Frequently Asked Questions

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

Recommendations and File Requirements:

• Resolution: 300 or higher DPI recommended at actual print size (the design tool exports at up to 600 DPI for optimal print quality, if the export file exceeds over 50MB, the design tool will progressively reduce the export resolution to 450 DPI, then 375 DPI, then 300 DPI with optimized quality settings until the file is under 50MB, if the design is still too large at 300 DPI, you'll be asked to simplify your design)
• File Format: PNG, JPG and BMP (PNG with transparent background recommended)

Design Tips:

• For large size designs/images to be printed across the chest and stomach area of the shirt, we recommend setting the width of the design/image around between 9.5" - 12.5" on the design tool depending on how solid (slightly smaller) or how hallow / faint (slighty bigger) the edge of the image is.
• 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

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 colours 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 turn around for small orders using white or light colour cotton shirts

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

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 per single-sided printed shirt)
• 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 most suitable 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 colours 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

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

Unfortunately we do not currently offer embroidery services but only specialize in printing methods including DTG (Direct-to-Garment), DTF (Direct-to-Film), sublimation, and HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl).

HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) is a specific type of vinyl material that is precision cut and applied to garments using heat and pressure. It's an ideal detailing method for simple designs, text, etc in one colour.

What Makes HTV Special:

• Solid Opaque Colors: HTV provides completely solid colours with no fabric bleed-through, making it suitable for shirts with dark or vivid colours
• 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 single colour logos

Modern t-shirt printing methods offers a lot of versatility, but 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 colours 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

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 colours 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 in only one opaque colour, 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 Colours:

White

Black

Navy

Sports Gray

Red

Royal Blue

Irish Green

Daisy Yellow

Purple

Light Pink

Carolina Blue

Azalea

Military Green

Sapphire Blue

Gold

Toddler Pastel Blue

Toddler Pastel Green

Toddler Pastel Pink

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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, 4T, 5T
• 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

Adult and Youth Size Chart:

Toddler Size Chart:

We carry hoodies in stock with the following specifications:

• Hoodie: Heavy Blend (50% cotton / 50% polyester)
• Colors: White, Black, Navy, Sports Grey
• Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL (in adult size)

• 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 print / detail on other garments asides from t-shirts, though these need to be ordered from our supplier. When inquiring for other apparel, please let us know the garment type you want, preferred colour, and quantity of each size and we'll be sure to check to the available options our supplier have in stock.

• Long sleeve shirts - Cotton blends (DTG or DTF), mix blends (DTF or HTV) or 100% poly (DTF or sublimation *only on white*)
• Polos - Cotton/polyester 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 or 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
• Credit Card (2.9% processing fee applies)

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.