Direct to garment printing (DTG) revolutionized the printing of full-color t-shirt orders for low quantities. Most folks in the apparel industry are familiar with this process, but there are a few things to keep in mind when working on designs that will be printed via DTG.

DTG printers utilize specialized print heads that jet water-based textile ink onto fabrics. These printers work best with natural fibers, like cotton and bamboo. Prior to printing, the fabric is sprayed with a pretreatment liquid, similar to screen printing, that helps the inks bind to the fabric’s fibres.

After the ink is applied, it’s cured by heat from a hot plate or conveyor dryer. Once the curing is complete, the design is ready to wear.

Because the ink is bonded directly to the garment, this method creates a more durable print than other methods. The designs won’t peel off or fade over time, unlike screen prints that can easily flake, bubble, and crack.

This printing method is also extremely versatile and can be used on a variety of different products. T-shirts, hoodies, hats, polos, dresses, and other items can be printed with the same exact design using this technique. This makes it a great option for businesses that want to sell their brand on a range of apparel.

The most significant advantage of DTG printing is that it’s a very cost-effective way to produce large quantities of custom merchandise in a short period of time, even for one-off orders. Because there are no screens to build and inks to spray, this is a much faster and cheaper printing method than other options such as screen printing or embroidery.

In addition to this, DTG can be used to print detailed graphics and images. It is a great choice for those who have a specific vision for their design, or are looking to print a photo of someone special on a t-shirt.

However, it is important to note that DTG can be difficult to work with if your design has a lot of fine details or is a gradient of colors. It’s always best to consult with your decorator before sending over a design that will be printed via DTG. This will help to ensure that your expectations are aligned and there are no surprises when you receive the order.

One downside of DTG printing is that the dyes in the inks can often leave behind visible traces on some fabrics, especially when printed on white or black garments. This can be an issue for some people, but it isn’t a huge deal for most. This is why it’s important to test your designs with a few garments beforehand to see how they turn out. This is why it’s important to work with a reliable supplier that can provide a sample shirt to you before the full production run. We’ve put together a handy guide on how to size your artwork for DTG printing here, so you can get an idea of what it will look like before ordering your product. direct to garment printing