Direct to Garment Printing (DTG)

Direct to Garment Printing (DTG) is the newest garment printing technology, offering stunning, realistic images on fabrics. This technique allows designers to use gradients and shading in their designs, making it perfect for creative design t-shirts and custom apparel near me. Whether you're looking for local t-shirt printing or screen printing companies near me, DTG provides a versatile and high-quality solution.

How is DTG Printing Done?

As the name implies, direct to garment printing skips the intermediate transfer film step and prints directly onto the garments, much like an office printer does on paper. Of course, it’s a bit more complicated than printing on paper. Let’s take a look at exactly how DTG printing is done.

  1. You Need a Design Designers have free reign with DTG, but images still need to be high resolution (300dpi) with high image quality settings. Here are a few other graphic design pointers to get the best look possible:

    • Save images in CMYK color type.
    • Images can be saved in a variety of formats, including EPS, AI, TIFF, PCT, PDF, PNG, and PSD. JPEGs can be used, but the other formats are preferred.
    • Convert all text to outlines.

  2. Fabric Pre-Print Treatment Before printing, the shirt is soaked in a liquid that helps the ink adhere. The garment is then dried before printing.

  3. Artwork Preparation Our designers often make final tweaks to file formats to improve compatibility with DTG printers. This doesn’t affect the design; only the way the computer translates it to the printer.

  4. Under Base Layer Setup When printing onto dark fabrics, a new layer is created to place a white base under the other colors, ensuring they pop nicely.

  5. Printing Placing the garment in the printer requires close attention, but once the shirt is aligned and perfectly flat, it’s just a matter of hitting the print button. Soon, out pops a beautiful custom t-shirt. But there’s one more step to make sure the design doesn’t wash out…

  6. Ink Curing Once the ink is dry, the shirt is placed in a heat press for a minute or two. This sets the ink, bonding it to the fabric.

Best Practices for DTG Printing

To achieve the best results with DTG printing, follow these best practices:

  • High-Resolution Images: Ensure your designs are high resolution (300dpi) to avoid pixelation and maintain sharp details.
  • Use CMYK Color Mode: Save your images in CMYK color mode to ensure accurate color reproduction.
  • Pre-Treat Fabrics Properly: Proper pre-treatment of fabrics is crucial for ink adhesion and vibrant colors.
  • Flat and Smooth Garments: Make sure the garment is flat and smooth before printing to avoid any distortions in the design.
  • Test Prints: Conduct test prints to check color accuracy and design placement before running the full batch.
  • Regular Maintenance: Keep the DTG printer well-maintained and clean to ensure consistent print quality.

How Long Does the DTG Process Take?

The DTG printing process can vary in duration depending on several factors, including the complexity of the design, the number of garments, and the specific equipment used. On average, the entire process from design preparation to ink curing can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes per garment. This includes:

  • Design Preparation: 5-10 minutes
  • Fabric Pre-Treatment: 5 minutes
  • Printing: 5-10 minutes
  • Ink Curing: 1-2 minutes

For larger orders, the time per garment may decrease slightly due to efficiencies in the setup and printing process.

A Brief History of DTG

DTG is the newest fabric printing process on the market, dating back to the 1990s when Matthew Rhome invented the first printer prototype. His machine was marketed in the late 90s, and his patent came through in 2000. Rhome is considered the father of DTG printing and leads Epson’s Direct to Garment Business Development division. Today, DTG is widely used for custom t-shirts Wichita, KS, screen printing Wichita, KS, and custom screen printing near me.

Direct to Garment Printing: Advantages and Drawbacks

This technique has gained huge popularity for small print runs because setup costs are very low, but the printing process itself takes longer than other techniques. Here are a few other pros and cons of DTG printing:

Advantages:

  • Finer Color Patterns: DTG can print finer color patterns than screen printing and transfer printing options, including photo-realistic images with gradients, shading, and fine detail.
  • Soft Feel: This process leaves the shirt feeling soft and supple, rather than smooth and stiff.
  • Millions of Color Options: DTG offers a vast range of colors.
  • Low Setup Cost: Ideal for small print runs.
  • Environmentally Friendly: DTG’s water-based inks are more environmentally friendly than other options.

Disadvantages:

  • Fabric Compatibility: DTG uses only water-based inks that are not compatible with polyester or water-repellent fabrics. However, it’s a great way to print vibrant designs on cotton shirts.
  • Slower Printing Process: DTG is slower than other methods.
  • Color Fading: Colors may fade over time due to the use of water-based inks.
  • Design Placement: Designs can only be placed in specific parts of the garment.

Why Choose Us for DTG Printing?

Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction sets us apart from other screen printing companies and printing companies in Wichita, KS. We understand the importance of delivering products that meet your expectations, which is why we use only the best materials and techniques. Whether you're looking for screen printing Wichita, KS, or Wichita embroidery, our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service and results. From printing Wichita, KS, to print shops Wichita, KS, we are your go-to source for all your custom apparel needs.

Get Started Today

Ready to elevate your brand with high-quality DTG printing? Contact us today to discuss your project and discover how our services can help you achieve your goals. Whether you need custom t-shirts Wichita, KS, custom screen printed shirts, or custom track and field uniforms, we have the expertise and resources to bring your vision to life. Visit our print shop Wichita, KS, or explore our printing services Wichita, KS, to get started. We look forward to working with you and providing the best custom apparel solutions for your needs.

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