Strike-off

A strike-off is a sample piece of printed fabric produced to verify design accuracy, color fidelity, and print quality before committing to bulk production. It serves as the approval standard that both buyer and manufacturer reference throughout the production run, ensuring the final output matches expectations.

The strike-off process begins with design preparation, where artwork is finalized, colors are separated, and screens or digital files are prepared for the specific printing method. The sample is then produced on the actual production fabric using production-grade inks or dyes, followed by standard finishing treatments. This approach ensures the strike-off accurately represents what bulk production will deliver—a sample printed on different fabric or with different chemistry would be misleading.

Quality evaluation of a strike-off examines several critical factors. Color matching is assessed against the target reference, whether a Pantone chip, physical swatch, or approved lab dip. Registration accuracy determines whether multiple colors align precisely where they should. Print definition and clarity reveal whether fine details reproduce cleanly. The hand feel after printing indicates whether the ink or dye has altered the fabric's drape or texture in unacceptable ways.

Strike-offs typically measure 50cm × 50cm to one meter in length, with one to three pieces produced per design. Turnaround time runs seven to fourteen working days, depending on the printing method and mill workload. Most suppliers charge per design for strike-off production, though this cost is often credited against the final order once production proceeds.

Common issues identified during strike-off review include color deviation from the target, misregistration between colors creating blurred or offset edges, bleeding or fuzzy boundaries where colors meet, incorrect scale or pattern repeat dimensions, and fabric distortion caused by the printing process. Catching these problems at the strike-off stage costs far less than discovering them in thousands of meters of bulk production, making this approval step essential for any printed textile order.