Most print methods struggle with handling semi-transparent pixels, and it's true for Direct to Garment (DTG), Direct to Film (DTF), and dye sublimation.

Inkthreadable uses print software that converts your print files from an RBG PNG to a printable format. Pixels that are either 0% or 100% transparent are perfect, because we either do or do not lay down ink where a pixel is or isn't detected.

The difficulty with semi-transparent pixels is transparent ink doesn't exist. We can't mix a pigment that's semi-transparent, and so the printing software doesn't know how to handle semi-transparent pixels. It will decide to either lay down ink, or not lay down ink, and the results are usually unpredictable and won't match your expectations.

If you've included any semi-transparent pixels in your design file the issues above will likely affect the printed result. To avoid disappointment we suggest using a different method to create your gradients.

Transparencies create gradients by varying the opacity of each pixel in the design. It's fine for digital displays, and some print methods can achieve good results, but this method is generally poor for recreating designs in print.

Halftones are a great alternative option. Halftones can be used to shade your design by breaking a block of colour into small dots that vary by size and spacing. These dots are all opaque so there are no issues printing them. By increasing or decreasing either the size or spacing, a varied range of shading effects can be created.

Gradients can also be used if they are from colour to colour. Simple shading can be achieved by blending white to black, for example. As long as the pixels are opaque the colour can be recreated through print.