Instructions

GUIDE 02 / FROM FILE TO FINISH

A clean handoff keeps the job fast, predictable, and worth showing off.

This is the general route from idea to finished piece. Product-specific settings, proofs, and instructions always take priority when the material or process calls for them.

THE WORKFLOW

Five moves. Fewer surprises.

01Choose the pathOrder a defined product, buy a Production Match Review, or begin Project Discovery according to how many decisions are still open.
02Prepare and identify the filesUse final dimensions, clear version names, the strongest source available, and the same project reference everywhere.
03Approve the scope and payDirect products move through normal checkout. Quoted work receives a defined Shopify checkout step before billable work or production begins.
04Resolve proofs and decisionsReview spelling, dimensions, quantities, layout, and production notes promptly. When a proof is required, production begins only after written approval tied to the order or job number.
05Produce, receive, and finishFollow the order-specific handling, pressing, installation, or care instructions. Stop and ask before improvising when the material behaves differently than expected.

PROOF + APPROVAL

Nothing moves on a maybe.

If Silverjerk prepares, adjusts, rebuilds, or places your artwork, you will receive a PDF production proof by email. The proof records what is being made; your written approval releases that version to production.

01 / CHECK THE RECORD

Read every production detail.

Confirm spelling, dimensions, quantity, material, finishing, orientation, layout, and any order-specific notes. View the PDF at 100% when practical.

02 / REVISE TOGETHER

Send one consolidated list.

Reply with one clear list of corrections. Silverjerk errors are corrected without penalty. New concepts, copy, sizes, materials, or scope may require a revised quote or added design time.

03 / RELEASE IT

Approval must be written.

Reply to the proof email with APPROVED — ORDER [NUMBER]. Silence is not approval. Changes requested after approval can add cost, require a new proof, and restart the production schedule.

Direct-output exceptionProduction-ready DTF files and simple prints ordered for output exactly as submitted may move without a separate proof unless Silverjerk finds a production risk or the order includes a review service.

A digital proof verifies content and production setup. It cannot perfectly simulate screen-to-print color, material texture, reflectivity, scale in the final environment, or every physical finishing characteristic.

PROCESS-SPECIFIC BASICS

DTF pressing

  • Use the time, temperature, pressure, peel, and repress directions supplied with the order
  • Preheat and test the press; do not treat a household iron as production equipment
  • Keep the platen, garment, transfer, and cover sheet clean and flat
  • Test unfamiliar garments or coatings before committing the full run
  • If adhesion is incomplete, stop and review the variables before continuing

Signs + applied vinyl

  • Confirm the surface is compatible, sound, clean, dry, and free of wax or silicone
  • Respect the material's application-temperature range
  • Measure from stable reference points before removing the release liner
  • Use controlled squeegee pressure and avoid stretching the graphic
  • Allow adhesive to build before washing, stressing, or exposing the installation

Specialty print handling

  • Handle finished prints by clean edges whenever possible
  • Keep media dry, supported, and protected from abrasion
  • Allow rolled work to relax before mounting or display
  • Use archival or compatible mounting materials when longevity matters
  • Confirm display light, environment, and finishing before permanent installation

STOP POINTS

Ask before forcing the next step.

Pause when dimensions do not match, files appear blurry, color is unexpectedly different, the receiving surface is unknown, adhesion fails, the material is damaged, or the supplied instructions conflict with the equipment or application.

SHOP / CHOOSE THE OBJECT

Start with what you're making.

Jump straight to the right production family. Each route makes the direct-order options clear and shows when a recommendation or custom conversation will save time.

01 / APPARELDTF TransfersBuild or upload gang sheets. 02 / PAPERPrintPosters, photos, art, and specialty output. 03 / SURFACESWalls + WindowsRemovable graphics and storefront visibility. 04 / CUT COLORCut VinylRTA lettering, logos, and shapes. 05 / BUILT OBJECTSSignsBanners, panels, magnets, displays, and more. 06 / HUMAN HELPDesign + GuidanceGet a recommendation before production.