3 Tips to Improve Color on a Direct to Film Printer
When using a direct to film (DTF) printer, take some time to familiarize yourself with your equipment and then get to know your limitations on artwork. One of the first things to consider is color. Here are three tips to help improve color in your DTF prints:
- Understand the Technology and Your DTF Printer
- Not all colors are treated equally. Make a test swatch print to prepare yourself and your customers for color outcomes.
- Gray is a color that can come off as too warm or too cool. No other colors (CMY) should exist in a true neutral grey. It should just be a variation of black (K).
- Examine the Artwork Before you Print
- Open in Photoshop (or similar program) and add a background to simulate what color it will be printed on.
- Review print size and make sure it is the size it will be printed
- Resolution should be set at 300 dpi
- Review colors, especially black and make sure it is set to 100% K to ensure of full vibrancy
- Check saturation levels and increase where necessary
- RGB vs CMYK
- RGB is what is usually displayed on screen
- CMYK is for printing and how your files should be set
- If your files were originally set for RGB, colors will be slightly different when changing to CMYK
- Some RIP software will convert artwork automatically
Use these tips to help improve your next prints with these tips with the direct to film printing process. For more insights, watch the vide below.
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