Strike-Off vs Lab Dip vs Production Sample: What's the Difference?
A lab dip, strike-off and production sample do not approve the same thing. A lab dip develops a solid colour recipe, a strike-off shows how a printed design looks on fabric, and a production sample checks a result made under conditions closer to actual production.
What is a lab dip?
A lab dip is a small-scale dyeing trial prepared on fabric to match a specified colour standard. The dyehouse may submit several recipe options, which the brand or buyer compares with a physical colour reference before approval.
Lab dips are commonly used for solid dyed grounds and collection colour development. Approval sets the colour direction for the selected substrate and dye system. Scaling a laboratory recipe to production may require process adjustments, so a lab dip does not guarantee that every part of the bulk lot will be identical.
What does a lab dip check?
The main purpose of a lab dip is colour evaluation. The sample can be compared with the physical standard under agreed light sources, with instrumental data used when required.
Fibre content, construction and preparation can affect the result. A lab dip made on a different substrate should not automatically approve the fabric used for the order. It also does not show print scale, repeat joins or artwork detail.
What is a strike-off?
A strike-off is a trial print of the artwork on the selected fabric or a representative substrate. It allows the buyer to review print scale, motif definition, colour relationships and repeat joins.
In digital textile printing, a strike-off reveals differences between the screen design and the physical fabric. The base colour, absorbency, printing method and finishing process can all change the result. A digital preview therefore does not replace physical print approval.
What questions should a strike-off answer?
- Does the design look correct at its actual scale?
- Are motif edges and small details clear?
- Do the colours work together on the fabric base?
- Are there visible lines or breaks at the repeat join?
- Do the direction and placement suit the intended product?
See the fabric print artwork preparation guide for resolution, colour mode and repeat checks.
What is a production sample?
A production sample is made with the intended fabric, equipment and process conditions, or taken from the actual bulk run. The term can vary between suppliers and buyers, so the order record should state the stage from which the sample is taken.
This sample helps review the print at production scale, the hand after finishing and the overall match to the approved reference. Accepting a production sample does not mean that the entire lot has been inspected. Shade continuity, width, weight and printing defects still require a defined quality control plan.
What is the difference between a lab dip, strike-off and production sample?
| Sample | Main approval | Does not prove by itself |
|---|---|---|
| Lab dip | Solid colour and dye recipe direction | Artwork, repeat or print detail |
| Strike-off | Design, scale, colour relationships and repeat | Bulk production consistency |
| Production sample | Result close to actual production conditions | That the whole lot is defect-free |
This table describes the general purpose of each sample. Terminology and sampling stages vary, so every order should define exactly what the submitted sample represents.
Which sample should be requested?
Use a lab dip when matching a solid dyed colour is the main task. Request a strike-off when the physical appearance of printed artwork needs approval. A production sample or cutting from the bulk lot can then be used to review the result under actual production conditions.
An order may require more than one sample type. For a print on a coloured ground, the ground colour may need a lab dip before the artwork is reviewed as a strike-off. The required sequence depends on product risk, colour sensitivity and the agreed quality plan.
How should sample approval be recorded?
The approval record should include the fabric code, artwork version, colour standard, sample date and approver. The word "approved" is not specific enough by itself. The record should state whether the decision covers colour, scale, hand or another property.
Keep a physical reference sample and give it the same code as the digital record. Read the digital print colour difference guide for colour variables and the fabric sample guide for the wider approval process.
Does sample approval replace bulk quality control?
An approved sample is a comparison reference, not acceptance of the entire production lot. Bulk shade continuity, printing defects, usable width, weight and finishing still need inspection.
The quality plan should define how defects are assessed and how nonconforming material is handled. The digitally printed fabric quality control guide explains these stages in detail.
If your artwork, target fabric and colour reference are ready, DESENIX can help identify the appropriate sample step for your printed fabric request.
Discuss Your Sample and Print RequestFrequently asked questions about lab dips and strike-offs
Is a lab dip enough to approve a printed design?
No. A lab dip is mainly used to develop a solid colour and approve a dye recipe direction. Print scale, colour relationships and repeat joins are reviewed on a strike-off.
Will a strike-off be identical to bulk production?
A strike-off provides a target reference. Differences may occur if the substrate, equipment, finishing or production scale changes.
Does an approved sample mean the whole production lot is accepted?
No. The approved sample is a reference for comparison. The full lot must still be assessed against the quality criteria agreed for the order.