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Whether you’re new to direct-to-garment (DTG) technology or have been wearing DTG-printed clothing for a while, understanding this innovative printing method can be highly beneficial – especially when starting a print-on-demand business.

In this article, we take a closer look at direct-to-garment printing – its strengths and weaknesses, how it works, and which fabric is the best to print on.

We also provide some practical tips for creating a successful direct-to-garment design and explore some of the best print-on-demand products that are the perfect canvas for DTG printing.

Key takeaways

• High-quality designs made easy: DTG printing offers unmatched detail and vibrant colors, making it ideal for bringing your creative vision to life on custom t-shirts and apparel.
• Perfect for small businesses and on-demand printing: With no minimum order requirements, DTG printing is meant for entrepreneurs and artists who want to print small batches or test new designs.
• Eco-friendly and sustainable: Unlike traditional printing methods, DTG uses water-based inks and minimizes waste, making it a more environmentally friendly choice.
• Versatility on fabrics: While DTG printing works best on natural fabrics like cotton, technological advancements allow for customization on a wider range of materials, offering greater flexibility for your project.

What is DTG printing?

Direct-to-garment (DTG) is a printing process that uses modified inkjet technology to spray water-based inks onto apparel. It allows for intricate full-color designs with minimal setup. Unlike screen printing, the DTG process requires minimal setup time and is less labor-intensive, making it ideal for small-quantity orders.

As a cost-effective way to create detailed designs, DTG is a go-to printing method for many businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide.

The cherry on top? There are no order minimums, allowing people to order as few or as many products as they like. 

How does DTG printing work?

Although DTG printers and their models may vary, a few basic steps should always be followed when it comes to the DTG printing process.

Pre-Treatment Process

Pretreatment for DTG shirt printing is essential. With it, multi color designs in DTG inks are going to adhere better to the garment. On top of that, it’ll prevent the ink from washing off and enhance the vibrancy of colors.

Here are two ways it’s applied:

• Hand spraying. Involves manually pre-treating with a sprayer, which should be done as evenly as possible, using a smooth back-and-forth motion. 
• Pre-treatment machine. A device that you put your shirt into and have it pre-treated automatically.

Printing Process

After the pre-treatment has dried, it’s time to place the garment in the DTG printer and begin the digital printing.

All garments – except white ones – have a white underbase applied first to enhance the vibrancy of the final print.

As soon as the underbase is printed, the DTG printer adds the rest of the colors. Like an inkjet printer, it uses a mix of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.

Curing Process

When the DTG shirt is printed, it needs to dry for the final time to cure the ink. This helps the garments resist washing and prevent dulling after just a few washes.

Here are two ways DTG-printed apparel can be cured:

• Conveyor dryer. Typically, most industrial manufacturers cure ink using a conveyor dryer.
• Heat press. A good option for small businesses with only a few products to cure. If there are more, it becomes a rather labor-intensive and time-consuming endeavor.

DTG printing: Pros and cons

When it comes to printing for profit, it’s no surprise that DTG has become the preferred choice among entrepreneurs, artists, and other creatives.

However, to get the full picture and better understand digital printing, let’s look at some of its strengths and weaknesses.

Pros:

• High-detail image quality, unlimited colors. DTG prints are exceptional in their quality. This method can recreate intricate designs in the full spectrum of colors, resulting in very detailed and high-quality prints.
• No minimum order quantity. With DTG printing, order as few or as many products as you like. DTG printers offer a cost-effective way to print products on demand.
• Environmentally friendly. Today’s technology has paved the way for using environmentally-friendly inks, and the process is highly energy-efficient.

Although DTG machines have revolutionized the apparel industry, they also have some disadvantages.

Cons:

• Doesn’t work on every textile. Although it depends on the garment printer, blanks used for DTG printing should ideally contain at least 50% cotton to enhance absorption and improve print quality. That said, technology is advancing quickly and digital printing on a polyester textile is no longer a distant dream.
• Limited application surfaces. Unlike sublimation printing, which allows all-over-prints, DTG print surfaces can be limiting. Additional print areas require a lot more manual setup.
• Not optimal for bulk orders. DTG printing is slower than other printing methods. However, it’s ideal for print-on-demand and eCommerce businesses – easily print a few shirts and still make a profit.

Make it happen today!

Best fabrics for DTG printing (with product examples)

Since DTG printers use water-based ink, natural fabrics produce the best results. They absorb ink well, creating vivid colors printed directly onto the garment.

These are the most suitable textiles for DTG:

• Cotton
• Ring-spun cotton
• Combed and ring-spun cotton
• Organic cotton
• Linen, other natural textiles

Unleash your creativity with the power of direct-to-garment t-shirt printing. Browse our wide range of products below and see how your designs can come to life on various apparel and accessories. From classic t-shirts to cozy custom hoodies, the possibilities are endless.

DTG vs screen printing

Choosing the right printing methods for your custom apparel can be tricky. Here’s a quick breakdown of DTG and Screen Printing to help you decide.

Consider these factors before making your choice:

• Upfront investment
• Design complexity
• Product quantity
• Brand image

Here’s a table comparing DTG and Screen Printing:

Key takeaways:

• DTG excels in high-quality, small-batch, detailed designs.
• Screen Printing is perfect for bulk orders, simpler designs, and maximum garment longevity.

Choose the printing method that best suits your business by considering your specific needs.

Explore

Compare DTG vs Screen Printing in detail on our blog.

Tips for your first DTG design

DTG printing allows great precision in image reproduction, meaning you can go as complex as you like regarding colors and details in your designs.

To create a great design, you should:

• Search for inspiration online. Draw inspiration from Amazon, Etsy, Pinterest, and many other sites to see what designs other people are selling.
• Provide high-resolution image quality. When creating designs for shirts or any other apparel, make sure you have a high-resolution image. This way, the DTG printer can create a clear, sharp, and colorful print.

The key is to make sure your designs are saved in the highest resolution possible for the best print quality.

• Ensure you follow the print file requirements to achieve the best DTG prints possible.

In the side panel of our Product Creator (formerly known as the Mockup Generator), view specific file requirements for each design area of the garment. Click here to learn more.

• Create mockups to view how your printed garments will look in real life.

After you’ve finished your design, our Product Creator allows you to preview the final product and create realistic mockups that you can use on your digital storefront.

Whatever your goals, always strive to connect your brand and your customers. If you’re interested in tips, tricks, and resources on how to create your first design, our recent article will come in handy.

For more information, please visit PO-TRY.

Printify has created a library of free and print-ready designs to make it easier for you. These designs range from Mother’s Day to Halloween and include the most popular sale seasons, such as Christmas and St. Valentine’s day.

The best part is that these designs can be used on products immediately because they’re under a Creative Commons license for commercial use.

Frequently asked questions

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing is a method that uses specialized inkjet technology to print designs directly onto garments. It’s like printing on paper, but on fabric! DTG printers use water-based inks that soak into the fibers for a smooth, high-quality finish.

It depends on your order quantity. DTG is generally more cost-effective for small orders (up to 25 shirts) because there’s minimal setup involved. Screen printing has lower per-unit costs for larger orders (more than 100 shirts) due to economies of scale, but requires upfront setup fees.

DTF (direct-to-film) printing involves printing designs onto a film transfer sheet first, then heat-pressing it onto the garment. DTG printing applies ink directly to the fabric. Here’s a quick comparison:

• DTG: Better for intricate designs and small orders. Offers a wider range of printable fabrics.
• DTF: Faster production for larger orders on specific fabrics (like nylon). May offer brighter colors on dark fabrics.

The main disadvantage of DTG is that it’s slower than screen printing for large orders. Additionally, DTG inks work best on natural fabrics like cotton. While possible on some synthetics, results may vary.

With proper care (washing inside-out on cold), DTG prints can withstand over 50 washes and maintain their quality.

The best method depends on your needs. Consider these factors:

• Order quantity: DTG is better for small orders, and screen printing for bulk.
• Design complexity: DTG excels at intricate designs, screen printing for simpler ones.
• Fabric type: DTG works best on natural fabrics, screen printing on a wider range.
• Turnaround time: DTG is slower for bulk orders, screen printing is faster once set up.

Closing thoughts

In the world of on-demand manufacturing, DTG printing remains unrivaled. If you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey, DTG printing offers a hassle-free way to easily print one-of-a-kind products for your customers.

With many strengths, it’s the go-to printing method for print-on-demand entrepreneurs of all calibers. Here’s why:

• Cost-effective. No investment is required, and anyone can start printing today.
• High-detail print quality. With DTG, the entire design looks photorealistic.
• No minimum order quantity. Order as few or as many products as you wish.
• Environmentally-friendly. With eco-friendly inks, printing is more sustainable.

Whether you want to start a print on demand business, simply print something for yourself, or scale your existing venture, DTG printing offers something for everyone.

Make it happen today!

DTG Printers

DTG Printers are Direct to Garment Printers. Innovative and cutting edge textile printing solutions are now within reach! PRINT ON DEMAND. 100% CUSTOM. There are many types of DTG printers (direct-to-garment printers) available on the market. They vary in sizes, price, and complexity. The type of DTG machine that you choose can determine whether you succeed or fail in the printing business. When looking for the best DTG printer for your business, you need to factor into your business model, capacity, and budget. Buying the wrong type of DTG printer can set you back. However, if you choose the right DTG printer, you will be off on the right foot towards reaching your business goals. We offer both entry level DTG printers, as well as industrial level DTG printers. The Ricoh RI / RIX is an award winning commercial garment printer that is fit for beginner and pros With DTG printing, you can print your designs directly to textile or fabric. DTG printing gives you the freedom to create your own unique t-shirts, hoodies and more, for personal or commercial purposes. DTG PRO makes DTG Printing convenient and affordable with our unique direct print on demand solutions. DTG PRO systems are innovative, cutting-edge Direct to garment machines and inks that produce amazing full color prints on light and dark shirts in just few minutes. DTG PRO printers and inks can print on T-Shirts of all colors, Hoodies, and other garments, like canvas bags...even on denim! Now also available - Ricoh Ri100, Ri, Rix, Ri and Ri DTG printers!
Check out the RICOH DTG UNIVERSITY - explore expert-curated guides, video tutorials, and instructional materials covering the Ricoh Ri100, Ri, RiX, Ri, Ri and more - designed to help you print with confidence and grow your business.

DTG PRO FUSION V2 Direct to Garment Printer

$4,998.99 $6,799.99

0% interest for 6 months

RICOH RI100 Printer - The world's most compact, affordable, and easiest to use DTG all-in-one custom garment printing system

$3,159.00 $3,745.99

0% interest for 6 months

RICOH RI X Printer (Includes Software, Standard Platen, Set of Ink Cartridges, Set of Cleaning Cartridges, Maintenance Materials, Training and Onboarding)

$14,500.00 $22,499.99

0% interest for 6 months

RICOH RI Printer (Includes Software, Standard Platen, Set of Ink Cartridges, Set of Cleaning Cartridges, Maintenance Materials, Training and Onboarding)

$19,500.00 $26,498.99

0% interest for 6 months

RICOH RI Printer (Includes Software, Standard Platen, Training and Onboarding) - does automated pretreatment / enhancing

$23,995.00 $28,994.99

Buying Guide for DTG Printers

We have compiled this guide to help you know which DTG printer is ideal for your printing business.

The three types of DTG printers

1. Entry-Level DTG Printer (approx $5,000 to $10,000 range)

These are commercial off-the-shelf Epson printers that have been converted to direct-to-garment printers. They are budget-friendly DTG printers perfect for startups. DTG manufacturers buy the OEM printers or OEM printer components (printheads etc) and use their own proprietary technology to convert them, build synchronized bases, and RIP software to provide a turnkey DTG printers. These entry-level DTG printers can print hundreds of garments per day at a very affordable price, with quality rivaling even the very expensive $20K+ machines. If you are starting a T-shirt printing business, this is an excellent first choice of printer and allows you to expand as your business grows. DTG Pro offers some of the best value-for-money DTG printers in this category.

2. Mid-Level DTG Printers (approx $15,000 to $25,000 range)

Unlike most entry-level DTG printers, the mid-scale DTG printers are built entirely by their respective manufacturers. This makes them costlier than entry-level DTG printers, even though they offer virtually the same quality and output. Mid-scale DTG printers are often targetted to larger companies and often targetted towards mid-level print shops. When looking for a mid-scale DTG printer, remember to check the print speed, ink cost, and ease of maintenance, and compare them with entry-level printers as you may often find they are very similar in features, but not in price tag. Popular printers in this category include the Epson F / F and the Ricoh RI 100 / RI . The Ricoh RI is probably the best printer in this category - it is unrivaled in Performance and Unbeatable in Price. With a high-accuracy carriage and table, minimum ink drop size of 3 pL, precise table height adjustment, and dressable platens, the Ri delivers beautifully crisp, high resolution images up to x dpi. It is 'Walk-Up' Ready With Automated Maintenance, features a Built-In Interactive Operation Guide With Smart Alerts, Quick-Change Platens for Versatility & Ease of Use. The Ricoh RI is simply the best DTG printer in its class, and offers professional DTG printing at an affordable price. With numerous awards to its credit, glowing customer testimonials, and positive reviews, the RICOH Ri is the ideal direct-to-garment printer not only for those new to the custom apparel industry, but also to print industry veterans who are looking to grow their profits through the additional revenue streams created by direct-to-garment printing.

3. Industrial DTG Printers (approx $25,000 to $100,000+ range)

As the name implies, industrial DTG printers are made for industrial level printing. You will notice names such as Kornit and other very high end production machinery popup in this tier. The Ricoh RI, RICOH RI, the Brother GTX PRO, the Epson F and others also feature here - although the Ricoh RI is actually in a class all on its own - it is arguably the most advanced DTG printer, the first and only DTG printer in its class that can print on 100% cotton, 100% polyester and poly-cotton blends and completely eliminates the need for manual pretreatment! The right industrial DTG printer also depends on your needs and your business model. Before buying a DTG printer, do extensive software and hardware test before committing.

In conclusion, choosing an entry-level DTG printer if it is your first time dipping your legs in the printing business is a wise choice, or even if you are an experienced DTG provider looking to expand on your production needs - a series of entry-level or mid-level DTG machines offer higher output and more redundancy than a more expensive industrial level printer. Silk Screen Print Shops, Embroidery shops and other industry veterans often buy entry level DTG machines to expand their product offering without breaking the bank.

For more information, please visit dtg manufacturer.