F.A.Q.s
What is the standard screen size?
Threadbird's standard screen size is 14" x 17".
What is the jumbo screen size?
Threadbird's Jumbo screen size is 18" x 23".
How do I prep the files?
All Files must be 300 DPI or a Vector File. Preferred file types are .PSD, .TIF, .EPS, .AI, .PDF, and .JPG. Design should be sized to print. See File Prep for more info on how to prepare your order. Please see our file prep page for more details. Orders cannot be started until we have usable artwork.
How much are the setup fees (aka screen fees)?
Free for all basic orders! Any orders with printed or heat pressed custom tags will require setup fees, see the apparel finishings page for more info.
What is your turnaround time?
Typical turnaround time is 7-15 business days + shipping time. Turnaround time is only an estimate, is not guaranteed and starts when your order is paid for AND we have all information to complete your job. Complex designs or orders with extra add-ons may increase turnaround time. Allow for at least 3 additional days for interior printed tags. The most up-to-date turnaround time will be listed on your quote and invoice. If you have a deadline for your order, you must let us know when placing your order and a rush fee may imply. Taking longer than 24 hours to approve your digital proofs may delay your order. Any circumstances out of Threadbird's control (ie: weather delays, shipping errors by the supplier, etc.) may also require more time and are not factored into the initial turn around time estimate.
Do you have a minimum?
We will do an order as small as 24 shirts per design but there will be some restrictions on size and number of colors. We recommend printing at least 50 for best pricing.
Can I mix and match shirt & ink colors?
Yes. Different shirt colors are ok as long as the ink colors are the same. You must order at least 12 of each shirt color. If we need to change ink colors additional fees will apply.
Can I mix shirt sizes & do I need to order in dozens?
You can order as many different shirt sizes as you want and you DON'T have to order in dozens, unless otherwise stated. Certain brands require ordering in half dozens.
I want to print on a shirt that isn't listed.
Of course! We print on hundreds of different brands but to make it easy we only list the most popular ones. As long as we can get the blanks we will print it for you. Just drop us an email and we will see what we can do!
I'm missing a few shirts, what happened?
All orders can have up to 5% under run. Some shirts could be damaged during printing. Because of this, we cannot guarantee that you will receive 100% of the garments in your order. We strongly recommend ordering a few extras to account for this possibility. We always strive to give you everything you ordered, however, if there is a shortage with your order, we will refund or credit you for the difference.
Do I need to pay for my shirts now?
Yes. Your payment must be received before your order is printed.
Can you do (insert crazy idea here)?
Maybe. Why don't you drop us an email and we'll see what we can do!
What is screen printing?:
Screen printing is a stencil method of printmaking in which a design is imposed on a screen of polyester or other fine mesh, with blank areas coated with an impermeable substance. Ink is forced into the mesh openings by the squeegee and onto the printing surface during the squeegee stroke. As the screen rebounds away from the substrate the ink remains on the substrate. It is also known as silkscreen, serigraphy, and serigraph printing. One color is printed at a time, so several screens can be used to produce a multi-colored image or design. Many different substrates can be printed on, whether it be t-shirts, posters, stickers, vinyl, wood, or other material. All of our prints are pulled by hand, one at a time.
What can you print ON?:
We can print t-shirts, posters, business cards, post cards, invitations, signs, stickers, fabric, sweatshirts, tote bags, wooden signs. Just about anything that is flat we can print, and if we can’t we can refer you to someone who can.
What is your turnaround time?:
Our turn around time is 7-10 business days from when we get a deposit and final approval on the artwork.
Can you design something for me?:
Yes, we can! Please refer to our design services page for more information.
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED FILE FORMAT?:
We would ultimately love to receive Illustrator files, but can also work with high resolution Photoshop files or PDFs as well. Please make the image area that you want printed black (regardless of what color it will be printed in).
You'll likely find an answer here, but you can also shoot us an email. We'll get back to you as soon as we can!
