Direct to Garment (DTG): What Is It?

With DTG printing, a printer directly applies the ink onto the t-shirt with inkjet technology. It’s sort of like printing on paper, except on a t-shirt. A special printer prints the ink directly onto the garment in the desired design. DTG uses specialty water-based inks, which are absorbed by the fibers of the garment.

 

Things you should know about DTG printing

Since the DTG printer is as precise as, well, a printer, you’re able to print images in much higher detail than screen printing, and you’re not limited in color. Because the printer can print any image, you have a lot of options to customize your design.

This is also a good option for those who don’t have a lot of money to make an up-front investment for a large batch because each t-shirt can be ordered separately. No need to guess how many of each size to order, and you won’t have unsold items sitting around.

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How can you get a DTG printed t-shirt?

You can stop by or send us an email and we can get the process started! Screen printing is a main method of shirt decoration but we are getting pretty good with the DTG printer. We have the ability to print full color images as our machine is equipped 4 white print channels. We can print from raster images like the photo you take on your phone. Stop by to see what we can do for you today!

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Which printing method is best?

Screen printing and DTG both yield comparable, quality prints, but they differ in method. For one, screen printing is one of the oldest techniques, while DTG is newer technology. Screen printing involves pushing ink onto fabric, while DTG uses a printer to print ink directly onto a garment.

The decision ultimately comes down to your design and the quantity you need. Keep this chart handy – it sums up the points we talked about in this post.

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Screen printing

– cost-effective for large batches

– ideal for simple designs with limited colors

– the more you order, the cheaper they are

– larger upfront investment

– one design per batch

-unlimited design placement 

Direct to Garment (DTG)

– extensive color options

– can print detailed designs and photographs

– ideal for small batches and one-offs

– minimal upfront investment

– not cost-effective for extremely large batches

– limited design placement

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