HOW TO USE Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing
Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing is a method of printing designs directly onto textiles like t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and tote bags. It’s a digital printing process, similar to how an inkjet printer works on paper, but with special inks and pretreatments for fabrics.
Here’s a breakdown of the DTG printing process:
- Garment Preparation: The garment is placed on a platen, which keeps it flat and wrinkle-free during printing. Some fabrics may require pre-treatment with a special solution to improve ink adhesion.
- Digital Design: Your design is created digitally on a computer using graphic design software.
- Printing Process: The DTG printer uses inkjet printheads to jet pigmented inks directly onto the garment. These inks are water-based and specially formulated for fabrics.
- Curing: Once printed, the garment is heat-pressed to cure the ink and ensure it bonds permanently with the fabric fibers.
Advantages of DTG Printing:
- Versatility: DTG can print a wide range of colors and designs, including complex details and photographs.
- Customization: It’s perfect for on-demand printing, allowing you to create single items or small batches with unique designs.
- Lower minimums: Compared to screen printing, DTG often has lower minimum order requirements, making it ideal for startups or small businesses.
- Faster turnaround times: DTG printing is typically faster than screen printing, especially for small orders.
Disadvantages of DTG Printing:
- Cost-effectiveness: While lower for small orders, DTG printing can be more expensive per unit for larger quantities compared to screen printing.
- Fabric limitations: DTG works best with natural fabrics like cotton. Synthetic fabrics may require special pre-treatment or may not be suitable for DTG printing at all.
- The feel of the print: The ink may feel slightly raised or stiff on the garment compared to screen printing.
Overall, DTG printing is a great option for creating custom, high-quality clothing with a wide range of designs. It’s particularly well-suited for on-demand printing, small businesses, and personalized products.