Don’t Skip the Torture Test: Why You Should Always Test Your Prints

Here’s a nightmare scenario: You just wrapped up a big order. Everything looked good on press—colors popped, registration was tight, and you packed up hundreds of shirts feeling like a champ. A few days later, you get the dreaded call. The prints are bleeding. The customer wants a refund. Your gut? Punched.

The thing is, this could have been avoided.

Whether you’re printing on a new garment style, trying out a new ink system, or experimenting with a different technique, you’ve got to test. Not just to see if it looks good fresh off the press, but to see what happens after it’s cured, after it sits, and most importantly, after it’s washed.

Here’s how to test like a pro (and protect your bottom line):

1. Cure It and Let It Sit

   After printing your test sample, cure it properly, then leave it overnight. Some dye migration doesn’t show up right away—it creeps in over time, especially with polyester or blends. Let the print rest and check it the next day. If the white ink turns pink or the edges start to fuzz, that’s your warning sign.

2. Wash Test Everything

   Ideally, have a washer and dryer in your shop. If not, take samples home and wash them with your regular laundry. Better yet, do both. Use different wash settings, tumble dry on hot, and really put the print through the wringer. This kind of “torture testing” is what keeps you from learning the hard way.

3. Physical Samples = Happy Customers

   If it’s a large order or a high-dollar project, make physical test prints and get them approved by the customer. You’ll not only have peace of mind, but your customer will feel confident they’re getting a dialed-in product.

It’s Not Just About Avoiding Mistakes—it’s About Doing the Job Right

You can save yourself from having to reprint hundreds of shirts (and eating that cost) just by slowing down and testing first. Especially on new garments, unfamiliar ink systems, or tricky blends—you never want to find out the hard way that something doesn’t hold up.

TL;DR?

• Test new garments and print methods every time.

• Cure your sample and let it sit overnight.

• Wash and dry test prints like a customer would.

• Approve physical samples on big orders.

• Save yourself time, money, and stress.

Do yourself—and your customers—a favor: test before you press.