CafePress.com uses many state of the art technologies to produce the items we sell. Each of these technologies has its own strengths and weaknesses in relation to color reproduction. Each process has its own color space, or number of colors that it can accurately produce. CafePress.com has made the conscious choice to allow each process to use its entire color space to allow maximum image quality. Because each process is unique and cannot achieve the same color space, some colors may vary between processes. We are continuing to come up with new technologies and processes to deal with color - stay tuned!
Processes
- Digital press printing
- Thermal wax resin printing
- Sublimation
- Digital Inkjet
- Large Format Digital Inkjet
- Large Format Digital Solvent-Based Inkjet
- Direct Printing
- Heat Transfer
- InfiniStitch™ Embroidery
Digital press printing
We use state of the art digital printing presses to print your goods, these aren't what you see down at the local copy shop. Each press employs the most cutting edge technology to create high quality prints. All images are printed at 144 lpi creating beautiful detailed output. CafePress.com is dedicated to using the best presses in the world, we are constantly attending industry shows and upgrading our presses whenever quality can be increased.
See products that use digital press printing.
Thermal wax resin printing
Thermal wax resin printing allows us to print directly onto your cd at an amazing 160 lpi (typical retail cd's are printed using screenprinting which yields a maximum 85-120 lpi). Thermal wax resin printing uses heat to create a permanent bond between the cd and the image. The result is a durable print that is waterproof and scratch resistant. You can be assured that the result is not only beautiful, but durable.
See products that use thermal wax resin printing.
Sublimation
Sublimation uses heat-activated inks that change into a gas when heated and have the ability to bond with polyester or acrylic surfaces. Once the process of sublimation takes place your image is permanently tattooed to your product. Sublimation will leave the surface of your product smooth to the touch, and can reproduce photo quality images. CafePress.com uses a special coating for all of our hard goods, making your products dishwasher and microwave safe.
See products that use sublimation.
Digital inkjet
Our 6 color digital inkjet printer produces high quality fine art reproductions. Printed on acid-free paper with pigment based archival inks, you can be assured your print will stand the test of time.
See products that use digital inkjet printing.
Large format digital inkjet
Our state-of-the-art 6 color large format inkjet printers produce vivid photo quality posters. Printed on glossy paper, your poster will pop with detail and clarity. We use pigment-based inks that are both durable and provide a large color gamut for exceptional poster quality.
See products that use large format digital inkjet printing.
Large format digital solvent-based inkjet
Our state-of-the-art 4 color large format inkjet printers produce vivid photo quality prints. Printed on a variety of substrates your product will pop with detail and clarity. We use solvent-based inks that are both durable and provide a large color gamut for exceptional print quality and image depth. Weatherproof for up to 2 years, UV and scratch resistant, this form of printing is ideal for products requiring outdoor durability and waterproof qualities.
See products that use large format digital solvent-based inkjet.
Direct Printing
With Direct Printing, we print direct-to-fabric with no transfers. The result is a matte image that moves with the garment because the ink is actually embedded in the fabric for ultimate wearable comfort. After a few washes, you will notice the great durability of Direct Printing. That means greater image staying power.
See products that use Direct Printing.
Heat Transfer
Heat Transfer is as durable as screen-printing, but offers more detail. Heat Transfer uses heat to create a bond between the resin and the T-Shirt, locking the ink between the two layers. Heat Transfer has a slight plastic feel when first worn, however, this feel will diminish after washing.
See products that use Heat Transfer printing.
InfiniStitch™ Embroidery
InfiniStitch™ Embroidery is a patent pending process that allows for infinite thread colors and increased image resolution over traditional embroidery. InfiniStitch™ Embroidered products accurately reproduce photographs, gradients, and highly detailed images. As in traditional embroidery dyed thread is used to create a long lasting and permanent InfiniStitch™ Embroidered product.
See products that use InfiniStitch™ Embroidery