About Direct to Garment T-Shirt Printing
Direct to garment printing (or DTG) is a process of printing on fabric using specialized inkjet technology (much like your home printer, only more complex and about 20 times the cost) DTG printing applies specialized textile inks directly into the fibers of the clothing that is being printed.
DTG Advantages
DTG prints look as good or better than traditional apparel printing processes, such as screen printing. You can’t feel the design on the garment, like in screen printing, since the design is printed into the fabric of the apparel. Technologically, direct to garment printing offers great advantages over traditional printing. The amount of time & labor involved with DTG printing is significantly lower than traditional methods. It’s easy to print full color, intricately detailed prints. This makes it more economical to fulfill small runs.
Disadvantages/Limitations of DTG Printing
Even with all the cost and time benefits, there are a few setbacks to DTG printing. DTG inks are also more expensive than traditional printing inks. Direct to Garment printing takes less time to set up than traditional screen printing; however, the printing process itself takes longer per item. Unlike screen printing, where the setup takes the longest and the printing itself is relatively quick, the cost benefit is limited at high quantity runs.
Is DTG Printing Eco-friendly?
Yes. The inks used in DTG printing are water based, pigmented inks that are naturally sourced and environmentally friendly.
History of DTG
Compared to traditional screen printing, DTG printing is a relatively new technology. Direct to garment printing was introduced around 1996. The technology is now relatively commonplace, and many DTG printers are used as t-shirt fulfillment solutions for decorated apparel companies around the globe.
How well does DTG hold up over multiple washes?
DTG prints will remain just as bright and soft and won’t crack when properly cared for. Follow our guide to t-shirt care to avoid cracking or fading. See our recommended care instructions here.
DTG Advantages
DTG prints look as good or better than traditional apparel printing processes, such as screen printing. You can’t feel the design on the garment, like in screen printing, since the design is printed into the fabric of the apparel. Technologically, direct to garment printing offers great advantages over traditional printing. The amount of time & labor involved with DTG printing is significantly lower than traditional methods. It’s easy to print full color, intricately detailed prints. This makes it more economical to fulfill small runs.
Disadvantages/Limitations of DTG Printing
Even with all the cost and time benefits, there are a few setbacks to DTG printing. DTG inks are also more expensive than traditional printing inks. Direct to Garment printing takes less time to set up than traditional screen printing; however, the printing process itself takes longer per item. Unlike screen printing, where the setup takes the longest and the printing itself is relatively quick, the cost benefit is limited at high quantity runs.
Is DTG Printing Eco-friendly?
Yes. The inks used in DTG printing are water based, pigmented inks that are naturally sourced and environmentally friendly.
History of DTG
Compared to traditional screen printing, DTG printing is a relatively new technology. Direct to garment printing was introduced around 1996. The technology is now relatively commonplace, and many DTG printers are used as t-shirt fulfillment solutions for decorated apparel companies around the globe.
How well does DTG hold up over multiple washes?
DTG prints will remain just as bright and soft and won’t crack when properly cared for. Follow our guide to t-shirt care to avoid cracking or fading. See our recommended care instructions here.
