Quer usar uma foto num produto personalizado? Evite estes erros comuns (DTF e sublimação)

Want to use a photo on a custom product? Avoid these common mistakes (DTF and sublimation)

Using a photo on a personalised product is an excellent way to create something unique — whether on a T-shirt, mug, bottle, tote bag or other item.

But be careful: not all images give good results when printed.

At Newstarz, we work with DTF (textiles) and sublimation (mugs, bottles, etc.), and we often see errors that compromise the final result.

Here are the main errors to avoid:

1️⃣ Using low-quality photos

This is the most common mistake.

Avoid:

  • Photos sent via WhatsApp
  • Screenshots
  • Images downloaded from the internet
  • Compressed photos

👉 Result: blurry, pixelated or unclear image.

✔️ Ideally:

  • Original photo
  • High resolution
  • Good sharpness

2️⃣ Inadequate image size

A small image cannot be enlarged without losing quality.

This applies to:

  • T-shirts (DTF)
  • Mugs (sublimation)
  • Bottles and other giveaways

👉 The larger the print area, the higher the image resolution should be.

3️⃣ Photos that are too dark or have poor lighting quality

A photo may look acceptable on a mobile phone…
but when printed, it can be too dark.

✔️ Prefer images that are:

  • Well-lit
  • With good contrast
  • With balanced colours

4️⃣ Not considering the type of product

This point is essential and often overlooked.

👉 DTF (textiles):

  • Works on various fabric colours
  • May have a slight raised texture
  • Excellent for clothing and bags

👉 Sublimation (mugs, bottles, etc.):

  • Best on light surfaces (usually white)
  • Colours are more vibrant
  • Image integrates into the material

⚠️ The same photo can have different results depending on the method.

5️⃣ Not adapting the image to the medium

A square image may not work well:

  • On a mug (panoramic format)
  • On a T-shirt (vertical or central format)
  • On a bottle (narrow format)

👉 Each product requires a design adjustment.

6️⃣ Poorly chosen image background

Backgrounds with:

  • Too many elements
  • Confusing colours
  • Unwanted objects

can harm the result.

At Newstarz, we can:
✔️ Remove backgrounds
✔️ Clean up the image
✔️ Adapt the design to the product

7️⃣ Expecting colours to be exactly the same as on screen

Important:

👉 The screen (RGB) is different from the print.

Differences may exist in:

  • Brightness
  • Saturation
  • Hue

But with correct preparation, the result will be very close and professional.

How to send correctly?

Send to: geral@newstarz.pt

Include:

  • Original photo (uncompressed)
  • Desired product
  • Approximate size
  • Item colour (if applicable)

Conclusion

A good photograph can transform any personalised product into a unique piece — whether in textile or as a promotional item.

Avoiding these errors ensures a more professional, long-lasting, and visually impactful result.

At Newstarz, we help you get the best out of your images.

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