A strike-off is a test print of your fabric design, produced so you can approve colors, scale, and placement before bulk printing. It's the print equivalent of a lab dip for solid colors.
Why Strike-Offs Matter
Screen and digital printing can shift colors from what you see on screen. A strike-off shows you exactly what the print will look like on your actual fabric - before you've committed to hundreds of yards.
What to Check
- Color accuracy - compare against your approved lab dips and Pantone references
- Scale - is the motif the right size?
- Placement - for engineered prints, is the design positioned correctly?
- Registration - do multi-color layers align cleanly?
- Hand feel - does the print affect the fabric's softness?
The Approval Cycle
First strike-offs often need color corrections. Each round takes days to weeks, so build strike-off approvals into your calendar early - they're a common bottleneck.
FAQs
- How long does a strike-off take?
- Typically 1-3 weeks per round, depending on the printer's queue. Multiple correction rounds are normal.
- What's the difference between a strike-off and a lab dip?
- A lab dip approves a solid dyed color. A strike-off approves a printed design with its colors, scale, and placement.
- Can I skip the strike-off to save time?
- Not recommended. Printing hundreds of yards in the wrong color is far more expensive than a strike-off.
Glossary: see the full fashion glossary for more apparel industry terms.