DTG printing (direct to garment) is a process for printing your own custom tees and shirts. It has gained some traction in recent years, but it’s still a relatively new technology. While it’s certainly not a replacement for screen printing or embroidery, it’s a good choice for small to medium print runs.
A Simple Process
The best part about DTG printing is that it’s simple and painless. All you have to do is send in your design, and it’s on its way to your door. But before you get started, you should know a few things about the process.
First, a DTG printer works on the same basic principles as an inkjet printer, but it uses a special print head to apply water-based ink to the fabric. The ink soaking into the fibres of the fabric and being cured by the dryer is the key to a successful print.
While it may take more time than other methods, DTG has the advantage of being able to do multiple unique prints at once. For example, a single DTG printer can produce 16 million colours in one pass. You can also use a DTG to create a full-colour photo.
Aside from the novelty of having a printer that can handle your image, you should know that DTG can be used on a variety of fabrics, including cotton and polyester. However, you should avoid using it on weatherproof materials. This is because the heat transfer process will peel off after a few washes. In general, you should select a smooth fabric for the best results.
The most obvious downside to DTG is the cost. However, there are options for scaling your business with this type of printing. Smaller orders can be returned on the same day, but larger batches might take a few days or even a few weeks.
Lots of Advantages
There are a lot of advantages to choosing a company that offers this type of service. Not only is the cost low, but the quality is better, too. If you are planning on selling tees on your own, a DTG-enabled online store can be a valuable asset. Likewise, you can sell custom tees to other companies and businesses, too.
The best DTG tees are made from 100% cotton, and there are also tees that are made from ringspun cotton. Ringspun cotton is a good choice because it yields the best results. To ensure that your shirts are ready to wear and wash, you can also opt for a pre-treatment. These treatments include ImageArmor Pretreat, which is a 1-12% vinyl chloride copolymer.