Chameleon Printing

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941-310-9503

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Services

What we do?

From start to finish our customer support team will follow your order throughout the apparel printing process to ensure that you receive your order correctly and on time. Our highly skilled staff give us the control to make even the most challenging projects easily managed.

We know you have choices when it comes to your purchasing decisions. Let us show you how good our products, pricing and services really are.

Also known as silk screen printing is a method of printing on textile materials using special inks and fine mesh screens stencil.

We only use high quality,environmentally friendly, made in USA inks and latest equipment.

Screen printing is consider to be more casual and economic way to decorate textiles. We recommend using this method of printing in order to obtain a high quality product with great durability and affordable price.

designing the art

It all starts with the customers idea. That idea is taken to our in house designers who use specialized designing tools to make a computer generated version of that idea. Our designer team incorporates the customer choosen garment and ink colors to create a digital image of the desired product.

Once the design has been completed it is presented to the customer for approval

art process

Once the customer approve his design, our designers will process the order. The design will be separated by numbers of colors with a method called color separation. Each color of the design will have its own screen. Before the production, our designer will take the design to the screen department to print each color on a film positive. In cooperation with our production department, they will make an important decision about screen mesh count, ink selection and method of screen printing.

Screen preparation

Screen printing relies on well constructed screens. Our production team prepares the screens by coating it with photosensitive emulsion. The color separated positive film is attached to the emulsion coated screens and exposed with ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light burns the design into a mesh to produce stencil. This process is done for each color in the design.

screen printing

Screen printing is done by transferring the ink through the screen onto the garment. Our production team will load the printing press with screens.

Making a correct color order and choice of ink type is crucial part of the production process. Production team makes sure that your desired design is printed correctly, perfectly placed and aligned to the garment.

Every printed garment will go through a dryer for the ink drying process. Every gament will then go through quality control inspection done by our production manager.

Direct To Garment (DTG) printing is a modern digital printing technique used to print colorful designs, images, and graphics directly onto textiles. DTG is a great alternative to traditional screen printing, and it has gained popularity in the apparel industry due to its versatility, ability to produce complex designs, and its potential for a quick turnaround on custom orders.

1. What is Direct to Garment Printing?

Direct to Garment printing works similar to your inkjet desktop printer. The unique garment ink is deposited directly onto the fabric, with no burning of screens, setup, or color registration involved!
Direct to garment printing allows for full color designs to be printed with unlimited colors to be printed with no added cost. Since there are no screens and no setup, the minimum required order is very low. You can have a few or a few dozen shirts printed with the same or with a different design. This is especially ideal for family reunions, small businesses, or anything you need personalized.

2. When Should I Use DTG?

Direct to Garment printing is perfect for jobs where multiple colors would be too costly, when details, accurate color reproduction is important, if clarity is a strong issue, for small runs, or for personalization.

Screen printing often requires a minimum order because of the time and cost involved in setting up a job. Since there are no screens and no setup in Direct to Garment printing, printing one shirt is as easy as printing one hundred.
This is ideal for small runs, samples, photo-realistic graphics, and multi-colored art.

3. Modern Approach and Results

The DTG printed will precisely spray water based eco-friendly solvent inks onto the fabric surface. These inks will adhere well to the natural fabrics to produce vibrant and detailed full color prints. DTG might have limitations in terms of the types of fabrics it can effectively print on, and it may be less cost-effective for large production quantities compared to traditional methods.
Sublimation printing is a specialized digital printing process that is commonly used to transfer vibrant and high-resolution images onto various materials, primarily polyester synthetic fabrics and polymer coated substrates. It is a new trend which has hit the fashion and promotional items world in recent times.

1. Why Sublimation Printing?

This process allows for the creation of detailed designs with a wide range of colors and shades, resulting in visually appealing photo-realistic vivid colors long-lasting prints. Sublimated prints are embedded within the material’s fibers, making them more resistant to wear, washing, and exposure to environmental factors.

2. Process

The process begins with creating a digital design. The design can include images, patterns, text, or any combination of elements.

Sublimation prints are carried via liquid ink deposited on a high-release paper to be transferred onto the substrates using the high-heat and pressure. Sublimation ink molecules penetrate the material and become a permanent part of the material’s structure.

3. Applications and Results

Athletic textiles, performance apparel, ceramic products and poly coated items are some of the main product categories. Digital sublimation printing is also used in the creation of trade show displays, snowboards, skis, and skateboards.

The result of this process is a virtually permanent full color, high-resolution print that will not crack, fade or peel from the substrate under normal conditions.

When it comes to creating that custom, professional look, nothing does it quite like embroidery. Embroidery is a versatile and effective method for adding intricate and visually appealing embellishments to a variety of products, making them stand out and leave a lasting impression. Our sophisticated commercial embroidery machine can stitch logos and custom designs up to 12 colors onto 12 items at the time.

1. Embroidery Advantage

It is an ideal alternative to printing, especially for uniforms and workwear, when garments are intended to be used in an industrial setting or for promotional wear that you want to give a personal touch.

Embroidery offers a superb method for creating a decorated, resilient, and enduring product that withstands wear, washing, and fading compared to printed products.

2. Costs and Turn-Around Time

The cost of embroidery, whether for embroidered work wear, corporate clothing, embroidered polo shirts or a custom embroidery project, is subject to the number of stitches in the design. The more density of the design will result in more stitches.

It generally costs more than screen printing or digital printing. A typical turn-around time is two weeks.3. Service and Re-Ordering

3. Service and Re-Ordering

We are now able to offer “in house” artwork/designs digitizing which means they can be kept on file to be used again and again should extra orders be needed. We also offer a variety of custom-made embroidered and woven patches who can be applied to a wide range of products, such as clothing, accessories, uniforms, promotional items, and more.

Bring your custom designs to life with our unique direct-to-film (DTF) decoration process. Our high-quality DTF transfers offer long-lasting durability, vibrant colors, and dynamic details. With low minimums, complete versatility, and the ability to print any number of colors with no restrictions DTF it’s the perfect choice for those looking to create their own products. DTF can be easily transferred to almost any garment using just a heat press.

1. What is DTF used for?

DTF is new and innovative method for transferring designs onto various surfaces, primarily textiles and fabrics. If you are an experienced artist, designer or brand creator and you own a heat press, you can order custom printed transfers. We will produce the durable vibrant transfers you can use to print your own garments and create your own items. Our digitally printed transfers can be easily transferred to almost any garment using a heat press.

2. Process

Digitally created design sheets can include images, patterns, text, or any combination of elements. Customer can create any artwork in a size up to 22″ wide and 100″ long. The artwork should be submitted as a vector file in EPS, CDR or Ai format. Some high-resolution PNG could also be acceptable. After submitting the file, we will create the proof with the quote for your approval and provide you with the instructions on how to apply the transfers.

3. Ordering and Conditions

We are doing our best to make the ordering process simple as possible. Ordering transfers will require certain customer knowledge about designing and transfer printing using the heat press.

Our minimum DTF order transfer size is 22″x22″.

After you receive your order, you should always review and test your transfers immediately within 5 business days. We cannot be responsible for any issues after that. We are not responsible for any product to which you have applied our transfers.

UV printing, also known as ultraviolet printing, is a modern digital printing technique that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to instantly cure or dry inks, coatings, or adhesives during the printing process. This method offers various advantages, including vibrant colors, precise detail, and the ability to print on a wide range of substrates.

What is DTF used for?

UV printing is used for mostly printing on materials like plastic, glass, metal, wood, ceramics, and more. UV print offers intense and vibrant colors with excellent color saturation and image quality. The cured UV prints are highly durable and resistant to fading, scratching, and environmental factors. This makes UV perfect for printing on promotional items.

Process and Applications

Digitally created artwork should be submitted as a vector file in EPS, CDR or Ai format. Some high-resolution PNG could also be acceptable. The design is digitally prepared and then printed onto the substrate using specialized UV inkjet printers. UV inks are formulated with pigments or dyes that are responsive to UV light. Unlike traditional inks, UV inks do not dry through evaporation; they remain wet until exposed to UV light.

Results, Cost and Turn-Around Time

With UV printing we can create some unique products with vibrant colors and good image quality. Because of the time-consuming and complex setup, UV printing has a minimum order mostly determined by the number of promotional items required. The cost of the items UV printed can vary in several factors, but general rule is applied, the more items you print, the lower the cost. Turn-Around time also depends on the number of items printed and complexity of the setup.

Which printing method is best for your order?

Screen Printing

DTG

Embroidery

Sublimation

DTF

UV

Setup Fee Required

Minimum Quantity

Max No. of Colors

Material

Special Colors/Effects

Durability

Turn-around time

90%
10-14 days
80%
7-10 days
100%
10-14 days
10%
10-14 days
25%
3-5 days
25%
14-21 days

Turn-around time

Cost effective

Which printing method is best for your order?

Screen Printing

Digital Printing

Embroidery

Transfers

Sublimation

Setup Fee Required

Minimum Quantity

Max No. of Colors

Material

Special Colors/Effects

Durability

Turn-around time

90%
5-7 days
98%
2-3 days
40%
5-7 days
10%
4-5 days
25%
3-4 days

Cost effective

We turn your ideas into a finished product!

Chameleon Printing offers a professional printing service to help you turn your brand or idea into a great product. We will lead you step by step through the process and explain to you all the options you have. We will support you even when your job is done and help you achieve your goals.

faq

DO YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL CHARGES FOR EXPRESS TURNAROUND?

Yes. 3-day processing 50%; 1-day processing 100%

DO YOU HAVE A MINIMUM ORDER?

Please refer to the table above “Which printing method is best for your order?” for minimum order quantity information.

DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTS FOR LARGE ORDERS?

Yes, we do have wholesale pricing.

WHAT WILL DETERMINE MY COST?

In order to provide you with the best price, we would need to have your design first. Your price will be formed based on item quality, quantity and labor involved.

DO YOU OFFER AN ARTWORK SERVICE?

We will do our best to help you with your logo or design if you need some minor changes or additions. If you don’t have logo or design, we highly recommend hiring the designer on Fiverr or UpWork

WHAT ARTWORK FORMATS DO YOU ACCEPT?

Depending on which customization method we use we need the artwork in one of the following formats:

 

  • Screen & digital printing: vector graphic in Ai, EPS. CDR, SVG or PDF format
  • Direct to Garment: High Resolution PNG with transparent background
  • Sublimation: vector graphic in Ai, EPS. CDR, SVG or PDF format
  • UV: vector graphic in Ai, EPS. CDR, SVG or PDF format
  • DTF: vector graphic or PNG
  • Embroidery: DST file or vector graphic to be digitized into DST

CAN YOU DIGITALLY PRINT ONTO COLORED GARMENTS?

Yes, our digital printing equipment can print onto both white and colored garments, cotton, polyester, or blends. The digital printer lays down a white layer of ink, to act as an under-base before the colors are printed on the top and as a result you will get bright colors with a slightly little heavier feeling compared to the printing on the light garments without the white ink under-base.

CAN YOU MATCH PANTONE PMS COLORS?

We can match your PANTONE colors in screen printing only by ordering a custom ink with provided PMS color code. With all other printing methods, we can only match as close as possible, in most cases almost identical as PANTONE color.

WHAT TYPE OF GARMENTS WOULD GENERALLY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR DIGITAL PRINTING?

Generally, irregular size items with a wide weave pattern, non-flat surface and items that cannot sustain heat pressing and temperatures above 300 degrees.

CAN I CHANGE THE COLOR OF THE PRINT ON SOME GARMENTS?

In the event you want to change design colors we would highly recommend digital printing because in the most cases would be no additional charge. In all other printing methods and embroidery, colors change will require additional charge.

CAN YOU SCREEN PRINT USING WATER-BASED INKS?

We can use water-based ink for white & very light garments or discharge ink for darker garments. These methods will require special setup and it is not recommended for small orders. Please contact us to confirm the cost.

DO YOU OFFER PACKAGING IN POLY BAGS?

Yes, we can individually polybag each item for an additional charge per item.

DO YOU OFFER PRINTING OF THE CUSTOM TAGS?

Yes, we can print your brand custom tags for an additional charge per item.

CAN I MIX AND MATCH GARMENT COLORS AND SIZES IN ONE ORDER?

Yes, depending on the printing method. As long as the colors and size of the printed design stays the same there wouldn’t be additional charge. Some limitations apply!

WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?

We accept all major credit cards, cash, PayPal, personal and company checks.

Do you have additional charges for express turnaround?

Yes, most of the time, unless a huge order is in the printing process already. For express turnaround orders (3 working days) add 20% to your order total.

Do you offer an artwork service?

If you need something designed from scratch, our designers are standing by to help you!

If you need your artwork converting into a print ready format we can help with this.

Just bring the files you have so we can check. Most of the time converting artwork formats is free of charge however If it’s a complex design, there is an artwork charge.

What artwork formats do you accept?

Depending on which customization method we use we need the artwork in one of the following formats:

  • Vector Format for screen printing, embroidery or transfer printing:
  1. Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, SVG, EPS or PDF files
  2. All fonts and strokes should be created to outlines
  1. High-res PNG files for DTG printing:
  • PNG files saved with a transparent background
  • Must be saved to at least 150 dpi and at least 100% of intended print size

If you’re not sure or unable to supply any of these artwork files, please just bring whatever you have and we can recommend any changes if necessary.

Can you digitally print onto colored garments?

Yes, our direct-to-garment printer can print onto both white and colored garments. The printer lays down a white layer of ink to provide a base before the colors are printed.
Please note:
If your artwork has dark colors and we’re digitally printing onto dark colored garments this may produce a slightly ‘grainy’ effect. You might also see a faint white line around the print – this again is the white base layer. We’ll take a look at your artwork and if necessary will print a sample for you to approve. Direct to Garment Printing is applied manually so allow for some slight variation in exact positional location.

When screen printing can you use the same screens for tote bags and t-shirts?

No, we can’t use the same screen’s for printing on the tote bags and t-shirts as the print would be upside down (the opening is on the top of a bag and bottom of a t-shirt)

Can you match PANTONE refs with all printing methods?

We can match PANTONE reference numbers when screen printing but we’re not able to match exact colors when DTG printing.

What type of garments would generally not be suitable for DTG printing?

Generally, items with a wide weave pattern or non-flat surface (i.e. pique polo shirts and fleeces), garments with low cotton content and polyester garments often cause issues.

If screen printing, can I change the color of the print on some t-shirts?

Yes, as long as the design remains the same we can change the print color. There will be an additional color change fee.

Can you screen print using water-based inks, not plastisol?

We can use waterbased ink for white & very light garments or discharge ink for darker garments. Please contact us to confirm costs.

Do you offer packaging in poly bags?

Yes, we can individually polybag each item.

Can I mix and match garment colors and sizes in one order?

Yes, depending on the printing method. Please ask our representative. We are flexible with mixing and matching colors and sizes of the garment you’ve ordered for printing. Some limitations apply: if the artwork doesn’t fit small sizes of the garment or you have large sizes in your order as well.

Do you have a minimum order?

Yes, please refer to the table named “Which printing method is best for your order?” for minimum order quantity.

CALL TODAY TO GET A QUOTE OR SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT! 941-310-9503