If you're printing CMYK on garments and struggling with muddy colors, oversaturated shadows, or washed-out prints, your Photoshop settings and color profiles may be the issue. Screen printing isn't like printing on paper. You need a custom approach built for fabric, mesh tension, and ink behavior. This guide walks you through how to print CMYK the right way: using the best color profile, correct Photoshop settings, and inks designed for high-detail screen printing.
WATCH: How to Set Up a Color Profile for CMYK Printing
Why CMYK Printing Needs a Custom Color Profile
Default CMYK profiles like "U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2" are made for offset printing on paper, not cotton tees. When you convert your art using the wrong profile, your separations won’t match what happens on press. The result? Prints that look dull, too dark, or nothing like your mockup.
To get accurate film separations and prints that match your original artwork, you need a CMYK ICC profile built specifically for screen printing with plastisol inks, mesh counts, and press conditions.
RELATED: CMYK Screen Printing on Paper: Deep Dive with Colin
Best Color Settings for CMYK T-Shirt Printing
Here’s how to prep your file in Photoshop using the correct workflow:
- Keep your art in RGB mode while designing. RGB holds more color detail and range.
- Download the correct CMYK profile: Avient Specialty Inks ProSet CMYK Profile
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In Photoshop: Go to
Edit > Convert to Profileand select the Avient profile. -
Then switch to CMYK mode:
Image > Mode > CMYK - Now your image is ready for film separation using proper ink densities.
CMYK Inks for Screen Printing
To get professional results, pair your profile with the right ink system. The Avient ASI Process Ink Set is designed specifically for high-detail four-color process screen printing. These inks match the ProSet color profile and are optimized for 305 mesh screens.
RELATED: Preparing Art and Screen Printing CMYK with Water-Based Inks
Common Mistakes When Printing CMYK
- Using default SWOP or newsprint CMYK profiles
- Converting to CMYK too early (before selecting the correct profile)
- Printing films from RGB or wrong CMYK color spaces
- Over-saturating with magenta or black
Pro Tips for Better CMYK Screen Prints
- Use a 305 mesh screen for all four colors
- Print order matters: typically Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, Black (YMCK)
- Watch your black ink. Too much K can kill highlights
- Always test on press and tweak dot gain as needed
RELATED: CMYK vs Spot vs Simulated Process: What’s the Difference?
Ready to Print CMYK the Right Way?
Using the correct ICC profile and matching ink set will completely change your CMYK game. Say goodbye to guesswork and start printing full-color artwork with confidence. Download the profile, prep your art, and power your print with the right tools.