Your DTG Printing Guide: Addressing the Top 10 Queries

Among all the printing methods utilized by today's printing community, DTG printing continues to hold an important position and is widely applied. In this blog, we have compiled 10 top FAQs and provided corresponding answers to enhance understanding of DTG printing.

Written by Procolored - Published on Jan 23, 2025

Share:

7 minutes read

Share:

Written by Procolored - Published on Jan 23, 2025

PASSAGE SUMMARY

#1. What Can DTG Printing be Used For?
#2. How to Achieve DTG Printing?
#3. Is the Pre-Treatment a Must?
#4. What Ink Does DTG Printing Apply?
#5. What Businesses is DTG Printing Suitable for?
#6. Is DTG Printing Cheaper Than Screen Printing?
#7. Is DTG Printing the Best Choice for Fabric Printing?
#8. Any Color Requirements for the Desired Fabrics?
#9. How Long Can DTG Printing Last?
#10. Any Washing Tips for DTG Printing?

Title

#1. What Can DTG Printing be Used For?

DTG printing, or Direct-to-Garment printing, is an inkjet-based printing process used for printing onto textiles. Unlike screen printing, which requires a stencil or screen to create a graphic template, or DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing that involves initially printing onto a film, DTG printing applies ink directly onto the fabric, streamlining the textile printing process. Typically, DTG printing yields the best results on cotton and is also appropriate for use on polyester, jersey knits, linen, rayon, wool, and other synthetic fabrics. However, it may not perform as well on delicate materials such as silk or tulle.

#2. How to Achieve DTG Printing?

The DTG printing process can be divided into three main stages: pre-treatment, printing, and curing. Let's delve into the details of each stage:

Graphic Design: Begin by designing and finalizing the graphic you wish to print. Ensure the design is complete and has an appropriate resolution for optimal print quality.

Flatten the Fabric: Utilize a heat press to remove any wrinkles from the fabric, ensuring a smooth surface for printing.

Pre-treatment: Secure the fabric on the printing platen and spray it with a pre-treatment fluid. This step is crucial as it helps the ink bond more closely with the fabric.

Printing: After allowing the pre-treatment to dry, initiate the printing process. The DTG p rinter will then directly deposit the inks onto the fabric, offering a straightforward and efficient printing method.

Curing: Curing is an optional step. Some may allow the printed garment to air dry, while others opt for additional heat pressing to accelerate the curing process. Heat curing ensures the inks are more resistant to washing, scratching, and abrasion.

#3. Is the Pre-Treatment a Must?

Indeed, pre-treatment can be considered the most critical yet potentially complex part of the DTG printing process, but it is an essential step. The pre-treatment liquid contains chemical components such as binders and pH adjusters that significantly enhance the adhesion of DTG inks to the fabric. This results in a closer and stronger bond between the inks and the material, enabling a full and accurate reproduction of colors. Without proper pre-treatment, the final DTG print may appear less vibrant and is more prone to fading from washing and abrasion.

#4. What Ink Does DTG Printing Apply?

DTG printing utilizes specialized DTG ink, which typically comprises water-based pigments or dyes suspended in a liquid carrier. Similar to inks used in other printing methods, DTG ink possesses characteristics such as viscosity, vibrancy, and durability. However, what sets DTG ink apart is its eco-friendliness. In comparison to the inks used in screen printing, DTG ink contains lower levels of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), substances that can be harmful to both the environment and human health. Moreover, when compared to DTF ink, DTG ink includes fewer solvents or additives, further contributing to its environmentally friendly profile.

#5. What Businesses is DTG Printing Suitable for?

With its versatility in fabric decoration, DTG printing is extensively used for creating customized products such as garments, cushion covers, caps, bags, and more. Some printing studios also leverage DTG printing for promotional goods like banners, flags, or fabric posters. However, due to its productivity limitations, DTG printing is particularly suited for POD (Print-on-Demand) businesses that cater to smaller quantity printing orders.

#6. Is DTG Printing Cheaper Than Screen Printing?

The choice between DTG printing and screen printing largely depends on the scale of your printing business. For mass production, screen printing is typically ideal. To fulfill a large t-shirt order with the same graphic, you only need to create one stencil and then proceed with repetitive squeegeeing, which offers both high efficiency and low costs per unit. However, for small run orders that involve diverse graphics, screen printing becomes less efficient. Creating multiple stencils for varied designs can be time-consuming, costly, and labor-intensive.In contrast, DTG printing is much better suited for small run businesses. While the initial investment in a DTG printer may be higher than that for screen printing equipment, the simplicity of operation, streamlined workflow, and lower error rates mean that this investment can quickly pay off as you process growing numbers of Print-on-Demand (POD) orders. The versatility and ease of DTG printing make it an attractive option for handling smaller, more varied print jobs efficiently.

#7. Is DTG Printing the Best Choice for Fabric Printing?

Indeed, there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution when it comes to fabric printing methods. The best choice depends on your individual needs and how you plan to engage with fabric printing—whether as a hobby, a side hustle, or a full-time occupation. However, some universal advice can guide you in making the right decision:

For Printing Studios Handling Mass Orders: Screen printing is generally the better option, especially for producing simple and single-colored graphics. It requires less maintenance compared to digital printing methods like DTG and DTF and exhibits higher efficiency for repeatedly printing the same graphic.

For POD Business Owners & Printing Hobbyists: DTG or DTF printing is often recommended due to their ability to deliver prints with higher accuracy and requiring less manual effort, which makes them particularly friendly for beginners in fabric printing. Between the two, DTG printing offers a relatively simpler workflow, although its compatibility with fabrics and color range may be more limited compared to DTF.

#8. Any Color Requirements for the Desired Fabrics?

As previously mentioned, DTG printing directly deposits inks onto fabrics. During this process, the DTG inks adhere to and bond with the fabric's texture, and are also absorbed by it, which can lead to a less vibrant color reproduction. The darker the fabric, the more pronounced this effect becomes, resulting in print colors that appear dimmer. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid using dark or black fabrics for DTG printing to ensure optimal color brightness and fidelity.

image: https://merch38.com/merch38-deals-with-direct-to-garment-dtg-printing/

#9. How Long Can DTG Printing Last?

To achieve high durability, a DTG printing must meet requirements as below:

Presented on suitable fabric that has got pre-treatment, better on fabrics made of over 80% cotton.

Use a qualified DTG printer and DTG inks to deliver the printing.

After the printing, make sure all the inks are completely cured and dried.

Apply proper washing method.

With all the above requirements matched, a DTG printing can endure over 50 washes and remain vibrant and integral.

#10. Any Washing Tips for DTG Printing?

Always wash inside-out, in cold water.