How to choose the right guide for your order
Not every job starts the same way. A school fun run shirt, a shop banner, and a set of club caps each need different checks before production begins. Start with the guide that matches your item, then work through the basics: what you are printing on, how many you need, and when you need them by.
If you are ordering from Umbilo, Durban or anywhere in KZN, these guides are written to keep things practical. They explain the details we need before we make screens, separate colours, or set up digital print files. The listing cards are added separately, so this hub is here to help you choose the right path before you send in your enquiry.
Artwork that prints cleanly
Good artwork saves time and keeps the final print sharp. If your logo is blurry, low resolution, or copied from a WhatsApp image, we may need to redraw it into vector format before we can print. That helps with sizing, colour separation and clean edges on shirts, caps, banners and signage.
- Send the original file where possible, not a screenshot
- Keep text spelled correctly, as changes after approval can delay the job
- Tell us if colours must match an existing item or school uniform
- For small lettering, ask for a print check before production
For multi-colour work, clear artwork matters even more. It helps us prepare the films, expose screens and check registration before the run starts.
Measurements, sizes and quantities
Getting the measurements right avoids waste and rework. T-shirt chest print, back print, sleeve print and banner size all need to be measured in advance. If you are unsure, measure an existing garment or sign panel and note the width and height in centimetres or millimetres.
Quantity also changes the best production method. Small runs can be handled differently from larger batches, and that affects turnaround as well as pricing. For schools, clubs and businesses in Durban, Pinetown, Westville and Pietermaritzburg, it helps to split the order into clear sizes and counts before sending it through.
- Count each size separately, for example small, medium and large
- State if the print must sit centre chest, left chest or across the back
- Include garment type, such as cotton T-shirts, caps or workwear
- For banners, note if the job is for indoor use or outdoor use
Fabric choice and print method
Different fabrics take ink and heat differently. Cotton T-shirts, polycotton workwear, performance shirts and caps all need a slightly different approach. In Durban's humidity, garment handling and drying times can also change, so it helps when the fabric type is confirmed from the start. That way we can choose the right print process and avoid surprises.
Screen printing suits repeat jobs, solid spot colours and longer runs. Digital printing is useful for detailed artwork, smaller quantities and jobs with many colours. If you are not sure which method fits your order, use the guide for the item and send us the facts: fabric, quantity, colours and the finish you want.
Banners and signage made for local conditions
Outdoor work in KZN needs practical planning. Wind, rain and strong sun can shorten the life of signs if the material and fixing method are not suitable. For shopfront signage, event banners and direction boards, check where the item will hang, how long it will stay up, and whether it must meet municipal rules or property owner requirements.
Tell us if the sign will be used inside, outside, or near the coast where moisture is higher. A banner for Amanzimtoti or Ballito may need different care than a board inside a hall. If you need eyelets, hems, pole pockets or rigid mounting, include that in your enquiry so the job is set up correctly first time.
Care instructions after printing
The best print lasts longer when it is looked after properly. Wash printed garments inside out in cool water, avoid harsh bleach and do not iron directly over the print. Let the item dry fully before folding or packing it away, especially in damp weather. That small habit helps the print keep its colour and shape.
For banners and signage, clean with a soft cloth and mild soap if needed. Do not scrub the printed area hard, and store items flat or rolled if they are being reused for events or promotions. If your order will be stored for later, ask about our screen storage and production notes so the next run matches the first one.