Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Coastal Standards FAQ. Find answers to common questions about our products, services, ordering process, and more. If you don't see what you're looking for, contact us — we're happy to help.

DTF Transfers & Gang Sheets

What is DTF printing? How is it different from screen printing?

DTF (Direct-to-Film) is a modern printing method where your design is printed onto a special film, coated with adhesive powder, cured, and then heat-pressed onto a garment. Unlike screen printing — which requires separate screens for each color and is most cost-effective for bulk runs — DTF works beautifully for single pieces or small batches, handles full-color designs with no extra setup, and produces a soft, durable print that holds up wash after wash.

Quick comparison:

Learn more about screen printing →

What sizes do gang sheets come in? How is pricing calculated?

Our gang sheets are 22 inches wide and available in lengths from 12 inches up to 240 inches (in 12-inch increments). Pricing is transparent and per-sheet:

The more you fit on a sheet, the better your per-design cost. Our gang sheet builder helps you maximize every inch.

Build a gang sheet →

What file format should I upload? What DPI do you need?

We require 300 DPI PNG files with a transparent background for best results. Here's a quick checklist:

• Format: PNG (transparent background)
• Resolution: 300 DPI (dots per inch)
• Color Mode: RGB or CMYK — both work
• Size: Your artwork at actual print dimensions (we print exactly what you upload)

If your file isn't at 300 DPI, our system will flag it during upload so you can fix it before placing your order. Need help prepping your file? Contact us and our team will walk you through it.

Can I mix different designs on one gang sheet?

Absolutely — that's the whole point of gang sheets. You can arrange multiple designs, logos, and artwork on a single 22" sheet, resize and rotate each element, and position them however you like to maximize sheet utilization. Our online gang sheet builder lets you drag, drop, and arrange everything on a canvas before exporting the final layout.

How does the gang sheet builder work?

It's simple:

1. Choose your sheet size — 22" × 12" up to 22" × 240"
2. Upload your artwork — Drag and drop 300 DPI transparent PNGs onto the canvas
3. Arrange and optimize — Move, resize, and rotate each design to fill the sheet efficiently
4. Export — Download a full-resolution 300 DPI transparent PNG, ready for printing

Try the gang sheet builder →

DTF Singles

What are DTF Singles? How do they work?

DTF Singles are individual, pre-cut DTF transfers — one design per transfer, at a specific size, ready to heat-press onto a garment. Unlike gang sheets (where you arrange multiple designs on one large sheet), Singles are perfect when you need just one design in one size. Think of it as à la carte DTF — pick your design, pick your size, order what you need.

What sizes are available? How is pricing calculated?

We offer 10 preset sizes plus a custom size option:

Pricing is per single transfer. No hidden fees, no setup charges.

Order DTF Singles →

Do you have minimum order quantities?

No. DTF Singles have no minimums — order 1 or 100, we don't set limits. It's perfect for testing a design before committing to a larger run, or for one-off projects where you only need a handful of transfers.

How do I upload my design?

Head to our DTF Singles page and use the drag-and-drop uploader. Drop your PNG, JPEG, or SVG file, select your preferred size, choose a quantity, and add to cart. It takes about 30 seconds start to finish.

Custom Apparel & Screen Printing

What's the difference between DTF and screen printing on apparel?

Both produce great results, but they're suited for different situations:

• DTF transfers are heat-pressed onto the garment. They're ideal for full-color designs, small runs, and designs with fine detail or gradients. No setup fees, no minimums, and they work on cotton, polyester, blends, and more.
• Screen printing uses screens to push ink directly into the fabric. It's most cost-effective for bulk orders (25+ pieces) with 1–6 colors. The ink becomes part of the garment for a super-soft feel that lasts for years.

Not sure which is right for you? Use our custom apparel builder to see mockups with both options, or contact us for a recommendation.

What's the minimum order for screen printing?

Our minimum is 25 units per design. We charge a $25 setup fee per order plus per-piece pricing (starting at $15 per piece). If you need fewer than 25 pieces, DTF transfers are a great alternative with no minimums.

What brands of blank apparel do you carry?

We stock a curated selection of premium blank apparel from trusted brands. Browse our blank apparel catalog to see current inventory, colors, and sizes. Looking for something specific? Contact us and we'll source it for you.

How does the mockup approval process work?

Every custom apparel order follows our 3-step approval workflow before production begins:

1. We create a mockup — Our team builds a realistic digital preview of your design on your chosen garment.
2. You review and approve — You receive the mockup for review. Check colors, placement, sizing, and spelling.
3. Production begins — Once you sign off, we start production. Nothing gets printed without your approval.

This process catches errors before they become costly mistakes and ensures you get exactly what you expect. It's especially valuable for government and wholesale orders that require formal documentation.

Embroidery & Patches

What types of patches do you offer?

We produce three types of custom patches:

• Embroidered Patches: Classic thread-stitched patches with merrowed or heat-cut borders. Custom shapes, vibrant colors, and hook-and-loop backing available. Perfect for uniforms, clubs, and brands.
• PVC Patches: Durable, weatherproof rubber patches with raised 3D detail. Mold-injected for precision — ideal for tactical gear, outdoor equipment, and law enforcement.
• Direct-Garment Embroidery: Your design embroidered directly onto hats, polos, jackets, and more. Professional digitizing included.

Explore embroidery & patches →

Is there a digitizing fee?

Yes. Embroidery requires digitizing — converting your artwork into a stitch file that the embroidery machine can read. The digitizing fee varies based on design complexity, stitch count, and patch size. We'll quote the fee upfront before any work begins. Once digitized, your file is saved for future re-orders at no additional charge.

Can I see what my patch will look like before ordering?

Yes. Use our embroidery previewer to upload your design and see a realistic stitch simulation as an embroidered patch, garment, or hat — before you place your order.

Orders, Shipping & Payment

What payment methods do you accept?

We process all online payments securely through Square. You can pay with:

• Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
• Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
• For government and approved wholesale accounts, we also accept purchase orders, checks, and ACH transfers by prior agreement.

All transactions are encrypted and secure. We never see or store your full card number.

How long does production take?

Typical production turnaround is 2–5 business days after mockup approval and payment confirmation. Exact timing depends on the product type, order volume, and current production queue. We'll keep you updated on your order status through your account dashboard and email notifications.

Do you offer rush production?

Yes. Rush production may be available depending on our current schedule. Contact us before placing your order to confirm availability and get a rush fee quote.

How much is shipping? Do you ship internationally?

Domestic shipping (continental US):

Currently, we ship within the continental United States. For international shipping inquiries or orders to Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories, please contact us.

Can I pick up my order locally?

Yes. Choose Local Pickup at checkout and we'll email you when your order is ready. Pickup is free, and you'll avoid shipping charges entirely.

What's your return and refund policy?

Custom products (anything produced with your artwork, design, or specifications) are non-returnable unless there's a manufacturing defect or error on our part. If something isn't right, contact us within 14 days of delivery and we'll make it right — reprint, refund, or credit.

Blank apparel (unprinted, unworn, in original packaging) can be returned within 30 days for a refund. A restocking fee of up to 15% may apply.

For full details, see our Terms and Conditions.

Government & Wholesale

Do you work with government agencies?

Yes — and we're qualified for it. We have a formal, auditable mockup approval workflow that meets government procurement standards. Our process includes digital sign-off, detailed documentation, and compliance-friendly invoicing. We've worked with city parks departments, school districts, law enforcement agencies, and state colleges.

Learn about government contracts →

Do you offer wholesale pricing?

Yes. Print brokers, retailers, and bulk buyers can qualify for volume-based pricing tiers and recurring order agreements. Wholesale pricing is negotiated based on your expected order volume and frequency. Apply for wholesale pricing →

How do contract and volume discounts work?

Contact us with your estimated annual volume and product types, and we'll build a pricing tier that fits your budget. Contract customers also get:

• Dedicated account management
• Priority production scheduling
• Consolidated invoicing (net-30 available for qualified accounts)
• Custom pricing agreements for recurring orders

Request wholesale pricing →

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help. Reach out and we'll get back to you within 1 business day.

Contact Us →

Email: Sales@CoastalStandards.com

*Last updated: July 2026*