FAQ

What is Camera Ready Artwork?
Which computer art programs do you support?
Should I choose embroidery or screen printing for my customized logo apparel?
How does the embroidery process work?
How does the screen printing process work?
What is your pricing?
What is a set-up charge?
How long will it take to complete my order?
Will Watermark print on items that I supply or must I only use items purchased from Watermark?
What kinds of products can Watermark personalize?
Can Watermark supply uniforms for my company’s employees?

What is Camera Ready Artwork?

The quality of a finished embroidered or screen-printed logo design depends on the quality of the artwork you provide. Please supply "camera-ready" artwork or computer-generated artwork. We accept:

Black & white art on flat photographic paper: a minimum of 600 dpi laser prints at 200% percent of final size;
Multi-color imprint artwork: submit black-and-white or color-separated art with registration marks for each color;
Computer-generated art: files should be in EPS format. Text must be converted to outlines or vector format. Watermark will charge a $25 fee to convert your freehand artwork to a vector format.

To submit artwork, email all camera-ready art to: art@watermarkgraphics.com. Charges for artwork that does not meet these specifications will be invoiced at the rate of $65 per hour. When sending art via email, be sure to include your company name and purchase order number.

Which computer art programs do you support?

We support Adobe Illustrator (CS2 or lower), Adobe Photoshop (5.5) and Corel Draw (11). If submitting art in Corel Draw, export the file as an .ai (Adobe Illustrator) file. Adobe Photoshop may be suitable if the art is just one color. Please convert all text and fonts to outlines.

Should I choose embroidery or screen printing for my customized logo apparel?

Embroidery is three-dimensional, which is often a more exciting look than “flat” printing methods, such as screen printing. With embroidery, there is virtually no limit to the number of colors you can select for your embroidered logo. In addition, embroidered clothes, totes and patches are durable and classic. The colors in an embroidered design typically remain more vibrant for a longer period of time than those in screen-printed clothing. As a result, an embroidered logo will cost slightly more than a screen-printed shirt, tote bag, cap or jacket. However, custom embroidered golf shirts and other embroidered merchandise are more affordable than you’d think. Once you have paid the initial cost to turn your artwork into a digital stitching pattern, you can use that same file for future orders. For example, if you order embroidered golf shirts and they prove more popular than expected, you will not have to pay for digitization again for future orders, as long as you don’t change the size of your artwork. Finally, the cost of screen printing logos on fabric depends on the number of colors in the design, but an embroidered logo is priced by the number of stitches, not the number of colors in the logo.

How does the embroidery process work?

For embroidered apparel, computer-controlled sewing machines stitch your design into fabric on T-shirts, dress shirts, jackets, sportswear, sweatshirts, infant and toddler apparel, caps and hats. See our video for more information.

How does the screen printing process work?

In screen printing, an image is transferred onto an item by ink that is forced through a stenciled screen stretched over a frame. These screens are treated with a light-sensitive emulsion; then film positives are put in contact with the screens and exposed to light. The light hardens the emulsion not covered by the film, leaving a soft area on the screen through which ink is forced to add that color to the image. See our video for more information.

What is your pricing?

You will find that Watermark Graphics’ pricing is extremely competitive and depends on the product, the process, the complexity and/or size of the design, the stitches used in the embroidered design, the number of colors in a screen-printed design and the lead-time required for completion.

For pricing on a particular product, use the pricing tool located on each of the product category pages.

What is a set-up charge?

Set-up charges vary. With screen-printed products, set-up charges depend on the number of colors in your logo or design. There will be $25 set-up fee charged for each color. For embroidered products, set-up charges will include tape charges and take into consideration the number of stitches in the design. A standard-sized design typically uses 7,500 stitches and will require a set-up charge of $75. Larger designs may require up to 25,000 to 50,000 stitches will the set-up charges will run proportionally higher.

How long will it take to complete my order?

Standard turnaround time to complete an order is two weeks after art approval. Rush orders are available upon request at an additional charge.

Will Watermark print on items that I supply or must I only use items purchased from Watermark?

Watermark prefers to customize, embroider or screen print on items purchased from Watermark, which have been tested for quality and durability. We will print on customer-supplied items, however we cannot guarantee these products against damage or wear.

What kinds of products can Watermark personalize?

Watermark Graphics can customize an enormous variety of promotional products and accessories including: tote bags, awards, caps, hats, drink ware, office gifts, mouse pads, USB flash drives, cups, mugs, pens and other writing instruments and other advertising specialty items and trade show giveaways.

Apparel products from Watermark Graphics include custom logo dress shirts, T-shirts, golf shirts, polo shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, sportswear, active wear, ladies apparel, infant and toddler apparel. In addition, we offer a wide variety of customized uniforms and work wear, including safety apparel and flame-resistant coveralls.

Can Watermark supply uniforms for my company’s employees?

Absolutely! We have a wide assortment of flame-resistant, Nomex and heavy-duty uniforms and work wear ready to be customized with your company logo and employees’ names.