Educate Your Clients About Lycra Printing

We believe that knowledgeable relationships grow us closer to mutual success. After all, your customers are our customers, so it’s important to understand the processes needed to print and quote Lycra/nylon successfully. Following, is information you may want to pass on to your customers when quoting a job. Often times your technical knowledge and pricing options assure the client of your professionalism, attention to detail, and personal guarantee of quality.

Screen Printing

1. Can’t any screenprinter print my suits?
   Not all screenprinters know, or have, the necessary resources for Lycra/nylon printing. Though the image looks good now, over time, (and in chlorinated water) the design begins to crack or fade if improper inks, curing time and temperature were used. We have specialized in Lycra/nylon printing for over 10 years. Our ink specialists continually research, test and revise the “recipes” needed for the many different nylon/Lycra/Spandex fabrics being introduced to the swimwear market.
2. What exactly is flashing? Why do I need it?
   Flashing is when an item is printed, dried and printed again to insure the color stands up and holds true. Though optional, it is highly recommended on dark fabrics so the design doesn’t look muddy or dull.
3. What is a white-underbase?
   White underbase is the process of first printing your design in white ink, then dried, and then printing again in your designated color(s). It is recommended when bright, intense or neon ink is required on a dark garment. It lifts the color(s) so they remain true and visible. It may add charges, but gives a crisp, clean, long-lasting finish.
4. What is camera-ready art?
   Camera-ready art is black & white artwork on color-separated sheets of paper, usually with registration marks to line up the layers of art. It is crisp, clean art with smooth edges and as close to print size as possible. Colored, faxed or hand drawn art is not camera-ready and MUST be redrawn. This is time-consuming, meticulous and requires approvals which hold up your job. Most times, people aren’t informed of the work required to duplicate an already existing logo and are aghast at the art charges! If your client has a pre-existing logo, the client or another printer who has done work for them previously may have camera-ready art on file. A little searching can save lots of time and money.

Drop Shipments

You can have your garments shipped directly to Kinteco. Just let us know what’s coming, with a size breakdown so we can check and inspect your garments when they arrive. We want to make sure your order is correct and we will notify you if garments are missing or damaged – before we start the order. For PO Form, click here.

We will drop ship your finished order anywhere you request, via UPS or using the courier you specify. If you want your order blind shipped, or sent to multiple locations, we will do so at no additional cost as long as a UPS account number is supplied.

Bagging and Individual Folding

Often times, clients want their finished garments professionally folded and bagged for presentation purposes. We offer this service, as well as applying hang tags for a fee. We will tag, fold, bag and box according to your specifications.

Sample Runs

Screen printing designs that incorporate multiple colors are often “pre-approved” before a large order is printed. Some clients want to see the ink colors on the fabric before they finalize their decision, especially if it is a new design or color combination. Since print set up is tedious, we will print a sample run and mail it via overnight delivery to you for approval. This request is fee-based and conducted in a timely manner so we can make any necessary changes before breaking down the screens.

Embroidered items require a sew out, which is a swatch of fabric with the logo embroidered in your thread choice, in the size you request. This is offered free of charge. If you request a sample sewout embroidered directly on a garment, there is a fee.

Private Labeling

We will cut out existing labels, sew in new labels or screen printing labels on garments. There is no minimum quantity for this service. You must supply labels to be sewn in and if you don’t have a source for this, we can offer resources.

Please see our policies & procedures for further instructions.