Frequently Asked Questions

For best design detailing results, we recommend the following image specifications:

Minimum Requirements:

• Resolution: 300 DPI minimum at actual print size
• File Format: PNG, JPG and BMP (PNG preferred for transparent backgrounds)
• File Size: Under 50MB for optimal processing

Recommended Specifications:

• Resolution: 300-600 DPI for sharp, professional results
• Design Size: For designs that covers the across the chest, we recommend setting around between 10" - 12" wide on our design tool depending on how solid or how hallow / faint the edge of the image is.
• Image Quality: Avoid image that are too dark and lack contrast due to the gloss from the DTG print or DTF transfer can potentially outshine the details of the image

Design Tips:

• Please submit your design only once through our online tool and we'll handle the sizing; You don't need to submit the same design at different measurement for different t-shirt size - we'll rescale your design to maintain proper proportions across all t-shirt sizes. Typically, we use one design size for larger sizes (L/XL), another for smaller sizes (S/M) and another for youth size (YS/YXS), but we can also use a single fixed size for all shirts if you prefer (recommended for group photos to create uniform visual consistency).
• Use high-resolution images and verify they appear crisp when viewed at actual print size or larger on your screen
• Our design tool exports at 1200 DPI for optimal print quality and automatically adjusts to 800 DPI or 600 DPI if needed to stay within the export 50MB file size limit

DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing is a modern digital printing method that prints designs directly onto fabric using specialized inkjet technology.

Key Benefits:

• High Details: Produces vibrant colors and finest detail reproduction for non-monotone designs / images (slightly better than DTF and sublimation)
• Softer Feel: Ink integrates into fabric fibers, maintaining shirt's softness
• Complex Designs: Can handles gradients, detailed artwork and photos in full colour
• Quick Turnaround: Faster than traditional screen printing for small orders

How It Works:

1. Your design measured to scale with the t-shirt's size and is processed through specialized software
2. A pretreatment and heatpress process is required (only for pretreated t-shirts in white or t-shirts in non-white)
3. The t-shirt position onto the DTG printer and measured for allignment
4. DTG colour and DuPont opaque inks are printed directly onto the fabric
5. The shirt is heat-cured through a tunnel dryer to set the ink permanently

Best For:

• If ordering cotton t-shirts in white, we strongly recommend DTG (pretreated) for higher image quality and finer image texture than shirts transferred with DTF

Non-pretreated t-shirts in white:

• Standard white cotton t-shirts without any special coating
• More affordable option (priced around $1.50 to $4.50 lower)
• Best suited for simple designs / logo without any red or neon colour

Pretreated t-shirts in white:

• White t-shirts with a special pretreatment solution applied
• Enhanced print quality, vibrancy and better wash durability
• Better for complex designs with gradients and fine details

We'll recommend the best option based on your specific design during the quote process.

DTF (Direct-to-Film) transfers is a modern printing method where designs are printed onto a special film, then transferred to garments using heat and pressure.

Key Benefits:

• Fabric Versatility: Works on cotton, polyester, blends, and various fabric types
• Vibrant Colors: Produces bright, vivid colors on both light and dark garments
• Detailed Reproduction: Excellent for fine details, gradients, and complex artwork
• Durability: Creates a flexible, long-lasting print that moves with the fabric
• Cost-Effective: More economical for dark-colored garments compared to DTG

How It Works:

1. Your design is printed onto a special film using water-based inks
2. A powder adhesive is applied to the film while the ink is still wet
3. The film with the coated powder is cured in a tunnel dryer to set the design and adhesive
4. The transfer is positioned on the garment and heat pressed
5. After cooling, the film backing is peeled away, leaving the design on the fabric

Best For:

• Dark-colored garments where DTG tends to be less cost-effective
• Can be applied onto mix-blend fabrics or dark colour 100% polyester shirts

DTF transfers offer excellent versatility and quality, making them ideal when you need vibrant results on various fabric types without the fabric restrictions of traditional DTG printing.

Yes, we offer sublimation on white polyester shirts, which provides exceptional results for the right designs.

Sublimation on White Polyester:

• Vibrant Colors: Sublimation are known to produce bright, vivid colours
• Permanent Print: The design won't crack, peel, or fade as it's integrated into the polyester fibers
• Soft Feel: No texture or thickness added to the shirt - the print feels like part of the fabric (softer than DTG printed shirts and especially DTF transferred shirts)
• Durability: Excellent wash resistance with proper care
• Photo Quality: Ideal for photographic designs and complex for

Important Requirements:

• White Polyester Only: Sublimation works exclusively on white polyester garments only
• 100% Polyester: Best results require 100% polyester fabric content
• Very Light-Colour Polyester: Due to sublimation gas-dye are transparent, images consisting with only dark colours are still possible too, but transparent areas will show the shirt's colour underneath

Why Sublimation vs DTG on Polyester:

• Better Adhesion: DTG inks don't bond as effectively to synthetic polyester fibers
• Color Vibrancy: Sublimation dyes produce more saturated colors on polyester
• Longevity: Sublimated designs last the longest out of all 4 methods (DTG, DTF, HTV and sublimation)

HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) is a specialized vinyl material that's applied to garments using heat and pressure. It's an ideal detailing method for simple designs, text, and solid color graphics.

What Makes HTV Special:

• Solid Opaque Colors: HTV provides completely solid colors with no fabric bleed-through, making it perfect for bold, vibrant designs
• Cost-Effective for Small Orders: Ideal for small quantities and single pieces without setup costs
• Versatile Fabric Compatibility: Works well on cotton, polyester, and fabric blends
• Professional Appearance: Creates clean, sharp lines that are excellent for text, numbers, and simple graphics
• Quick Turnaround: Faster startup process making it suitable for rush orders

HTV vs Other Methods:

• Different from DTG: HTV creates a smooth layer on top of fabric, while DTG soaks into the fabric fibers
• Different from DTF: HTV directly applies solid vinyl material instead of cured ink and powder transferred from a film
• Different from Sublimation: HTV works on any fabric color, while sublimation requires white/light polyester

HTV is the perfect choice when you need bold, solid colors with crisp edges for simple designs, especially for small order quantities or when working with dark-colored shirts.

Despite how modern t-shirt printing methods offers a lot of versatility, there are still some limitation that needs to be considered:

Color Limitations:

• Metallic Colors: True metallic tones (gold, silver, copper) cannot be replicated with DTG, DTF, or sublimation printing methods
• Neon/Fluorescent Colors: Bright fluorescent colors may appear more muted or different than expected due to ink limitations
• Color Gamut: All digital printing methods use CMYK-based inks, which cannot reproduce every color visible on RGB monitors
• Spot Colors: Exact PANTONE color matching may not be possible with digital printing methods

Comparison of color ranges that different systems can display

Design Considerations by Method:

• DTG: Excellent for detailed photos and complex designs, but colors may appear less vibrant on dark shirts
• DTF: Great for most designs with good color reproduction on both light and dark garments
• Sublimation: Outstanding color vibrancy, but limited to white/light polyester fabrics only
• HTV: Perfect for solid colors and simple designs, but limited to the available vinyl color range

What Works Best:

• Photographs: DTG and DTF provide excellent photo reproduction
• Logo Designs: All methods work well, choose based on fabric and quantity needs
• Text and Numbers: HTV provides the sharpest, most opaque results
• Artistic Designs: DTG and sublimation excel with gradients and color blending

Yes! Here's a comprehensive comparison of all four printing methods to help you choose the best option for your project:

Quick Decision Guide:

• Choose DTG if: You want the finest detail reproduction for complex designs or photos on cotton shirts
• Choose DTF if: You need versatile printing on various fabric types and colors with good durability and high details
• Choose Sublimation if: You want maximum durability and softness on white polyester garments
• Choose HTV if: You need simple designs with bright opaque colors, especially for text/numbers in small quantities

Despite all specific advantages and comparison of each method, nothing is absolute. If some consideration is needed, please let us know your requirement for the order and we'll recommend the best method for your needs!

• Gildan Ultra Cotton: GMS 200, used by default for all adult and youth shirts
• Gildan Softstyle: GMS approximately 150 (only available in adult size S to 2XL in white, black, navy, red and military green if inquired)
• Gildan Heavy Cotton: GMS approximately 175, used by default for all toddler t-shirts

• Classic colours: White, Black, Navy, Sports Gray
• Common colours: Red, Royal Blue, Irish Green, Daisy Yellow, Purple, Light Pink
• Specific colours: Carolina Blue, Azalea, Military Green, Sapphire Blue, Gold
• Additional colours can be special ordered from the supplier, please note there'll be a delivery cost depending on what the supplier charges, shipping is free starting at medium size orders

Available T-Shirt Colors:

White

Black

Navy

Sports Gray

Red

Royal Blue

Irish Green

Daisy Yellow

Purple

Light Pink

Carolina Blue

Azalea

Military Green

Sapphire Blue

Gold

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Available Sizes:

We offer standard North American sizes:

• Adult: S, M, L, XL, 2XL
• Youth: XS, S, M, L, XL
• Toddler: 2T, 3T
• Additional sizes can be special ordered from the supplier, please note there'll be a delivery cost depending on what the supplier charges, shipping is free starting at medium size orders

Size Chart:

We carry hoodies in stock with the following specifications:

• Hoodie: Gildan Premium Cotton (80% ringspun cotton / 20% polyester)
• Colors: White, Black, Navy
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL (in adult size)

Hoodie Size Chart:

Yes, we offer printing and detailing on other garments aside from t-shirts but we'll need to have it ordered from our supplier. To inquire for other apparel, please let us know what you're looking for along with the preferred colour and quantity of size to make sure our supplier has it in stock, thanks.

• Long sleeve shirts - Cotton blends (DTG or DTF), mix blends (DTF only) or 100% poly (DTF or sublimation *only on white*)
• Hoodies and sweatshirts - 90% - 100% Cotton (DTG or DTF) or cotton/polyester blends (can only DTG print on white or light colour and any colour with DTF)
• Tank tops - Cotton fabric (DTG or DTF) or polyester materials (DTF or sublimation *only on white*)

Additional Details:

• Ordering from the supplier will require an additional delivery time (usually 1 to 3 business days) and has a supplier delivery charge ($8 before tax, S/H is waived for medium and larger orders)
• Pricing varies based on the apparel ordered and variation

Please email us (info@cloud9tshirt.com) with your specific garment requests, preferred colour and quantity of size for availability and pricing details.

Rush orders that need to be completed and delivered in around the next 24 hours or less might require an additional fee.

Completed orders are delivered within the same day.

Yes, the free delivery range outside of the Markham area has expanded a bit for large and bulk orders (now includes Richmond Hill and north-half Scarborough/ North York). For smaller orders there is a delivery fee depending on the one-way travel distance between the outskirts of Markham and the delivery address (about $0.40 to $0.60 per KM).

To maintain the quality and longevity of your design, please follow these care instructions:

• Turn inside out before washing or drying in the laundry machines to protect the design / image on the t-shirt or apparel
• Wash in cold water - no more than 30°C or best with lower temperatures
• Use mild / regular detergent - avoid bleach or fabric softeners
• Gentle or regular cycle - avoid heavy agitation
• Air dry when possible - if tumble dried, low heat is recommended and the shirt must be turned inside out
• Iron inside out if needed, avoiding direct contact with the print

Following these instructions will help maintain print quality and extend the life of your custom detailed shirt.

We can offer some very simple changes to your design free of charge, but for more complex tasks we won't be able help much due to the lack of expertise and dedicated software, listed below are what we can and can't do:

As much as we'd like to fulfill your order, we cannot recommend printing on customer's shirts.

In case of printing or detailing failure during the process, we cannot compensate the purchase value of your shirts. Print failures can occur due to various factors including fabric compatibility, ink adhesion issues, technical malfunctions during the printing process, etc.

Different shirt brands can react differently with DTG, DTF, sublimation and HTV. We have tested our shirts extensively and are familiar with how they will turn out with each detailing method. This allows us to guarantee quality results and take full responsibility for your final product.

Important: Please ensure you have the rights to use any images, logos, or artwork you upload.

• E-Transfer / EMT
• Cash
• PayPal (2% transaction fee)

Please note due to our store policies we'll require the payment as an order confirmation and to prepare and start the print job.

Please understand due to the t-shirts are personalized goods, we won't be able to offer a customer satisfaction guarantee policy unless it involves one of the following factors listed below:

For any concerns about your order, please contact us at info@cloud9tshirt.com and we'll work to resolve the issue.

• Email: info@cloud9tshirt.com
• Phone: 647 822 3717
• Address: 951 Denison St Unit 9, Markham, ON L3R 3W9
• Hours: Mon - Fri, 10AM to 4PM

Due to and since the COVID pandemic, our opening time have been changed to flexi-hours and take all order remotely through email or our t-shirt design tool. Please note we don't have walk-in service anymore and have change into a e-commerce apparel detailing shop.