks ‘absorb’ the colour better, which can make the spot colour appear lighter. The same rule applies for labels that are varnished or gloss laminated.

Spot colours are good for text or anything that needs a very sharp and crisp line.

Will my labels come on rolls or on sheets?
This is entirely up to you. Please specify if you prefer to have them on separate sheets, otherwise if they are being machine-applied, we can supply the labels to you on rolls.
Embroidery
What is the minimum order for embroidery?

As our embroidery machine can embroider 8 shirts at the same time, the minimum number of items for embroidery is 8.

However, depending on our current workload, we may be able to accommodate smaller orders. Please call us on 02 9757 1311 to discuss your needs with our customer service representatives.

I have a particular shirt in mind. Can you order the same shirt in for me?

If you’re a business who requires uniforms, we will try our best to match the clothing item you already have. Please call to speak to our customer service staff who can assist you with your requests, and if you have an item from another supplier, we can advise you of the closest matches to your item. Just let our staff know what brand and colour of your item of clothing, and we can help you with your enquiry.

Can I bring in my own garments for embroidery?

Yes, but in many cases we can save you both time and money by purchasing the product/s for you because of our volume discount with several of our suppliers.

If you have a logo that you need embroidered onto the item, we charge a once-off fee to cover the cost of digitizing your logo into an embroidery format. If you have clothing items that are individually packaged, we suggest that you take it out of it’s packaging before it is sent to us, as you will be charged an unpacking fee. All care is taken with shirts that clients have sent to us, but no responsibility will be taken if anything happens to it.

Ideally, clothing should be supplied in new condition, and out of its packaging.

Do you embroider on anything other than shirts?

Yes! We can embroider onto jackets, shorts, pants, trousers, hats, bags, towels, bed linen, tablecloths… Basically if we can frame it, we can embroider it. Please call us if you have questions about your particular item on 02 9757 1311. We also offer thermal (iron-on) for 1 or 2 colour logos and text if embroidery is not suitable for the item.

What is the difference between embroidery and iron-on thermal?

Embroidery is decorating fabric or other materials with needle and thread, by sewing the coloured thread directly onto and through fabric. For embroidery items, we have to frame each item in separate frames to pull the fabric taut and tight, and we usually use some backing fabric to strengthen the embroidery.

Iron-on thermal is a type of plastic film that adheres to material once heat is applied to it. Examples of iron-on thermal are sports jerseys with numbering on the back of them. Iron-on thermal is best suited for strong hardy fabrics, and is not recommended for weatherproof jackets or ‘slippery’ fabrics.

Do you sew fabric patches or pockets onto garments?

Unfortunately, we are unable to sew fabric patches or pockets onto clothing as our machines are designed to sew coloured thread directly onto the fabric.

Are there any limitations on the type of graphics or text that can be reproduced with the embroidery process?
Yes. Logos that have fine detail, small text and colour gradients are difficult to reproduce with embroidery. Also, the type of fabric that is embroidered greatly affects the quality and end result of the embroidery.