Question 1

What is screen printing?

Accepted Answer

Screen printing is a stencil-based system of image-making. With the stenciling process, pigment (or ink in our case) is applied through the open areas of a design using a squeegee to create a crisp and clear image. 
 
We use a light-sensitive emulsion to create a stencil ready for printing which is then developed in a similar way to a photograph. Once the design has been exposed, it gets rinsed, dried, and is then ready for the printing process.

Question 2

What are your turnaround times?

Accepted Answer

Our standard turnaround times are 10-14 working days from receipt of payment and artwork proof approval. Our print times can vary based on design complexity and order quantity so please get in touch if you would like to chat about your printing needs.

We offer a rush order service in order to get your printed garments to you quicker. Get in touch for a quote.

Please note that we do endeavour to get your prints to you as soon as possible and most jobs are completed much quicker than our standard turnaround times but this can't be guaranteed. If you have any questions about our turnaround times, please get in touch.

Turnaround times are subject to change at our busiest times of the year so please let us know if you have a hard deadline.

Question 3

Do you require payment upfront?

Accepted Answer

Yes. No work will start until we have received payment in full upfront for your order and you have approved your design proof.

Question 4

What happens when I place an order?

Accepted Answer

After we have received your payment, you will receive a design proof with your design placed on a t-shirt template. This design proof will show the size and location of your print and any other necessary information. (Please note that these proofs are for representation purposes only). Work will only start once you have approved your print proof.

Question 5

How do I provide artwork?

Accepted Answer

Ideally in a vector file format. Vector files can be resized an infinite amount of times without losing any quality to the design which will help us to produce the best quality print for you. Either PDF or Ai files are preferred but get in touch if you need help with this.

Jpg files are also accepted. Just make sure they are of the highest quality available when exporting the design.

We do not accept PNG files.

Question 6

Do you offer samples?

Accepted Answer

Due to set-up times and the work that goes into creating your screens, samples of your own design aren’t a viable option. We have a low minimum order quantity and are very confident in providing you with the best quality prints.
 
If you would like to see the quality of our prints, you are more than welcome to pop by the shop or you can check out our very own clothing brand, Downcast Apparel at www.downcastapparel.com or @downcastapparel on Instagram.

We are able to offer samples as DTF transfers.

Question 7

What is your minimum order?

Accepted Answer

We offer a low minimum order quantity of just 10 garments for single colour prints.

For designs with 2-4 colours our minimum order is 20+ garments.

For 5-6 colours, our minimum order is 50+ garments.

Question 8

Can I supply my own garments?

Accepted Answer

If you are supplying your own garments, we (Downcast Apparel Ltd trading as ‘Inky Cow Screen Print Co’) cannot be held responsible for any damages that fall within our tolerances.
 
Where misprints are made, we will refund the cost of the printing but cannot be held liable for the replacement cost of the blanks/garments.

Please see below for our tolerances:

20 - 49 = up to 10%
50 - 199 = up to 6%
200 - 499 = up to 4%
500 - 999 = up to 3%

By supplying your own garments, you understand that due to the nature of the business, any spoils are unlikely but possible.

If you require exact quantities, we strongly suggest providing extra blanks.

Please note the above tolerances are per design printed, not per total order quantity.

A handling fee will be added to all customer supplied garments.
Tees / longsleeves @ £0.45p each
Sweats and Hoodies @ £0.75p each

Question 9

Tolerances (print placements)

Accepted Answer

We do everything we can to make sure your prints are in the perfect spot on a garment every time - however, due to the nature of printing on flexible materials/fabrics and your garments being loaded onto our press by hand we do have tolerances we work within.

Our standard tolerance is 15mm in any direction.

Question 10

Colour matching (Artwork)

Accepted Answer

Screen printing has a huge number of variables and we can't 100% guarantee exact Pantone matches, but it will be as close as possible. We use Pantone numbers as a reference to work from & match as closely as possible. Waterbased Pantones can be less accurate than other printing methods such as plastisol but we will endeavour to get the closest possible match to either your artwork or pantone(s) you have selected (if you have have requested specific pantone colours).

Question 11

Returns?

Accepted Answer

We will go to any lengths to ensure that you are happy with your finished garments however, as screen printed items are bespoke items we can't accept returns. In the unlikely event that a mistake happens on our end (wrong colour garments etc), we will make sure to amend this. All of our printed garments are subject to a print proof (for your approval) before anything goes to production and rigorous quality control before being shipped out to you.

Question 12

What makes Inky Cow eco conscious?

Accepted Answer

We use manufacturers with a reputation for sustainability for all of our wholesale garments as we feel that they best reflect our beliefs in leaving as little trace as possible. All garments are made from the highest quality materials which we have hand selected through trial and error to give you the best possible garment for your project. 
 
We use water-based and non-toxic inks, phthalate and heavy metal free plastisol inks  and biodegradable cleaning materials to create your items.

All of our paper materials and boxes are fully recyclable and we recycle as much in-house as possible to ensure we are creating minimal waste.

Question 13

Do you offer a design service?

Accepted Answer

We do, although we cannot offer a rush service for this. Please get in touch to talk about your design ideas or project.

Before screen printing, Darcy was a graphic designer and illustrator and you can check out some of his work over on the Inky Cow, Downcast Apparel or Rewind Clo instagram accounts.

Whether you're looking for band or brand merchandise, an updated logo for your business or you're a startup - Get in touch and we'll see what we can do to help.

Question 14

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

Our studio is in Burgess Hill, West Sussex but we offer our services all over the UK.

Question 15

What about delivery?

Accepted Answer

We use DPD or DHL Next Day delivery for all of our orders. 
Alternatively, we offer delivery locally for a small fee or you are welcome to pick up from our studio if you book in a time.

FAQs & terms