Varnamo Promos — Custom Promo Products | varnamopromos.com
File formats, resolution, colour modes and placement specs — with pass and fail examples for each, so the mark survives use and washing rather than softening, washing out or failing separation.
File format decides whether the mark scales. Vector artwork (AI, EPS, SVG or print PDF) reproduces cleanly at any size: the same file can go on a 6 mm pen barrel and on a 400 mm banner without resampling. Pass example: an AI file with live outlines. Fail example: a PNG exported at 72 dpi, which cannot be enlarged without pixel edges appearing.
Resolution applies only to raster files, and the threshold is about 300 dpi at final print size — not at thumbnail size. Pass example: a 300 dpi TIFF at 100 mm print width. Fail example: the same image at 72 dpi, which will look acceptable on screen and soft once printed at full scale.
On narrow screens, swipe or scroll the plate sideways.
Colour mode has to match the method. Screen printing separates into spot colours, so artwork prepared in RGB or CMYK with gradients will not separate cleanly; DTG accepts process or RGB artwork and reproduces full-colour images. Pass example: a two-spot-colour AI file for a screen job. Fail example: a CMYK photograph with a soft gradient sent for a one-colour screen job.
Placement specs belong in the file: print width in millimetres, distance from collar or seam, and centring reference. Stated in the file, they are checked at the artwork stage; stated in an email, they are checked at the proof stage and can hold the job.
For laser engraving, hairlines below the engraver's minimum stroke will not register — the laser removes material at a fixed kerf, and a 0.1 mm hairline may simply not appear. Pass example: outlines at or above the stated minimum stroke. Fail example: a logo with 0.1 mm decorative rules that vanish on the finished piece.
Further reading