WHAT IS DTG?
DTG (Direct To Garment) is a textile customization technique that consists of printing directly onto the garment using a specialized printer, similar to an inkjet printer. It’s a perfect option for full-color designs with lots of detail, without the need for intermediate steps.
How does the process work?
- Digital design: The design is created on a computer.
- Garment pretreatment: A special liquid is applied to the garment (especially if it’s dark-colored) to help the ink adhere properly.
- Direct printing: The garment is placed into the DTG printer, and the design is printed directly onto the fabric using water-based textile inks.
- Curing: Heat is applied (with a heat press or conveyor dryer) to permanently set the ink.
Advantages of DTG
- Supports complex designs, gradients, and photo prints.
- Doesn’t require screens or molds, reducing costs for small runs.
- Can be printed on 100% cotton garments (best results on light fabrics).
- Ideal for fast, one-off, or on-demand customizations.
When is DTG a good choice?
It’s ideal if:
- You want to print a full-color or highly detailed design.
- You need a small quantity or personalized orders.
- You want to avoid complex processes like screen printing or embroidery.