Printing Guides & How-Tos
Expert guides from our Putney Heath print shop. T-shirt methods, business printing, garment care, cost comparisons and practical how-tos.
Bookbinding Types Explained: Spiral, Wiro, Comb, Perfect Bind, Saddle Stitch and Case Bind
A practical guide to six bookbinding methods, including page count limits, best use cases for reports, theses and manuals, and a cost comparison.
Brochure Printing: Fold Types Explained
Half-fold, tri-fold, Z-fold, gate-fold and roll-fold explained. Includes paper weights, cover vs inner pages, cost comparison and artwork setup for each fold.
Business Stationery Printing: A Complete Guide for SMEs and Sole Traders
Everything you need to know about business stationery printing, from letterheads and compliment slips to paper weights and branded consistency.
Custom Calendar Printing: Types, Binding and Business Uses
A practical guide to custom calendar printing, covering wall, desk and pocket formats, wire-o vs saddle stitch binding, and the best time to place your order.
Hang Tags and Swing Tags: What They Are and Why Clothing Brands Use Them
Hang tags and swing tags carry brand identity, size info, care instructions and pricing. Learn about materials, finishes, single vs double-sided printing and string options.
How to Care for Embroidered Garments
Wash temperatures, ironing rules and longevity tips to keep embroidered clothing looking sharp for years.
How to Wash DTF Printed Clothing and Make Prints Last
DTF printed garments last 50+ washes with the right care. Learn the correct wash temperature, drying method and ironing rules to protect your print.
Menu Printing for Restaurants and Cafes: Materials, Formats and Reprint Schedules
A practical guide to menu printing: material options, A4 vs A5 vs folded formats, wipe-clean vs replaceable inserts, and how often to reprint.
Mug Printing: Sublimation vs Other Methods Explained
Sublimation printing produces vivid, dishwasher-safe mug designs, but only on poly-coated mugs. This guide compares printing methods, costs and best uses.
Poster Printing: Sizes, Paper Weights and Finishes Explained
A practical guide to poster sizes from A4 to A0, paper weights (135gsm to 250gsm), and silk, gloss or matte finishes for indoor and outdoor use.
What to Print for a Pop-Up Shop or Market Stall: The Full Checklist
A practical checklist of every printed item you need for a pop-up shop or market stall, with lead times and a guide on what to prioritise first.
PVC Banner Printing: Materials, Sizes, Finishing and Artwork Guide
Everything you need to know about PVC banner printing: material weights, sizes, hemmed edges, eyelets, single vs double-sided, and artwork specs.
Roller Banner Printing Guide: Sizes, Materials and Artwork Setup
Everything you need to know about roller banners: standard sizes, polyester vs vinyl, when to choose a pull-up stand over PVC or feather flags, and how to set up your artwork.
Sticker Printing Materials Explained: Vinyl, Kraft, Holographic and More
A practical guide to sticker materials, adhesive types and cut styles. Covers white vinyl, clear vinyl, kraft paper, holographic film and weatherproof options.
What Is Screen Printing and How Does It Work?
Screen printing uses a stencil and mesh to push ink onto fabric. Learn how it works, its pros and cons, and when to choose it over DTG, DTF or vinyl.
Can You Supply Your Own Garments for Printing or Embroidery?
Yes, most print shops accept customer-supplied garments. This guide explains when it makes sense, what to watch out for, and how to bring in your own garments without causing problems in production.
Custom Polo Shirt Printing in London: Embroidery, DTG and Vinyl
Branded polo shirts are the most common corporate clothing request we receive. This guide covers the three main decoration methods, which one suits your use case, and how to order from our Putney shop.
Custom Tote Bag Printing: Which Method Lasts Longest?
Tote bags are reused more than T-shirts, which means the print needs to last longer. This guide compares DTG, DTF, screen print and vinyl on tote bags and tells you which holds up best in daily use.
Why DTG Prints Look Different on Dark and Light T-Shirts
DTG printing on dark garments requires a white ink underbase that changes how the final print looks and feels. This guide explains the technical difference and what to expect from each.
Embroidery vs Print on Polo Shirts: Which Looks More Professional?
Embroidery looks more premium but costs more for complex logos. Print handles full colour and gradients that embroidery cannot. This guide helps you decide which is right for your polo shirts.
Hoodies vs T-Shirts for Branded Clothing: Which Works Better?
Hoodies cost more but are worn more often and in more situations. T-shirts are cheaper per piece and easier to print. This guide compares both for brand exposure, print quality and cost.
How Long Does Embroidery Last? Wash Life and Care Guide
Embroidery outlasts most print methods and can survive the life of the garment when washed correctly. This guide covers what causes embroidery to fade or unravel, and how to wash embroidered garments.
How Long Does Vinyl T-Shirt Printing Last? Wash Tests and Care Tips
Vinyl printing lasts 50 to 100 washes when applied correctly and cared for properly. This guide covers what causes vinyl to crack or peel, how different vinyl types compare, and how to wash printed garments.
How to Brief a T-Shirt Printer: What Information They Actually Need
A complete brief gets you an accurate quote faster and avoids expensive mistakes. This checklist covers everything a print shop needs to know before they can price and produce your order.
How to Get Free Digitising on Your Embroidery Order
Digitising costs £20 on a first embroidery order. There are three ways to avoid paying it: order over 50 pieces, supply an existing stitch file, or qualify under a shop's new customer offer.
What to Look for in Restaurant Staff Uniforms: A Practical Guide
Restaurant uniforms need to survive kitchen heat, food stains, daily washing and long shifts. This guide covers fabric choices, decoration methods, and how to spec a uniform order that holds up in service.
Restaurant and Hospitality Uniform Printing in London
Branded uniforms for restaurants, cafes and hotels: which decoration method works, how to spec a uniform order, and what to expect in terms of cost and turnaround from our Putney shop.
What Minimum Order Quantities Mean for T-Shirt Printing (And How to Avoid Them)
Minimum order quantities (MOQs) exist because some print methods have high setup costs. This guide explains which methods have MOQs, why they exist, and which methods have no minimum at all.
Vinyl T-Shirt Printing London: CAD-Cut, Flex and Flock Explained
Vinyl T-shirt printing suits bold, single-colour designs, sports numbers and text-heavy graphics. This guide covers CAD-cut, flex vinyl, flock and when vinyl beats DTG or screen printing.
What Is Garment Digitising and Why Does It Cost £20?
Digitising converts your logo into a stitch file that an embroidery machine can read. It is a one-time process, costs £20 at most shops, and never needs to be done again for the same logo.
When to Choose Screen Printing Over DTG, DTF and Vinyl
Screen printing is the best method for large runs of simple designs on cotton. It struggles on small quantities and complex artwork. This guide explains exactly when screen printing wins and when it does not.
DTF Transfers vs Vinyl Transfers: Which Is Better for Custom Clothing?
DTF and vinyl are both heat-press methods but they work very differently. DTF handles full-colour photos and gradients. Vinyl is best for solid simple designs. Here is the full comparison.
Personalised T-Shirts in Putney: Your Local Printing Guide
Printing Planet UK on Tildesley Road, Putney Heath offers same-day personalised T-shirts with no minimum order. DTG, DTF, vinyl, embroidery and screen printing all available in-house.
Best File Types for DTG Printing: PNG, PDF, AI or JPEG?
The wrong file type is the most common reason DTG prints come out blurry or show a white box around the design. This guide explains which formats work, what resolution you need, and artwork mistakes to avoid.
How Long Do DTF Transfers Last? Wash Tests and Real-World Results
DTF transfers pressed correctly last 50 plus washes. Temperature, pressure, and washing habits are the main factors. Here is what to expect.
DTF Transfers for Etsy Sellers: Cut Your Costs and Press on Demand
Etsy sellers using DTF transfers can fulfil one-off orders without MOQs, reduce stock risk, and ship faster. Here is how to set it up.
How Long Does DTG Printing Last? Wash Care Guide
DTG prints typically last 30 to 50 wash cycles at 30C with correct care. This guide covers what affects DTG print durability, common care mistakes, and tips that double the lifespan.
DTF Transfers vs DTF Printing: What Is the Difference?
DTF transfers and DTF printing both use direct-to-film technology, but they are two different services. Here is when to use each one.
DTG vs Screen Printing: Cost, Quality and Durability Compared
DTG and screen printing both produce vivid T-shirt prints but they suit very different order sizes and design types. Honest comparison covering costs, minimums and wash durability.
How Much Does T-Shirt Printing Cost in London?
T-shirt printing in London ranges from £4 to £20 per piece depending on method, quantity, garment colour and print complexity. This guide breaks down DTG, DTF, screen print, vinyl and embroidery prices.
How to Apply DTF Transfers at Home: Step-by-Step Guide
A heat press or household iron is all you need. Follow these steps to apply DTF transfers cleanly and get prints that last 50 plus washes.
What Is a DTF Gang Sheet and Why Does It Save You Money?
A DTF gang sheet packs multiple designs on one strip of PET film, cutting waste and cost. Here is everything you need to know before you order.
What Is DTG Printing? A Complete Beginner Guide
DTG printing sprays water-based ink directly into cotton fibres for photographic detail with no setup fee. This guide covers how it works, what fabrics it suits, and when to choose it.
DTG vs DTF Printing: Which Is Right for Your Design?
DTG and DTF both produce full-colour custom prints, but they suit different garments and orders. Here is how to choose, with real examples from our Putney shop.
How to Prepare Artwork for T-Shirt Printing
File format, resolution, colour mode and bleed: a practical artwork preparation guide so your T-shirt design prints exactly how you pictured it.
Choosing the Right Blank T-Shirt for Printing
Gildan, Stanley Stella, Fruit of the Loom, AWDis: which blank T-shirt works best for your brand? A practical fabric and brand guide.
7 Reasons Same-Day T-Shirt Printing in London Makes Sense
Last-minute stag do, forgotten corporate event, sudden campaign: when you need custom T-shirts in hours, here is why same-day printing works.
Screen Printing vs DTG vs Vinyl: A 2026 Comparison
Three of the most common T-shirt printing methods compared on cost, durability, order size, and look. Which one fits your job?
How Many T-Shirts Should You Order? A Pricing Guide
Ordering too few costs more per unit. Ordering too many leaves stock unsold. Here is how to size your T-shirt order correctly.
Custom Hoodie Printing: Methods, Costs and Use Cases
Hoodies behave differently to T-shirts when printed. Here is how each method performs, what it costs, and when to use a hoodie over a tee.
Team Kit Printing: Football Shirts to Rugby Tops
Names, numbers, sponsors, badges. Here is how sports kit printing works and what to plan for at the start of the season.
Wholesale T-Shirt Printing for London Brands
Starting a T-shirt brand in London? Here is how wholesale printing works, pricing, minimums, and how to build margins that stand up.
Workwear and Uniform Printing: What You Need to Know
Branded workwear for trades, hospitality, and offices: which garments, which print methods, and how to keep staff looking consistent.
Embroidery vs Printing: When to Choose Which?
Embroidery and printing both add branding to garments, but they suit different jobs. Here is when each method wins.
Custom Logo Embroidery: From File to Finished Garment
The step-by-step process of turning your logo into a stitched embroidery: digitising, thread choice, test stitches, production.
Valentine's Day Gift Ideas: Personalised Printed Gifts in London
Show your love with unique printed gifts. Custom T-shirts, hoodies, mugs and more from our Putney print shop. Order online or visit us in store.
Cap and Hat Embroidery: What Works Best
Baseball caps, beanies, bucket hats, snapbacks: what embroidery works on each style, plus positioning, thread and cost.
Understanding DTF Printing: Films, Durability and Care
What makes Direct to Film printing different, how the transfers are made, how long they last, and how to look after them.
DTG Printing on Dark Garments: Myths and Tips
DTG on black T-shirts is trickier than on white. Here is what actually works, and common misconceptions busted.
Heat Transfer Printing: When It Beats Other Methods
Heat transfer printing still wins in specific situations. Here is where it outperforms DTG, DTF, vinyl, and when to pick it.
Business Card Printing in London: Standard vs Luxury Finishes
Matt, gloss, silk, spot UV, foil, soft-touch: a tour of business card finishes and when to pay for the premium options.
Flyer Printing Sizes: A6, A5, A4, Which Works Best?
Choosing the right flyer size for your message and distribution method. A practical comparison of A6, DL, A5, and A4.
Signboard Printing for London Shops (Materials Guide)
Foamex, acrylic, dibond, PVC banner: a practical materials guide for shop signs, A-boards, and outdoor displays in London.
Printing for Students: Thesis Binding to Flyers
University printing guide: dissertation printing and binding, lecture note printing, flyer printing, and how to save on costs.
Printing for Stag Parties and Hen Dos in London
T-shirts, caps, sashes, banners: how to organise stag and hen printing on short notice, with typical costs and mistakes to avoid.
Corporate Uniforms for London SMEs
Small and medium businesses in London, how to roll out a consistent, cost-effective branded uniform that staff actually want to wear.
Event Merchandise Printing: A Step-by-Step Guide
T-shirts, tote bags, stickers, banners: how to plan event merch that works, from first sketch to delivery on the day.
Same-Day Printing in Putney: What You Can Get in 4 Hours
What is realistic to produce same day at our Putney Heath shop, what isn't, and how to prioritise an emergency print job.
Brand Launch Checklist: Print Everything a New Business Needs
Starting a business? Here is the complete list of printed items you need, in what quantity, and how much to budget.
Top 5 Advantages of Direct to Film Printing
Direct to Film (DTF) process explained, with top 5 advantages, use-cases and examples.
Let's talk about embroidery
Learn how to make a professional impression with custom embroidered garments. Find out what are the main uses, costs and things to look out for.
Build your brand with Printing Planet UK
A step-by-step tutorial to custom garment printing. Learn how Printing Planet can help you take your business to the next level.
Let's talk about DTG printing
Discover the pros and cons of direct to garment printing. Learn how DTG compares to screen printing and other techniques.