What is Direct-to-Garment Printing? Benefits and How to Get Started
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is a modern apparel printing technique that uses specialized inkjet technology to apply designs directly onto fabric. This method allows for detailed, full-color prints with no need for screens or transfer paper, making it a game-changer for custom apparel brands, print-on-demand businesses, and small-batch orders.
If you’re in the fashion industry or considering starting a clothing brand, understanding DTG printing can help you choose the best printing method for your needs. Let’s dive into how it works, its benefits, limitations, and how it compares to other techniques.
What is DTG and How Does It Work?
DTG printing functions similarly to a home inkjet printer but is designed for fabric. Here’s how the process unfolds:
Design Preparation: A digital image is prepared and adjusted for color accuracy.
Pre-Treatment: The fabric, typically cotton or a cotton blend, undergoes a pre-treatment process to ensure ink adhesion.
Printing: A DTG printer applies water-based ink directly onto the garment, creating a vibrant and detailed print.
Curing: The garment is then heat-cured to set the ink, ensuring durability and wash resistance.
Because DTG doesn’t require screen setups, it’s ideal for small-batch and customized printing.
Design faster and collaborate easier with manufacturers using Uphance PLM
Benefits of DTG Printing
DTG printing has grown in popularity due to its unique advantages:
High-Quality Prints: Delivers sharp details and a wide range of colors, making it perfect for complex and photorealistic designs.
No Minimum Order Requirements: Unlike screen printing, which requires bulk orders, DTG allows for single-piece customization.
Eco-Friendly: Uses water-based inks, which are safer for the environment than plastisol-based screen printing inks.
Quick Turnaround for Custom Orders: Ideal for businesses offering print-on-demand services.
Limitations of DTG Printing
While DTG has many benefits, it does have some drawbacks:
Slower Production Speed: Printing one garment at a time makes it less efficient for bulk production.
Higher Cost Per Unit for Large Orders: Not as cost-effective as screen printing when producing large quantities.
Limited Fabric Compatibility: Works best on 100% cotton fabrics; less effective on polyester or dark-colored synthetic fabrics.
Best Uses for DTG Printing
DTG is an excellent choice for:
Small apparel brands looking to offer unique, customized designs without large inventory investments.
Print-on-demand businesses that fulfill orders as they come in, reducing waste and overhead costs.
Limited edition merchandise for events, artists, or small businesses.
Personalized gifts like custom t-shirts, hoodies, and baby onesies.
Alternatives to DTG Printing
There are several other garment production techniques besides DTG that you can try. Let’s have a look at some of them, together with their pros and cons:
1. Screen Printing
Best For: Bulk orders, simple designs, durable prints.
Screen printing involves pushing ink through a stencil (or screen) onto fabric. It’s been a staple in apparel printing for decades and is ideal for large orders.
Pros:
Vibrant, long-lasting prints.
Cost-effective for bulk production.
Works on various fabric types.
Cons:
High setup costs for small orders.
Limited color variations per design.
2. Heat Transfer Printing
Best For: Small businesses, on-demand printing, affordability.
This method uses heat and pressure to transfer a design from a special paper or vinyl onto a garment.
Pros:
Suitable for different fabrics.
Affordable and easy to set up.
Ideal for low-volume custom orders.
Cons:
Less durable than DTG or screen printing.
Can feel thick or plasticky on fabric.
3. Sublimation Printing
Best For: Polyester garments, all-over prints, high-quality colors.
Sublimation uses heat to convert ink into gas, which embeds into polyester fabric. This results in seamless, durable prints.
Pros:
Permanent prints that won’t crack or fade.
Excellent for bright, full-color designs.
Works well for sportswear and activewear.
Cons:
Limited to polyester and light-colored fabrics.
Not suitable for cotton.
4. Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing
Best For: Versatility across different fabrics, small to mid-sized orders.
DTF printing involves printing a design onto a film, applying adhesive powder, and heat-pressing it onto fabric.
Pros:
Works on various fabric types, including cotton, polyester, and blends.
More durable than traditional heat transfers.
No pre-treatment required.
Cons:
Requires additional steps compared to DTG.
Slightly thicker feel than DTG prints.
Best Practices for DTG Printing
Here are some helpful tips to ensure you make the most of DTG printing.
1. Leverage an ERP System
Juggling material sourcing, inventory, customer orders, returns, etc. can quickly overwhelm you, especially if you rely on manual systems like spreadsheets.
For this reason, it’s best to leverage an ERP system like Uphance, made specifically for apparel businesses. Doing so not only enhances productivity but also lowers costs for your business.
2. Choose the Right Fabric
Not all fabrics work well with DTG printing. The best results come from:
100% Cotton: Absorbs ink effectively, producing vibrant and durable prints.
Cotton Blends: Work well but may result in slightly muted colors compared to pure cotton.
Avoid Polyester: DTG ink does not adhere well to polyester, leading to poor washability.
3. Properly Pre-Treat Your Garments
Pre-treatment is a crucial step for ensuring ink adherence and longevity, especially for dark-colored fabrics.
Apply Evenly: Use a pre-treatment machine or a quality sprayer to ensure consistent application.
Let It Dry Completely: Either air dry or use a heat press to cure the pre-treatment before printing.
Avoid Over- or Under-Treatment: Too much pre-treatment can cause staining, while too little can result in faded prints.
4. Optimize Your Artwork for DTG
DTG printers work best with high-resolution digital designs.
Use 300 DPI Images: Lower resolutions result in blurry or pixelated prints.
Transparent Backgrounds: Ensure your designs have clean edges for seamless printing.
Color Correction: Adjust colors to account for how they will appear on fabric versus a digital screen.
Conclusion
DTG printing is revolutionizing the apparel industry by enabling high-quality, on-demand printing with no setup costs. Whether you’re a small business looking to offer unique designs or an entrepreneur entering the print-on-demand space, DTG can be a valuable tool for your brand.
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