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What is a test print?
A fabric proof is a test print of a design on a chosen textile. It allows you to assess in advance how colours, details and the overall result will look on the specific material.
As fabrics vary in texture, colour and absorption, a proof print can help avoid unwanted surprises in final production. It is a valuable step to minimise colour deviations and check that the design looks good.
Proofs are especially recommended for large runs, colour-critical designs or when working with new fabrics.
Colors and color variations
As materials vary in texture, colour, gloss and absorption, colours can look different on a screen than on a fabric. Different properties therefore affect colours and details such as;
- The basic colour, structure, thickness and transparency of the fabric
- The (sustainable) production process
- The digital file/design
- Light conditions
Although we carefully calibrate all our durable printers for each fabric type, it is important to consider the above factors when you want to have the same image printed on multiple fabrics. We are constantly investing in new technologies and improvements in our sustainable printing technology and colour accuracy. In addition, the type of fabric plays a big role. Fabrics vary in texture, sheen, thickness and absorbency. A shiny, dense fabric often shows colours more intensely than a coarse, matte fabric. The incidence of light also has an influence: a print may look different in daylight than under artificial light.
1. Organic cotton fabrics 2. U-circular fabrics
All these properties influence how the print colours and details are ultimately rendered on the fabric.
If colour consistency is crucial for your project, we recommend ordering a proof in advance. That way you can judge with certainty whether the colours meet your expectations. This can be done in various ways such as a colour variation test, the colour chart or a colour block test.
Color variation test
A colour variation test is a tool that can be used to print different versions of a design on a fabric. This test helps identify how factors such as fabric texture, the base colour of the fabric, ink absorption, transparency and the production process can affect colour reproduction.
The colour variation test is especially recommended for photographic designs, but also for designs with colour gradients, art or branding.
By comparing multiple versions, you gain insight into the degree of colour deviation and can determine which variation produces the desired result. This enables you to make an informed choice for a larger print run.
Sample colour variation test in 4 different shades.
Download manual Download the worktemplate
Color chart
House of U's colour chart is a useful tool to get a realistic idea of how colours come out on different fabrics. Especially if you are looking for a specific Pantone, RAL or plain colour. The colour chart shows printed colour shades on specific fabrics, so you can assess in advance which colour best suits your design. This prevents surprises during final production.
House of U's colour chart contains 2000 different colours that can help you determine the right colour. The colour chart can be ordered on any fabric within the House of U collection on the ‘print fabric’ page. When you purchase this colour chart, you will download a digital Photoshop and illustrator program to use with the printed colour chart. You can use these tools to determine your desired colour on a specific fabric.
House of U colour chart
Download the digital program
Download the Photoshop manual Download the Illustrator manual
Colour blocks
At House of U, you can use colour blocks as proofs to test how specific colours look on a chosen fabric. This is especially recommended if you are looking for a specific Pantone, RAL or plain colour.
You provide us with a file containing colour areas or gradients, which we then print on the desired fabric type. This allows you to accurately assess how the ink reacts to the material and how colours such as red, blue or skin tones actually come across.
This colour block proof is ideal for colour-critical projects or when working with new fabrics. By using colour blocks as proofs, you avoid deviations in the final result and make better-founded choices in your design and production process.
Sample colour blocks test.
Download manual Download worktemplate
Colormode or colorprofile
A colour profile is a digital standard that determines how colours are displayed on different devices, such as monitors, printers and cameras. Without a colour profile, colours may appear differently on your screen than in the final print. By using the right colour profile in your design file, you increase the chances of colours being accurately displayed in your final print.
Digital printing, such as House of U, often works with RGB profiles, as these offer a wider colour range. We therefore always recommend supplying files saved with the Adobe RGB (1998) colour profile, as this is best suited to our sustainable digital printing process.
Screens and prints on fabric
Colours and details on fabrics may differ from what you see on your screen. This is because a monitor uses light to display colours, whereas with textile printing the colours are created by ink being applied in or on the material.
In addition, monitors are often not calibrated, so colours may appear brighter, cooler or warmer than they really are.
Color continuity with reprints
Have you done a proof and want to re-order your file? Then make sure the colour mode or colour profile and desired colour values of your new file will match those of your previous order.
For example: Did you use colour mode Adobe RGB (1998) on your proof, but use colour mode non-tagged RGB on your next order? Then there may be a colour difference in the final product.
Uploadspecifications
For the best end result on fabric, it is crucial to stick to the upload specifications for optimal print quality and a smooth production process.
To get the best result in your final product, we recommend adhering to the following upload specifications:
- Image format: JPG
- Colormode: Adobe RGB (1998)
- 180 DPI for the best results
- Max. filesize: 150 MB
- Min. width and height: 5 cm (180 DPI)
- Max. height: 450 cm (180 DPI)
The JPG format and Adobe RGB (1998) colour mode ensure consistent colours while the 180 DPI resolution (1:1 scale) guarantees sharp details when printing.
By following these specifications, you avoid disappointing results, reprints and extra costs. In fact, your images will be automatically processed immediately without adjustments or a final check.
Can I order a test print on fabric?
Have you already chosen which fabric you want to have printed, but are still unsure about the colours and details?
It is already possible to order your unique digital design from 1 metre as a proof. That means you can also order a small proof to judge the quality and result before placing a larger order.
On which fabrics can I order a test print?
At House of, you can order print proofs on a wide range of fabric types, both sustainable and traditional options.
The complete collection consists of various materials: recycled polyester, Lyocell, Viscose Eco, cotton, hemp, polyester and linen.
Various texture options are also available such as velvet, satin, canvas, jersey, crepe, gabardine, twill, mesh, muslin, panama, peach skin, rib, stretch, voile and pique.
Order your print sample
At House of U, it is possible to have a proof printed with your own design on any fabric in the online collection. This can be done easily in four steps:
Step 1. Choose the fabric that best suits your design.
Step 2. Upload your design on our website and preview it immediately.
Step 3. Determine the number of metres you want to order.
Step 4. Place your order and your printed fabric will be shipped within 8 working days.
For a more detailed explanation, please refer to ‘How does it works’.
Producing your test print
Creating your proof is more than just printing a design. We follow a careful and eco-friendly process with three main steps:
- Printing: Your design is printed on the chosen fabric with eco-friendly inks, without using water.
- Quality control: The final result is carefully checked to ensure it meets the high quality we set for prints.
- Shipping: When your print meets the quality requirements, it is shipped directly to you with our shipping partner.
We only produce to order, which means we only make what is needed, avoiding overproduction and waste.
A test print at House of U
It's easy to get your proof printed with your own design. Whether you choose a bold print, a subtle logo or a creative pattern, we will ensure a perfect result.
✔ Flexible print runs: Order the exact number of napkins you need, from small to large quantities.
✔ Sustainable production process: Printed with eco-friendly inks and advanced printing technology that uses no water.
✔ Fast delivery: Your printed fabric will be produced and shipped within 8 working days.
Besides fabrics, we also offer other clothing and interior products that you can personalize.
Do you have questions or need more information? The FAQ will help you quickly find the right information for your project.
If the answer is not here, feel free to contact us!
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