DTG printing

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing is an advanced method for creating custom apparel, using specialized inkjet technology to print designs directly onto fabric.

DTG delivers full-color prints with complex detail, making it an excellent choice for small print runs where flexibility and cost-effectiveness are key.

Read on as we break down how DTG printing works, its advantages and challenges, and share tips to help you create designs that look great when printed.

What is DTG printing?

DTG printing is a modern printing method that uses advanced inkjet technology to print designs directly onto textiles.

Unlike traditional techniques like screen printing, which require separate stencils for each color, DTG printing works by applying ink directly to the fabric, similar to how a standard inkjet printer prints on paper.

By directly printing to the garment, DTG creates incredibly detailed designs with virtually unlimited color options. It can reproduce graphics, gradients, and photorealistic images with excellent accuracy and vibrancy.

Moreover, the inks used in the process are specially formulated to bond with the fabric fibers, creating a durable, long-lasting print that maintains quality wash after wash.

How does the DTG printing process work?

To better understand the process behind DTG printing, let's break down the step-by-step process:

Garment pretreatment: The first step is to pretreat the garment with a specialized solution that helps the ink adhere to the fabric more effectively. This pretreatment ensures a crisp and durable final print.
Loading the garment: Once pretreated, the garment is carefully loaded onto the DTG printer's flatbed, which holds the fabric flat and steady during printing. This ensures consistent, even printing across the entire design.
Printing the design: Using a specialized print head, the DTG printer applies the ink directly to the garment. The print head moves across the fabric, depositing tiny droplets of ink to create the desired design, much like an inkjet printer on paper, but with textile-specific inks.
Curing the ink: After printing, the garment is placed in a heat press or conveyor dryer to cure the ink. The heat helps the ink fully penetrate the fabric fibers, creating a permanent, washable print that won't crack, peel, or fade over time.

DTG printing offers fast turnaround times and low minimum order quantities, making it perfect for both small and large-scale custom apparel projects.

Is DTG printing good quality?

DTG printing produces high-quality, vibrant prints that are both durable and long-lasting.

The specialized inks used in the process are designed to bond with the fabric fibers, ensuring that your designs won't crack, peel, or fade over time.

So, how long does DTG printing last, exactly? With proper care, DTG prints can last just as long as the garment itself. Your custom apparel will look great wash after wash, maintaining its sharp details.

Is DTG better than screen printing?

Here’s another question we hear a lot: "Is DTG better than screen printing?"

The answer depends on your specific needs and preferences.

DTG printing offers an exceptionally broad range of advantages, such as unlimited color options, the ability to print highly detailed designs, and a lower minimum order quantity.

It’s truly a jack-of-all-trades for garment printing and has rapidly become one of the most popular design and customization techniques available.

Conversely, screen printing can produce more vibrant colors and allows for precise color matching, making it especially ideal for printing on darker-colored garments. Moreover, screen printing tends to be more viable for larger orders, while DTG suits small batches or even singular designs.

Pros and cons of DTG printing

Like any printing method, DTG has its advantages and drawbacks. Let's explore some of the key pros and cons:

Pros of DTG printing:

Full-color, high-detail printing capabilities
No color limitations or setup fees for multiple colors
Ideal for small batch orders and print-on-demand services
Allows for personalization and one-off designs
More eco-friendly, with water-based, non-toxic inks and minimal waste

Cons of DTG printing:

Higher cost per unit compared to screen printing for large orders
Slower production speed compared to screen printing
Limited fabric options – works best on 100% cotton or high cotton blends
The pre-treatment process can be time-consuming
Not as cost-effective for designs with few colors or large solid areas
Colors are often less vibrant, making it less ideal for designs that require precise color reproduction.

Despite these limitations, DTG printing remains an excellent choice for businesses and individuals looking to create stunning custom apparel with unique, full-color designs.

Comparing DTG printing with other customization methods

To help you determine if DTG printing is the right choice for your project, let's compare it to two other popular apparel printing methods: screen printing and sublimation.

DTG printing vs. screen printing vs. sublimation
Feature	DTG printing	Screen printing	Sublimation printing
Design complexity	High – allows for intricate designs, gradients, and photorealistic prints	Low to medium – limited by the number of screens and colors used	High – allows for complex, full-color designs
Color limitations	None – prints full-color designs with no color limitations	Limited by the number of screens – typically between 2-4 colors per design depending on the company used	None – allows for full-color designs with gradients and shading
Fabric compatibility	Works best on cotton and high cotton blends; can also print on some polyester garments with proper pretreatment	Various – works on most fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends	Limited to polyester and polyester blends; can also work on light-colored, polymer-coated substrates
Durability	Good – produces durable, long-lasting prints that can withstand multiple washes	Excellent – creates highly durable, long-lasting prints that can withstand frequent washing and wear	Excellent – the dye is infused into the fabric, resulting in a long-lasting, fade-resistant print
Order size for cost efficiency	Low – ideal for small batch orders and print-on-demand services	Medium to high – requires a minimum order quantity to be cost-effective due to setup costs	Low - suitable for small orders and print-on-demand services
Cost for small orders	Low – cost-effective for small orders due to minimal setup costs	High – less cost-effective for small orders due to screen setup costs	Low – cost-effective for small orders due to low setup costs
Cost for large orders	High – less cost-effective for large orders compared to screen printing	Low – highly cost-effective for large orders due to economies of scale	High – less cost-effective for large orders compared to screen printing
Production speed	Slower than screen printing – prints one garment at a time	Fast – can print multiple garments simultaneously using rotary presses	Slower than screen printing – prints one item at a time using a heat press

As you can see, each method has its strengths and weaknesses. DTG printing shines when it comes to design complexity, color options, and small order quantities, making it perfect for highly detailed, full-color designs and print-on-demand services.

Designing for DTG printing

To get the best results from DTG printing, keep these design tips in mind:

Use high-resolution images (at least 300 DPI) for the best print quality
Avoid thin lines, small text, and complicated details that may get lost in printing
Create your design in CMYK color mode for accurate color reproduction
Consider the garment color when designing – darker garments may require a white underlayer
Allow for a slightly larger border around your design to account for any shifting during printing

By following these tips, you’ll set yourself up for great results, creating custom apparel that highlights your design with clarity and style.

The best products for DTG printing

DTG printing works best on garments made from 100% cotton or high cotton blends.

Some of the most popular products for DTG printing include:

T-shirts
Hoodies and sweatshirts
Tote bags
Pillowcases and fabric home décor items

When selecting products for DTG printing, always consider the fabric composition and the garment's ability to withstand the pretreatment and curing processes.

About Our latest work Blogs Glossary

Cookie settings Privacy policy FAQs

Email us