Screen printing is one of the most popular and durable methods for decorating T-shirts—but even the best designs can fail without proper preparation.
Whether you’re a beginner or launching a custom merch line, avoiding these common screen printing mistakes can save you time, money, and frustration.
Here are 7 mistakes we often see—and how to avoid them like a pro.
1. Using Low-Resolution or Pixelated Artwork
Mistake: Sending in artwork that’s blurry, pixelated, or pulled from a screenshot.
Why it’s a problem:
Low-resolution files don’t translate well to sharp, clean prints. You’ll end up with fuzzy edges or poor detail.
How to avoid it:
- Use vector files (
.AI,.EPS,.SVG) when possible - Raster images should be at least 300 DPI at full print size
- Avoid
.JPGscreenshots or compressed images from social media
💡 At Guoya, we offer free design file checks to ensure your artwork is print-ready.
2. Using Too Many Colors in the Design
Mistake: Submitting complex designs with 6+ colors without knowing the cost implications.
Why it’s a problem:
Each color requires a separate screen, which increases setup costs and production time.
How to avoid it:
- Stick to 1–4 colors for budget-friendly printing
- Use solid fills and bold lines for best results
- Ask your printer about spot color vs. CMYK printing
🎨 We help you optimize your designs for both quality and cost at Guoya.
3. Ignoring Fabric Type When Choosing Ink
Mistake: Using the wrong ink for the fabric (e.g., water-based ink on polyester).
Why it’s a problem:
The ink may not bond properly, leading to fading, bleeding, or cracking.
How to avoid it:
- Use Plastisol for bold colors and versatility
- Use Water-Based for soft, eco-friendly prints on light-colored cotton
- Avoid water-based ink on blends or dark polyester unless properly underbased
👕 Guoya helps match the right ink with your T-shirt fabric (100% cotton, 180–300gsm).
4. Poor Placement or Inconsistent Sizing
Mistake: Not specifying where and how big the design should be.
Why it’s a problem:
Unclear placement leads to inconsistent prints across garments, especially in bulk.
How to avoid it:
- Provide a clear mockup with placement and dimensions (inches or cm)
- Include notes for left chest, full front, back, sleeve, etc.
- Use consistent sizing across all shirt sizes—or adjust proportionally
📏 At Guoya, we create mockups for every order before printing begins.
5. Not Accounting for Underbase on Dark Shirts
Mistake: Expecting bright colors on dark shirts without a white underbase.
Why it’s a problem:
Inks soak into dark fabrics and lose vibrancy unless printed on top of a white base layer.
How to avoid it:
- Always request underbase printing for white/light colors on dark tees
- Test first with a free sample or proof
- Understand that extra steps may slightly increase cost—but improve quality
🔍 We always recommend and apply underbase when needed at Guoya.
6. Skipping Pre-Production Samples or Proofing
Mistake: Printing 500 shirts without ever seeing a sample or mockup.
Why it’s a problem:
Even small file or color errors can be costly at scale.
How to avoid it:
- Request digital mockups before production
- Ask for physical samples or low-volume test prints
- Work with a supplier who offers 3-day proofing (like Guoya!)
🧪 We offer both digital previews and physical samples—free of charge.
7. Choosing the Wrong Shirt Quality
Mistake: Going for the cheapest shirt with thin fabric or poor stitching.
Why it’s a problem:
Low-quality shirts shrink, distort, or wear out—damaging your brand’s image.
How to avoid it:
- Choose 100% cotton, 180–300gsm, depending on your target market
- Test a few shirt weights to feel the difference
- Don’t compromise durability for price—especially for retail or business use
🧵 Guoya offers premium cotton shirts in 26 colors, S–6XL, with sample options.
Summary
Most screen printing mistakes are completely avoidable—with the right knowledge and the right supplier.
To recap:
- ✅ Use high-resolution artwork
- ✅ Limit color count when possible
- ✅ Match ink to