DECORATION RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are general; individual expertise and machinery capabilities ultimately dictate what can and can’t be done.
Screenprint and Transfers
Garments with a polyester content need more care at the high temperatures associated with screenprinting and transfers. If overheated, dye from the polyester can ‘migrate’ into the ink. This can appear up to 5 days after the ink is cured.
Overheating can occur because temperatures are set too high, but also because of heat buildup – your gear will be hotter at the end of a run than the start. And as the garments absorb heat, they can be hotter than the temperature gauge your dryer indicates.
In short: Ensure garments are not overheated, and – particularly if printing on garments with polyester content - ensure you use the correct ink for the fabric.
Jackets
Most suited for embroidery or DTF. Cloke jackets with a separate lining also have concealed embroidery access zips to ensure the finished garment looks professional on the inside as well as the outside.
For DTF, use specialist softshell blockers.
Regular screenprinting and heat transfers are not recommended, as most Cloke jackets are made of water-resistant fabric that can react to processes involving heat.
Merino
Best suited for embroidery.
Fleece
Most suited for embroidery.
Hoodies & Sweatshirts
The majority of Cloke hoodies and sweatshirts are 80% cotton, 20% polyester. XT Performance Hoodies are 100% polyester.
Most suited for screenprinting, embroidery, DTF, and heat transfer.
Screenprinting: Print with low-bleed, high opacity inks designed for fabric with polyester content. Blocker base inks are recommended. Use no more heat than necessary to cure the ink; max 160 degrees C.
Heat transfer/DTF: Use transfers designed for fabric with a polyester content. Do not overheat.
Cotton T-shirts
Solid colours are good for pretty much any standard decoration technique. Marle colours have polyester or viscose added, so if printing, use ink suited to fabrics with polyester content. (The marle effect is created by how the dye adheres to the different fibres.)
Polyester T-shirts and Performancewear
Suited for screenprinting, embroidery, DTF, and heat transfer.
Screenprinting: Print with low-bleed, high opacity inks designed for fabric with polyester content. Blocker base inks are recommended. Use no more heat than necessary to cure the ink; max 160 degrees C.
Heat transfer/DTF: Use transfers designed for fabric with a polyester content. Do not overheat.