Artwork Mistakes That Ruin T-Shirt Printing in Singapore (Real Examples)
16-Jan-2026 | Posted By : Luminous Printing
Most customers believe that t-shirt printing problems happen because of poor machines or bad printing quality.
In reality, that’s rarely the case.
From years of handling custom t-shirt printing in Singapore, we can confidently say this:
Over 70% of printing issues come from artwork mistakes — not printing itself.
This article explains the real mistakes customers make, why they matter, and how to avoid them before your design goes into production.
If you want your t-shirts to look exactly how you imagined, this guide will save you time, money, and frustration.
Why Artwork Matters More Than People Think
A t-shirt printer does not “guess” how your design should look.
Printers print exactly what you provide.
That means:
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Low-quality files = low-quality prints
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Wrong colours = wrong output
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Incorrect sizing = awkward results
And once the shirt is printed, it cannot be undone.
That’s why artwork preparation is one of the most important steps in t-shirt printing in Singapore.
Mistake #1: Using WhatsApp or Screenshot Images
This is the most common mistake, by far.
Customers often send:
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WhatsApp images
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Screenshots
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Images copied from websites
These files look fine on phones, but printing is very different.
Why this is a problem
Screenshots are:
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Low resolution
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Compressed
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Not meant for printing
When enlarged for a t-shirt, they become:
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Blurry
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Pixelated
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Unprofessional
How to fix it
Always provide:
âś” Original design files
âś” High-resolution images
âś” Vector formats where possible
If you don’t have them, ask your printer before confirming the order.
Mistake #2: Low Resolution (72 DPI Isn’t Enough)
Many designs are created for digital use, not printing.
Digital screens use:
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72 DPI
Printing requires:
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300 DPI (minimum)
What happens if DPI is too low?
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Soft edges
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Blurry text
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Poor logo clarity
This problem usually shows up only after printing, when it’s too late.
Mistake #3: Designing in RGB Instead of CMYK
This one surprises many customers.
Screens display colours using RGB.
Printers print using CMYK.
That means:
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Bright colours may appear dull
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Neon tones may change
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Colour accuracy is affected
This is why a design that looks perfect on screen may look different on fabric.
Real advice
If colour accuracy matters:
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Ask for a colour reference
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Avoid neon-heavy designs
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Keep colour expectations realistic
Mistake #4: Ignoring Fabric When Designing
Designs are often created without considering the fabric type.
This causes problems like:
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Colours not popping
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Ink absorption issues
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Reduced durability
For example:
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DTG works best on cotton
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DTF works better on dri-fit and blends
👉 If you’re unsure about methods, read:
https://www.luminousprinting.com.sg/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-t-shirt-printing-method-in-singapore
Mistake #5: Overcomplicated Designs for Bulk Orders
Detailed designs look great — but not always practical.
Common issues:
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Too many colours
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Extremely fine lines
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Heavy ink coverage
These designs:
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Increase printing cost
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Slow production
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Increase risk of defects
For bulk t-shirt printing in Singapore, simplicity almost always works better.
Mistake #6: Incorrect Print Size and Placement
Many customers say:
“Just print it big.”
But “big” is subjective.
Problems we see:
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Prints too low on the shirt
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Designs too close to the collar
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Oversized prints that feel uncomfortable
Good printing requires balance:
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Design size
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Shirt size
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Placement consistency
This is especially important for corporate or event orders.
Mistake #7: Forgetting White Ink on Dark Shirts
This is a technical but critical issue.
On dark fabrics:
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White ink base is required
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Without it, colours appear dull
Some customers don’t realise this affects:
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Cost
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Print thickness
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Final appearance
This is why printing method matters so much.
Mistake #8: Last-Minute Artwork Changes
One of the biggest causes of delay in custom t-shirt printing is last-minute changes.
What happens:
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Production schedule gets disrupted
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Re-approval is required
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Delivery gets delayed
Mistake #9: Not Testing Before Large Orders
For large quantities, skipping a sample is risky.
Without testing:
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Colour issues go unnoticed
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Fabric feel is unknown
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Print durability is uncertain
For important events, a test print can prevent major issues.
How Artwork Mistakes Affect Cost (More Than You Think)
Artwork problems often lead to:
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Extra setup work
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Manual fixing
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Reprints
This increases cost even if the printer did nothing wrong.
👉 Full cost explanation here:
https://www.luminousprinting.com.sg/blog/what-affects-t-shirt-printing-cost-in-singapore-complete-breakdown
Simple Checklist Before Submitting Artwork
Before sending your design, check this:
âś” High-resolution file
âś” Correct colour mode
âś” Suitable for chosen fabric
âś” Finalised design (no changes)
âś” Clear placement instructions
This checklist alone prevents most problems.
Why Printers Ask So Many Questions
Some customers feel printers are being “too picky”.
In reality, those questions help:
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Protect print quality
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Avoid mistakes
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Deliver better results
A printer who doesn’t ask questions is often a red flag.
Real Talk: Good Printing Starts With Good Preparation
The best t-shirt printing results come when:
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Customers understand the process
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Artwork is prepared properly
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Expectations are realistic
Printing is a collaboration, not a one-click job.
Final Thoughts (From Experience)
Most printing problems are avoidable.
They don’t come from machines.
They don’t come from ink.
They come from poor artwork preparation.
If you want your t-shirt printing in Singapore to turn out right the first time, focus on artwork quality as much as design creativity.