Print tips · Aussie Bot Studio

DTF & half-tone — when to use what

Short version from the studio: half-tone for soft-hand photo / gradient art. Solid or knockout for bold logos and hard edges. Softstyle blanks feel light — the print should too.

Half-tone vs solid / knockout

Half-tone breaks midtones into tiny dots so the transfer breathes. Best for photos, soft gradients, weathered art, and anything that would feel thick as a full slab of ink.

Solid / knockout keeps clean fills and sharp edges. Best for logos, text, flags with hard colour blocks, and designs that need punch from across the room.

• Dark tee → knock out black (or dark) so the garment shows through shadows.
• Light tee → knock out white (or light) the same way.
• Huge solid rectangles feel thicker and can crack sooner — open the design up, or half-tone the fill.

Softstyle expectations

We print a lot on Softstyle tees and hoodies. They’re soft and light — that’s the point. DTF sits on the fabric with a soft hand when the art is prepped right. Don’t expect old-school plastisol thickness. Do expect a wearable print that washes well if you treat it like a good tee: cool wash, inside-out, skip the heavy dry.

Ready to wear one?

Grab a ready design from the shop, or build a custom on Softstyle.

More prep help: Artwork guide · Free tools · Build your order