What Is a DTG Printing and How Does It Work?

If you want to learn how to start a small clothing business, you have come to the right place! One of the first decisions you must make while creating a clothing line is choosing a printing technique. Screen and DTG (direct-to-garment) printing are two of the most common printing techniques to consider.

 

In this guide, we’ll talk mainly about DTG and how to customize products with DTG printing.

What Is DTG?

Direct-to-garment printing is a digital printing technique that uses specialized inkjet technology to apply an image or design directly to clothing. Unlike the traditional screen printing process, DTG printing does not require screens or setup fees, allowing for shorter turnaround times and lower costs. This makes it ideal for low-volume orders or smaller runs. DTG printing works by transferring ink directly onto fabric with a digital printer.

 

This process is similar to how a regular inkjet printer works, except that instead of printing on paper, it prints on fabric. The fabric is then treated with a unique solution to help the ink adhere to it, resulting in a high-quality image that is permanent and machine washable.

Process of DTG

The process begins with a digital image file. It is then transferred to a computerized DTG printer, which uses specialized water-based inks to print the design directly onto the fabric. The inks used in DTG printing are designed to be soft to the touch and are often referred to as “low-impact” inks because they are non-toxic and eco-friendly.

 

To prepare the fabric for printing, it is first pre-treated with a solution that helps the ink adhere to the fabric. After pre-treating, the fabric is loaded into the machine, and the image is printed directly onto the garment. The printer then applies a heat press to the garment to help the ink bond to the fabric, resulting in a high-quality, durable image.

 

DTG printing is ideal for businesses and individuals who want smaller runs of custom apparel or need a quick turnaround time. It is also great for businesses that offer a wide variety of designs, as it eliminates the need to create screens for each design. Additionally, DTG printing is an excellent option for businesses that want to offer custom t-shirts and other apparel without having to invest in traditional screen printing equipment.

 

Overall, DTG printing is an ideal option for businesses and individuals looking for a cost-effective and quick way to create custom apparel. With its low setup costs, short turn-around times, and environmentally friendly ink, DTG printing is a great choice for those who need high-quality custom apparel. You can get started with your clothing line printing easily with DTG printing.

What Is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is a printing technique used to produce designs on textiles, fabrics, paper, and other materials. It involves passing ink through a woven mesh stencil, creating a design on the material’s surface. The stencil is a template that blocks off certain areas of the material, allowing the ink to remain in place and form the desired design.

 

Screen printing is one of the oldest and most versatile methods of printing and is used in a wide variety of industries, including apparel, promotional items, signage, and home décor.

 

Screen printing is a great way to create unique designs on various materials. It is also a cost-effective printing method, as it does not require expensive printing presses or other equipment. It is a versatile method, as it can be used to create complex multi-color designs. With suitable materials and a bit of practice, anyone can create beautiful and unique designs using screen printing.