So you have decided that you want to create a couple of t-shirts: perhaps you are an up-and-coming influencer and need some quality t-shirts for your following, or you want to organise a giveaway and need branded t-shirts? The point is you only need a limited amount of quality merchandise for your brand. Direct-to-garment printing, or DTG printing, could be your answer.
Regardless of your purpose, we decided to write a guide for those of you who are interested in the different types of printing techniques for t-shirts. We have previously published another guide on the screen printing t-shirt technique so before heading there, read this guide to DTG printing.
What is DTG Printing?
Direct-to-garment printing works by spraying a garment with ink and allowing this to soak into the fibres, similar to printing on paper. A specialised DTG printer is used that allows for the ink to be controlled and precisely directed. DTG printing goes hand-in-hand with 100% cotton fabric and, for the best results, this material is recommended. However, cotton blends can also be successful.
How Does a Direct-to-Garment Printer Work?
During the DTG printing process, we utilise a direct-to-garment printer that works in the same way a regular office printer does. It’s just as precise as one, so that means you are able to print highly detailed and complex designs (yes, photographs as well). This special printer directly injects the ink into the garment and it utilises water-based inks which make it easier for the fabric of the t-shirt to absorb them. Like a regular one, a direct-to-garment printer ensures that your final design is printed with rich details.
The DTG printer allows you more freedom than the screen printing technique due to its technology. Its smart printer makes it possible for you to print really intricate images or designs that are composed of unique gradients and meticulous details. The printed design is also soft to the touch and this is because the direct-to-garment printer prints ‘’inside’’ the fabric not ‘’onto’’ it.
How Does the DTG Printing Process Start?
The DTG printing process takes place in four simple steps.
1. Making it Ready
The area that is going to have your design on it is first sprayed with a special solution in order to allow the fabric to be ready for the settlement of the ink. Then, it is let to dry for a while.
2. Preparing the Design
To make it ‘’printable’’, professionals have to turn it into the right format that will allow them to print the design. It is always recommended that the artwork should be saved at a resolution of 300 DPI.
3. Stretch Time
The professionals then make sure that any crease will go away, which allows the design to be perfectly printed into the fabric. One mistake and everything could be compromised. To help do this, the garment is mounted onto a platen.
4. Action
The final step is to let the DTG printer do its job and print the design. This usually takes more time as opposed to other techniques due to the complexity of the designs. All that’s left is to cure the design and let it dry.
What Types of Designs Suit DTG Best?
DTG printing is particularly well-suited for designs that involve intricate details, gradients, and a wide range of colours. It excels at reproducing high-resolution images, photographs, and complex artwork with fine lines or small text. Designs that require vibrant and precise colour reproduction can also benefit from DTG printing, as it offers a broader colour spectrum compared to some other printing methods.
It is also ideal for small-batch or customised prints, where each garment can have a unique design. This flexibility makes it a popular choice for personalised apparel, such as custom t-shirts, hoodies, or promotional merchandise.
The Advantages of DTG
Direct-to-garment printing offers several advantages that make it a popular choice for many individuals and businesses.
- High-Quality Prints: DTG printing allows for the reproduction of intricate designs, fine details, and vibrant colours with excellent clarity and precision. It can accurately capture gradients, shadows, and complex artwork, resulting in professional-looking prints.
- Versatility: DTG printing is compatible with various fabric types, including cotton, blends, and certain synthetic materials. It can be used on a wide range of garments, such as t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, and more. This versatility makes it suitable for different applications and customer preferences.
- Customisation and Personalisation: With DTG printing, each garment can be customised with unique designs, names, or personalised messages. It is an ideal choice for small-batch or one-off prints, allowing for on-demand production and individualised products.
- Quick Turnaround Times: DTG printing offers fast production times, especially for small quantities. The absence of screen setups or colour separations reduces the preparation time required for each design, making it efficient for time-sensitive projects.
- Cost-Effective for Small Runs: DTG printing eliminates the need for costly screen setups, making it a cost-effective option for small production runs. It is particularly beneficial for businesses or individuals looking to print small quantities.
Is it Eco-Frinedly?
This printing technique can be considered relatively more Eco-friendly compared to some traditional printing methods. It uses water-based inks that are generally free from harmful chemicals and toxins, making them safer for both the environment and human health. Additionally, DTG printing allows for precise ink placement, resulting in minimal ink waste compared to other techniques like screen printing, where the excess ink is often discarded.
The process also eliminates the need for screen preparation, reducing the consumption of materials and energy associated with screen production. However, it’s important to note that DTG printing still requires electricity to operate the printers and may generate waste through the disposal of ink cartridges and maintenance supplies. But, it does offer Eco-friendly advantages in terms of ink usage and chemical safety.
DTG vs Screen Printing
You might be wondering how DTG printing compares to the method of screen printing. Read our comparison to help you decide which option is right for you.
DTG printing offers several advantages, making it a popular choice for many. It is ideal for small quantities and on-demand printing, allowing for efficient production. With its high precision, DTG printing can accurately reproduce intricate designs, fine details, and vibrant colours, resulting in visually appealing prints. The versatility of DTG printing extends to various fabric types, enabling customisation and personalisation of each garment to meet individual preferences. It offers quick turnaround times without the need for setup or colour separations, streamlining the production process. Moreover, DTG printing utilises water-based inks, which are considered eco-friendly.
However, it’s important to consider the limitations of DTG printing, such as its decreased cost-effectiveness for large production runs and potential restrictions when working with certain fabric types and synthetic materials. The operation of DTG printers requires electricity, and the maintenance and disposal of ink cartridges can generate waste, necessitating responsible disposal practices.
Screen printing offers several advantages that make it a preferred choice for certain applications. It is cost-effective for large production runs, making it an efficient option for high-volume printing. Screen printing is well-suited for simple designs with limited colours, and it can be used on various materials like fabric, paper, and plastics, providing versatility. Additionally, screen printing offers durability, resulting in long-lasting prints, and allows for the use of special inks such as metallic or neon colours, adding unique visual effects. However, screen printing has limitations to consider. Set-up costs and time-consuming colour separations can be expensive, making them less feasible for small-scale projects.
Compared to DTG printing, screen printing has limitations in reproducing intricate details and gradients. It is not suitable for small-batch or on-demand printing due to the requirement of separate screens for each design, which increases production time and costs. Moreover, screen printing can generate more ink waste compared to DTG printing, which should be taken into account for environmental considerations.
In short, DTG printing is advantageous for small quantities, intricate designs, customisation, and quick turnarounds. It is more suitable for on-demand or personalised printing. On the other hand, screen printing excels in large production runs, simplicity, and durability. It is cost-effective for designs with limited colours but may be less suitable for intricate or complex artwork. Both methods have their strengths and considerations, and the choice between them depends on specific requirements, budget, and desired outcomes.
Is the DTG Printing Right for Me?
Direct-to-garment printing is a versatile technique that works well with a wide range of garments. It is also suitable for both white and coloured fabrics and provides realistic details which make the overall quality of the printed design quite intriguing.
This technique is widely preferred whenever someone wants to have a highly detailed design printed. However, as the ink is water-based, you can expect the design to fade a little bit after a couple of washes. If you’re looking for a printed design that is going to last, then the screen printing technique might be your cup of tea.
If you are looking to print only a couple of t-shirts (up to 20) then DTG t-shirt printing is your best solution. If you require larger batches we recommend the screen printing technique, which is more time and money effective. We also cover the DTF printing method if you’re interested in learning more about our printing techniques.
For more information about our range of printing techniques, explore our services. If you’d like some expert advice on what type would best suit your needs, contact us today.
FAQ
How long does DTG printing last?
The longevity of DTG printing largely depends on various factors such as the quality of the printer, ink, and pre-treatment, as well as how the garment is cared for. Generally, DTG prints can last for several years with proper care. They can withstand multiple washes and maintain their colour vibrancy, but over time, the print may fade gradually. It is also best to avoid applying a hot iron to the design, if necessary, iron on the reverse on a cool heat.
Is DTG better than screen printing?
Whether DTG or screen printing is better depends on the specific requirements and preferences. DTG printing offers several advantages over screen printing, such as the ability to produce intricate designs with vibrant colours and gradients, efficient production of small batches or customised prints, and the absence of setup costs or minimum order quantities. On the other hand, screen printing can be more cost effective for larger production runs and when using specific types of inks, such as metallic or neon colours.
Is DTG printing worth it?
The worthiness of DTG printing depends on the specific context and needs. DTG printing can be highly valuable for businesses or individuals requiring small quantities, personalised designs, or intricate artwork with multiple colours. It provides flexibility, quick turnaround times, and the ability to accurately reproduce complex designs. However, for large-scale production runs or simple designs with limited colours, other printing methods like screen printing may offer better cost-efficiency.
What is the DTG method of printing?
DTG printing is a method of printing directly onto garments using specialised inkjet printers. The process involves pre-treating the fabric to enhance ink absorption, loading the garment onto a flatbed printer, and printing the desired design onto the fabric using water-based textile inks. DTG printing allows for high-resolution prints with precise colour reproduction and can be used on a variety of fabrics, including cotton, blends, and some synthetic materials. The method offers greater design flexibility and eliminates the need for screens or stencils, making it suitable for small-scale or on-demand printing.