Here are some commonly asked questions about the screen printing process with some tips that will help improve your experience with Elements Imprints. If your question isn't answered in this section please let us know:

How do I place an order?

Placing an order is easy, once you have all the information simply contact us via email or phone. Please see our 'Artwork Guideline' to ensure you have print ready artwork so we can start the process. Don't forget to read through our 'Terms + Conditions' as well.

What is the minimum amount of pieces I can print?

Our minimums for screen printing are 12 units with the same logo. Orders below our 12 pcs minimum will be pro-rated to 12 plus a $25 surcharge.

does my order include shipping?

All orders do not include any shipping, postage or shipping time. We can assist you in blind shipping your finished order on your courier account. Unfortunately we will not be able to arrange for Canada Post pick ups or drop offs. Full shipping details + instructions must be provided at the time of ordering.

How long will my order take?

Our production time is 7-10 working days after approval + receipt of goods. All goods must be in house 3 business days prior to set production date to avoid delays. Complicated orders with multiple locations/colors will require additional time. Please remember our production timelines do not include shipping + shipping time.

What if I require my order to be completed before 7-10 working days?

Rush charges are conditional on available production capacity. In most cases if we are able to avoid charging you any rushes, we certainly will. At times we may not be able to do so due to our production capacity therefore these charges will apply.

Same day delivery: 200% surcharge

1-2 Day delivery: 100% surcharge

3-4 day delivery: 75% surcharge

5-6 day delivery: 50% surcharge

what is your spoilage policy?

From time to time unavoidable errors occur during production. Industry standards allow for a 1% misprint/order. If exact quantities + sizes are required for your order, we do advise to order extra items in each size. Otherwise set up charges will apply for re-prints. Our spoilage rate is rather insignificant; we allow for 1% damage with a max liability of $15.00 per item. We will credit accounts for all verified Elements Imprint for our 'At Fault' spoilage over 1% per order.

what about manufacture spoilage?

Manufacturers defects on customer supplied goods should be addressed with the manufacturer, garment supplier + or merchandise vendor. We make every effort to check your garments received against your Purchase Order for quantity + sizes prior to production. We do our best to protect you against the errors of your garment vendors. On occasion, we can mis-check garments, however, by checking the garments Elements Imprint is in no way taking on the responsibility for other vendor’s errors. If manufacturer defects are noticed prior to production it will not be printed. It is also entirely possible that garments loaded onto the print machines with manufacturer defects may not be noticed at all due to the method of decorating.

Will a ‘proof’ or a ‘mock-up’ be supplied?

We will provide you with a proof containing all required information for approval prior to production. This proof will contain pertinent information such as garment type/colour, size breakdown, pantones used, graphic dimensions and any other important details pertaining to your order.

Once your approval has been received we will proceed. Should any revision be required please ensure you advise us immediately so we can make the changes for final approval. This will help minimize any potential errors.

What is a white base or ‘underlay’?

A white base, also known as an underlay or mask is a layer of white or lighter color ink printed as a base on dark fabrics for other pantones to sit on. A base is required for designs with light inks on dark fabrics, not only does this allow the top colors to stand out but also have a greater brilliancy in the finished design. The under base is a high opacity ink so must be flash cured before another color is laid over top + is charged as an extra color.

What is a ‘flash or flash curing’?

Flash curing is the process of "gelling" a layer of ink with a spot heating unit while still on the press. To "gel" the ink layer the temperature is raised to the point where the ink is about to dry but is not quite cured. The ink will be dry to the touch and will form a solid surface to print additional colors on. When the garment is run through the drier the flashed layer will cure completely and bond to the ink layers on top to form a solid film. Flashing is also charged.

What are ‘separations’?

Each pantone needs to be separated from the other colours onto its own individual screen. Separations are the layers corresponding to the pantones that need to be output as films. Charges will apply if artwork separate is required for the artwork.