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 it's 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 it's 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!
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 costs over a quarter of a million dollars and 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.
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.
Heat Transfer
Heat Transfers are printed on our high speed digital printing press. They are as durable as screen printing, but offer more detail. Heat Transfers use heat to create a bond between the resin and the t-shirt locking the ink between the two layers. Heat Transfers have a slight plastic feel when first worn, however, this feel will diminish after washing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The process used for products:
Digital press printing
- All paper products (wall calendar, calendar print, journal, greeting card, postcard, mini poster print)
- All sticker products (bumper sticker, oval sticker, rectangular sticker)
- Books (all sizes)
- License plate frame
- Buttons and magnets
- CD booklets and tray cards
- Wall clock
- Thermal wax resin printing
- CD
Heat Transfer
- Apparel* (except for Dark T-shirts, Infant T-shirts, and Infant Bodysuits)
- Mousepad
- Pillow
- BBQ Apron
Direct Printing
- Apparel*
- Caps
* Apparel have the option to offer Heat Transfer, Direct Printing, or both. Some apparel are not offered for Heat Transfer or Direct Printing. The printing process offered will be noted in the Product Page.
Comparison Chart for both printing options
Sublimation
- All ceramics (mug, large mug, stein, tile box, tile coaster)
- All hats (black cap, trucker cap)
- Messenger bag
- Keepsakes
Digital inkjet
- Framed prints (all sizes)
Large format digital inkjet
- Large and small posters
Bookmarks