Avoiding Heat Press Marks on Polyester

February 2, 2021

Reading this article’s title, you might already be thinking to yourself “But I’ve been printing on polyester for years.” Think again. When it comes to heat printing polyester, there are unique challenges you might not be aware of. Polyester fabrics have changed dramatically year after year. From chemical additives for controlling odor and managing moisture, … Continued

A Little Inventory Process Can Save You from a Big Headache

January 21, 2021

Second only to questions about a shop’s ability to run a job is a customer’s need for effective communication about whether their project is on schedule for completion. The ability to meet that need typically starts the moment the product arrives at the shop door. However, within the industry, checking in product is not a … Continued

The Five Piece Puzzle of Ghosting

January 8, 2021

If you have been screen printing for more than a few years, then you have likely encountered your share of challenges: dye migration, scorching, under curing, etc. Most of those challenges seem to have a straightforward cause and effect but there is something extra frustrating about the five-piece puzzle that is ghosting. Let’s define what … Continued

Managing the Seams When Sublimating Gaiters

December 16, 2020

Neck gaiters are growing in popularity and are usually made from 100% polyester, which makes them ideal for sublimation. We’ve fielded many questions about how to sublimate gaiters all over without gaps or white seams showing. Some gaiters are completely tubular (no sewn seam) and some have a seam down the back or side. The … Continued

Six Hidden Gems at SanMar.com

November 10, 2020

The landscape of the business world is changing and the virtual business world is now mainstream. Everything from digital catalogs, online meetings and even virtual samples are reigning supreme. If you are like me, you’ve spent your years developing your business and all too often ignoring or skimming the virtual tools offered by others to … Continued

An ERP Workflow during a DTG Evolution

October 27, 2020

Over the past decade, the apparel and decorating industries have evolved many time- and labor-intensive decorating processes to using new technologies to deliver products quickly. Direct to garment (DTG) printing has emerged to print large orders, while also handling small jobs efficiently. But faster turnaround times driven by market demand and e-commerce platforms have created … Continued

Decorating Cotopaxi: A Colorful Surprise with Every Order

October 13, 2020

A colorful surprise you say? Yes! The surprise is brought to you by Cotopaxi – they are new to the promotional products industry but their story and mission are exactly what customers have been asking for. Each Cotopaxi bag is made from 100% repurposed fabric, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that are socially and environmentally responsible. Cotopaxi … Continued

Did Video Kill the Screen Printer and Embroiderer?

September 30, 2020

Music videos, despite what you may have heard, did not kill the radio star. There was an obvious disruption, but the method for consuming music expanded to include internet-based streaming services…the music industry didn’t end. Instead, it grew. Similarly, today we are seeing a shift in marketing methods and consumer engagement within the decoration industry. … Continued

Capitalizing on Scarcity Marketing

September 15, 2020

Women’s bicycles, kayaks, napkins and coins…what do all these things all have in common? COVID-fueled scarcity. There are so many items that have experienced significant growth during this pandemic. The concept of scarcity marketing is nothing new but in these times this already up-trending tactic can be deployed with dramatic results. Are you utilizing these … Continued

Find Success with Apparel Fundraising

August 12, 2020

These are some surreal times we are living through. And while so many pieces of our businesses and lives have taken incredibly difficult turns, this year has also brought out the best in many people and organizations who have crafted new and innovative ways to help one another. One such website that stood out to … Continued