What is Direct-to-Garment Printing?

By ShirtSpace | Dec 12, 2024 |  Updated Dec 12, 2024

If you’ve caught yourself wondering, “What is direct-to-garment printing?” You’ve come to the right place. We are about to take a deep dive into what DTG is and the benefits of DTG printing.

Hero image credit: Sergey Ryzhov from Getty Images

What is DTG Printing?

DTG printing is a method of apparel decoration that uses a specialty ink jet printer to produce a picture directly onto a garment, such as a t-shirt or sweatshirt. This results in highly detailed graphics and logos that are more colorful and detailed than a heat transfer vinyl (HTV) design and are applied in one pass over, unlike multicolored screen-printed designs.

What Does DTG Mean in Printing?

So, what is DTG printing? DTG is an acronym that stands for “direct-to-garment”. The name refers to a printer that can produce images on textile surfaces without a heat press or screens, just as a typical office printer prints on paper. Using machinery for design applications means that the printer needs to be dialed in perfectly for best results.

How Does DTG Printing Work?

Shirt pictured: Gildan G640 Adult Softstyle® T-Shirt in “black”.

DTG is a modern printing process accomplished using an ink jet printer, water-based inks, blank apparel (with a high GSM or stitch density for a smooth printing surface), and curing equipment. Here is a step-by-step explanation of how DTG works:

HOW TO DIRECT-TO-GARMENT (DTG) PRINT:

1. Design Preparation
   • Start with a digital design file (formats like PNG, PSD, SVG, etc.)
   • Using software that is compatible with the printer, adjust the digital design file for size, placement and coloring.
2. Pre-Treatment (for Dark Colors)
   • A pre-treatment solution is applied to the fabric (where the design will go) to allow the ink to:
     • Firmly adhere.
     • Create a base layer so that the colors appear vibrant.
3. Printing
   • The garment is loaded onto the platen and secured in place.
   • The ink jet printer feeds the clothing through, depositing ink as it moves.
4. Curing the Ink
   • Use a heat press or conveyor dryer to make sure the ink is completely dry and adhered.
5. Final Inspection
   • Make sure the design is aligned correctly on the piece of clothing, colors are vibrant, and design placement is correct.

Benefits of DTG Printing Custom Garments

Hoodie pictured: Champion S1781 Cotton Max 9.7 oz. Pullover Hood in DISCONTINUED COLOR. 

DTG printing is an innovative way to put a picture on a t-shirt, with benefits that make it the perfect match for certain business types and purposes. Here is what makes DTG stand apart in the world of apparel decoration:

• Additional Income Stream Opportunities: DTG printers are also capable of printing their designs onto clear sheets of film, also know as DTF, or direct-to-film, prints. You can then sell these films to other decorators who can heat press them onto apparel, creating additional streams of revenue for your business.
• Eco-friendly: Water-based and non-toxic inks are more sustainable than other printing options.
• Production Flexibility: Print as little or as many pieces as you need. Print one piece without costly and time-consuming setup and supply costs that comes with other printing methods, such as screen printing. Provide print-on-demand services and custom orders much easier, and with quicker turnaround times.
• Soft Prints: No rough, scratchy or overly stiff prints with DTG!
   

Drawbacks of DTG Printing

Every decoration method has its drawbacks – from limitations to fabric and placement, high cost, or complex steps required. Here are the reasons why you might not want to go with DTG and instead choose another printing method:

• Initial Expense: DTG printers are typically quite an expensive investment. Pricing out how long it will take for the machine to become profitable can help you determine if purchasing one is a smart choice for your budget.
• Learning Curve: DTG printers are advanced pieces of machinery and require quite a bit of research, reading and practice to get up and running. Prepare to troubleshoot on occasion!
• Machine Maintenance: DTG printers require regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent clogs in the nozzles, especially if the printer isn’t used frequently.
• Slower Production for Bulk Orders: DTG printers typically handle one garment at a time and take a few minutes per pieces. This is all while the printer deposits the ink and the garment is fed through the machine.
• Dark-Colored Garments Often Need Pre-Treatment: A white base is often required on dark fabrics so that colors appear vibrant and the next ink layer adheres correctly.
• Design Placement Limitations: Printing on areas such as sleeves or seams is not possible on most DTG machines
   

Why Choose DTG Printing Over Other Decoration Methods?

Shirt pictured: District DM130DTG Perfect Tri® DTG Tee in “black frost”.
 

• Create Highly Complex Designs: Designs with many details, such as fine lines or an abundance of colors, that were once impossible to achieve with vinyl or screen prints are now easy to print with DTG. You can even go as far as printing photorealistic images!
• Color Options: Unlike HTV and screen printing, you can include an unlimited number of colors. Additionally, it’s easier to nail smooth color gradients with DTG.
• Less Physically Demanding to Produce Once Settings Are Optimized: Although there is a learning curve when it comes to all the technical aspects of handling a DTG printer, once you have the correct settings applied, you can mostly sit back and watch the printing magic happen! Screen printing and operating a heat press can be more physically demanding when carrying out large printing runs. 
   

Common Misconceptions About Direct-To-Garment Printing

Although DTG printing is a popular decorating method, it can sometimes be misunderstood. Let’s clear some things up about these frequent direct-to-garment printing assumptions: 
 

• “DTG prints won’t last long”
  The truth is, DTG can last just as long as other printing methods. However, factors such as apparel, ink and printer quality all play an essential role in how durable DTG-printed apparel will last. Laundry care also have a major impact. Washing using cold water on a gentle cycle and air drying is the best way to preserve any custom-decorated piece of clothing. 
  
   
• “DTG is too expensive for small orders”
  Since investments in set-up costs and time spent are much less than screen printing, DTG printing is actually ideal for small runs and individual pieces.
  
   
• “DTG is not meant for large print runs”
  Despite the fact that DTG printers are ideal for small orders, large orders can still be achieved. Although it may take more time to print, this method takes much less effort, which is worth something, right!?
  
   
• “DTG quality does not compare to screen printing”
  This depends on the design at hand. For simpler designs, screen printing can produce better results. But for highly detailed designs with an abundance of colors, such as a photorealistic image, DTG definitely excels.
  
   
• “DTG isn’t environmentally friendly”
  When it comes to apparel printing, DTG is one of the most eco-friendly options available for decorators. This is partly due to the non-toxic, water-based inks that the ink jet printers take and partially due to the “print on demand” quality of DTG printers. DTG printers typically produce less waste and excess inventory overall.
  
   
• “DTG is only for light-colored garments”
  DTG produces fantastic results on light-colored garments. But that does not mean you are limited to light colors. Dark-colored garments sometimes require pre-treatment processes with a white ink underlay in order to achieve the desired vibrancy. 
   

Maximizing DTG Printing for Your Custom Projects

Shirt pictured: District DM130DTG Perfect Tri® DTG Tee in “black”.

One of the best ways to ensure high-quality DTG prints is to decorate apparel that is manufactured with DTG specifically in mind. How exactly do you find these products? Often, “DTG” is included in the product title or, at minimum, in the product description. Gildan ranks its products on a scale of “good”, “better” and “best” for DTG printing, District has an adult unisex Perfect Tri® DTG tee, and Port & Company offers Core Cotton DTG t-shirts. But those are not all of the DTG apparel carried here at ShirtSpace. Browse our entire selection of DTG-compatible products, which are perfect for your next big project!
 

DTG T-Shirts	DTG Accessories
DTG Sweatshirts	DTG Bags
DTG Tank Tops	DTG Pants

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• Gildan T-Shirts: A Top Choice By Printers For DTG Shirts
• What is DTF Printing? Your New Favorite Way To Decorate T-Shirts!
• T-Shirt Design & Logo Placement Guide
• How to Place a Logo on a Shirt
• What is GSM in Fabric, and Why Does it Matter?
• How to Get in on the Wholesale Shirts Business
• How To Make Money Selling Custom T-Shirts
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