5 questions about DTG or Direct-to-Garment

Currently, there are several methods of garment printing. One of the most popular of them is Direct to Garment. So, today we will answer 5 questions about DTG.

Answering 5 questions about DTG

Before answering these 5 questions about DTG, let’s take a look at how and when this technique arose. Let’s go back to 1996 with the introduction of the first DTG printer called “Revolution”, manufactured by the DIS Company in Bradenton, Florida. This printer was not put on sale until 1998. That is why we could say that it is a “new” technique.

1.  What does DTG stand for?

DTG are the initials of “direct to the garment”. That is, the ink system is used to print on the chosen fabric. It is just like a home printer, with the difference that instead of printing on paper, it will do so on fabric.

It should be noted that, although it is a relatively new technology, it is widely used when doing advertising, logo printing, etc.

2.  What is the garment printing process?

Among the 5 questions about DTG one of the most frequent is, what process is followed before, during and after making the direct printing on the clothing.

• Select images in JPG, PNG PDF, EPS, TIFF or PSD format with a resolution of not less than 300dpi.
• Open the program to customize shirts, select the color of the shirt, the position of the logo and the resolution of the image.
• Place the garment in the box, which is generally 35×40 cm.
• Click on the print button and wait 2-3 minutes until printing is ready. In some cases, it has to be printed multiple times. This happens when, for example, the shirt is black and light and dark colors are used in the image.
• Once printing is finished, the garment is dried with a hydraulic iron for 35 seconds.

3.  What are the advantages of printing directly on a garment?

By using state-of-the-art technology, the print quality will be optimal, resulting in very good quality, vivid color images.

Let’s see what other advantages we find in this technique, as we answer these questions about DTG.

Advantages of DTG

• Have the possibility to choose a wide variety of colors. By using design programs, you can modify shades and opacities when making a logo.
• Since digital images can be used, there is the possibility to easily create a design using software. So you can upload it to the provider’s website and easily print shirts with that exact design.
• Speed ​​when carrying out a job (it is worth mentioning that the time between printing and ironing of the garment is less than 5 minutes).
• Can be used for detailed and extensive designs, such as company advertising, custom photos, and more.
• Unlike other techniques, in the case of DTG it can be used on garments of any color.
• If you are going to do a large-scale cotton job and have doubts about the result, this printing method is probably the best option. It is applicable to almost all types of fabric.
• Allows you to make short runs of products, such as uniforms or gifts for your customers.

4.  What disadvantages do I face when using the DTG technique?

Some limitations arise when it comes to printing directly on the garment. This leads people to ask themselves questions about DTG and if it is a profitable way for those who want to use this technique. Let’s discuss several of these disadvantages.

Disadvantages of using the DTG technique

• It can only be used to print cotton garments. Cotton is a natural fiber that has the ability to absorb the ink used in DTG printers. If very rough, heavy or poor quality fabric is used, the result will not be as expected.

• Due to it is generated by a computer program, exact color management can be a challenge since you could select one hue and the program interprets another. The same does not happen with screen printing where you have control of tones and colors.

• It is not profitable for mass production. This is due in part to the cost of the ink. In addition, having the limitation of the type of fabric, it is necessary to use only good quality garments.

• Limited design placement.

5.  How can I keep a garment printed with DTG?

When buying a product, we always want it to last and keep its original color and shape. Perhaps this is why doubts and questions about DTG can arise. We may think our garment is discolored or we may not be able to use certain cleaning products on top of the printed T-shirt.

 What care should I have with the garment?

• When you receive a garment that has been printed with DTG, it will have a little excess shine. This is caused by the transfer paper used to iron the shirt. After the first wash that shine will disappear.
• When washing the garment, it is recommended to use cold water and hand wash as a delicate garment. The stamped area should not be rubbed.
• Do not use a lot of detergent or fabric softener.
• Iron the garment inside out, inside out or with a cloth between the shirt and the iron.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg4gWmo1gXc

In conclusion

Ignorance of this printing technique always raises questions about DTG. But by analyzing both the quality of the work and the speed of it, we can conclude that this technique is effective.

Although it may not be as old as the others, this method offers a range of possibilities that, well used, will result in bright colors and excellent quality work.