Q: WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THESE FAQS?
A: We receive a lot of questions. Almost all of the questions fall into the same general categories. Here, we do our best to provide concise and easy answers to your questions. If your question is not answered here, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail.
ARTWORK INFORMATION
Q: Artwork, EPS, and Vector - It's all Greek to me! What do I do?
A: Relax, we have you covered. The best thing you can do is get the original of the logo from the designer, tell them we like vector artwork best. If you do not have that available to you, we have a Graphic Designer in house who works on a per piece basis, he charges $75.00 per hour, and is very fast. Most logo's can be recreated in less than one hour.
Q: My Artwork needs to be redone, or I want to add something to it. Can you help with that?
A: Yes we can, our in house Graphic Artist charges on a per piece basis, our rate is $75.00 per hour. Smaller jobs of 20 minutes or less can be done with a $15.00 charge, depending on detail of change.
Q: What is the minimum resolution for Logo Artwork?
A: All artwork must be at least at least 360 DPI (Dots per Inch) minimum for the printing process. Please see Logo Artwork for additional information.
Q: What is the difference between bitmap and EPS Logo Artwork file types?
A: Bitmap images are defined by a precisely "mapped" collection of individual dots or pixels of various colours. EPS (Encapsulated Postscript) files define graphics using mathematical algorithms that allow for scaling and modification without much loss of image resolution.
Q: I would like to get some art done. I have no idea how it works. What do I do?
A: That's ok. We need to know what you want. We can work from chicken scrapes on a napkin if we have to. But, the more that you can provide in the way of art or concept the cheaper the art will be. You email us with as much as you have and well take it from there.
Q: How long does it generally take to do a design?
A: It depends on the complexity of the design and how much you can provide in the way
of concept and or usable art. Generally designs we do cost between $40.00 and $150.00. Very detailed and corporate designs can exceed $1000.00.
Q: I have a black and white drawing of my art. Can you work with that?
A: Yes that is fine. You can scan it and save it at 300 dpi or higher at actual size to be printed. Or you can send it to us and we will scan it in.
Q: I have a .jpg, .gif, .bmp file is that ok?
A: No probably not. These files are lower resolution files or a Raster Image. Generally used on the internet. We can use them to recreate your art for you.
Q: What graphic formats do you use?
A: We are able to open almost any known graphic. However, graphic transmittal and conversion doesn't always work as well as advertised. We work in Corel v12, Adobe PhotoShop and Illustrator. We do prefer a vector images.
Q: How do I send graphics?
A: Usually, you can send us your graphic as an attachment by e-mail. If the file size(s) exceeds five megabytes burn your logo to disk and send it to us. PO BOX 1240 BC Browns Plains QLD 4118
Q: Approval on my job?
A: Production of your order will not begin until we have received artwork approval.
All jobs receive a digital file emailed to them before job commences.
PAYMENT AND SHIPPING INFORMATION
Q: DO YOU TAKE CREDIT CARD?
A: We currently don’t have that facility available at present however we do accept direct deposit, checks, money orders and cash.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Q: DOES COTTON SHRINK?
A: There have been no complaints about shrinkage with the cotton shirts. The cotton shirts are sold as pre-shrunk. However, they do appear to shrink slightly when washed and dried at high temperature. This is subjective, but there does appear to be a very slight but perceptible shrinkage. Generally, the cotton shirts do shrink about 5%.
Q: Matching my Required Colour
A: We have a huge palette of in stock colours. We can get very close most any colour you request but it may not be exact. View our colour chart
Q: WHAT TYPES OF SHIRTS ARE AVAIABLE?
A: Most of our printing is done on "Gildan, Johnny Bobin or RAMO shirts. The customer must first decide between a 100% cotton shirt or a synthetic blend. Cotton is usually the most comfortable. However, the customer can decide between 100% cotton and 50% cotton 50% polyester. Shirts with polyester may hold their shape a little better and may withstand more washing.
Q: HOW LONG DO THE SHIRTS LAST?
A: A screen printed t-shirt will last for many years if cared for properly. Wash and dry at reasonable temperatures and with mild detergents and no bleach. Shirt longevity depends on the care the shirt receives. I have a few cherished T-shirts that are more than 20 years old.
SCREEN PRINTING QUESTIONS
Q: Can I print on various sizes?
A: T shirts for youth medium to adult 10XL can be printed together at a 350mm x 350mm design size. Youth small, infant and toddler sizes will need to be screen printed with a smaller sized print. We can print both youth and adult t shirts together if the design size is made to fit the smallest shirt being screen printed. Some customers prefer to have two sizes of artwork made, one for adult and one for youth. When printing a small order, one size of art is the most economical choice.
Q: How big is a t-shirt design usually?
A: Generally full size designs are around 200mm to 300mm. Small logos printed on the front left right or centres are usually around 50mm to 80mm wide.
Q: Can I print on various shirt colours?
A:As long as the same ink colour can be used on all tee shirts, there should be no problem. Your design on paper will be placed on all the colours you want to print on… just to be sure the design works for you on all of your colour choices.
Q: Can I print on a variety of products?
A:Tee shirts and sweatshirts can be combined into one screen printing order. The fabric of jackets or design size can require a separate process and treatment as a separate order.
Q: What does 4-color process mean?
A: If you have a photographic or painting type of image, chances are you will want to use a four colour process for decorating your product. Four colour processes will recreate a photo realistic image. It is also sometimes used to represent artwork that uses more than four solid colours because using only four colours is more economical. The process uses combinations of varying sizes of blue (cyan), red (magenta), yellow (yellow), and black (black) dots to create images just like your printer for your computer does. The four colour process is also sometimes called CMYK.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Q: How long will it take for me to get my order?
A: After you approve your final artwork, we will complete your screen printing or embroidery order within 10 business working days and ship the following day. Rush service is available for an additional fee. Please see production for further information.
Q: How much is your set up fee for screen printing?
A: We charge $25.00 per screen or per colour this includes emulsion, taping, block out and setting up the job.
Q: What are set up fees, and do I need them?
A: Setup fees are charged by the manufacturer for labour and materials needed in order to transfer your logo to the printing method. A screen print requires a screen fee for every colour, this is needed to manufacturer you the screens you will need for printing your logo.
Q: HOW DO WE SET COST SCREENPRINTNG?
A: All pricing is based on the same formula. First, is the number of screens, each print location and colour requires its own screen. Second, is the number of shirts, since the set up (screens) is the same for one shirt or 10,000 shirts, the more you print, the lower the per shirt cost. We do have set price breaks at 20, 50, 100, 150, 250, 500, 1000. The type of shirt is another factor. The colour of the shirt is also a cost factor: White shirts are the least expensive, with dark shirts being slightly more expensive than white. There might be additional charges for graphic preparations and rush orders.
SUBLIMATION INFORMATION
Q: What is sublimation?
A: Sublimation is a printing process whereby the image on a sheet of paper is transferred onto white fabric through heat and pressure. The heat and pressure causes the ink on the paper to turn to a gas which permanently impregnates the fabric. The benefit of this process is that the image is permanent and will not crack or fade. Because the ink impregnates the fabric and does not lie on top of the fabric like screen printing, it does not interfere with the wicking properties or breathe ability of the garment.
Q: Do the prints fade?
A: In short NO! The nature of our printing technology means that the prints will look as good in 3 years as they did the first day you saw them.
Q: Do these garments ‘breathe’?
A: Despite the fact that our yarns are synthetic, these garments will breathe far better than natural yarns such as cotton or wool. Our fabrics are treated for ‘wicking’, a process where moisture is drawn away from the body onto the outside of the garment, where it can more effectively evaporate.
Q: Where are your prices?
A: As we specialize in made to order uniforms for clubs and teams, every club gets a different price. This depends on quantities, style of garment and what design you decide on.
Q: What fabrics are used?
A: PB Design Co. does not charge extra for high performance fabrics.
All our garments are made from the highest quality moisture management fabrics within Australia. We do not sacrifice quality for price.
Q: Where are your garments manufactured?
A: Our custom garments are manufactured in Australia. This ensures that quality control is maintained and allows for quicker delivery.
Q: How long does it take to have my uniforms made up?
A: Uniforms are made within 3 – 6 weeks. At other times, deliveries can take up to 8 weeks due to busy periods of the year. In any case, always let us know if you have a particularly urgent need. Your ship date is based upon the date you reserve. The ship date begins once we receive your order form, 50% deposit, artwork and logos. This is based upon meeting all required due dates.
ALWAYS build in your own "safety" time margins and allow for transit time in shipping. Time lines may vary do to demand and you will be given a time estimate at the time your order is placed.
Q: How do I get the correct sizes?
A: To assure the best possible fit Phirebird Design Co. can send out a sizing kit for all members to try on. This is the best way to make sure everyone receives the perfect fit!
PB design Co. will require a deposit of $100.00 before samples can be sent with a full reimbursement once samples have been returned.
Q: I am the coordinator for a club, what are your terms?
A: We require 50% deposit (club cheque is fine) and 50% at the time of shipment.
Final payment can be C.O.D. or prepay with club cheque.
Q: Do you have size charts available?
A: Our custom patterns are designed to Australian standard sizes however due to performance reasons sizes may vary between different patterns. It’s advised that parents order one size up.
Please click on Xtras to download your size chart.
