DTG or direct to garment printing is sometimes referred to as just-in-time or full color print. It’s a relatively new printing method that prints directly onto a garment or fabric through what is essentially a modified version of a traditional inkjet printer. It’s like a regular inkjet printer which has been modified to “accept” garments instead of paper. The ink is printed directly onto fabric which results in exceptional softness or “hand” and offers more printing flexibility than screen printing. The color variation is great and the turn-around time is much shorter (especially for smaller orders).
When it first appeared in the market it was originally for light garments only because white ink was not available. As the technology has advanced, DTG printing providers are adding dark garments as an option.
This is perfect for printing a full color photograph, personalized gift or that gag shirt for a friend. The art requirements for our DTG printer aren’t as strict as screen printing. We can print from bitmaps and jpegs on occasion.
Not all garments are a good fit for the DTG printer. Because it sprays the ink on a “low pile” shirt/ garment is best. We can recommend a few but our favorite is the Gildan 2000 and 5000.
DTG printing is not for every job but it certainly opens the door for small quantity jobs and many colors at cost effective prices. Durability is comparable to screen printing because of it’s heat sealed finish.
View some of our DTG samples here:
