How It Works

DTG printing is a digital printing method that applies water-based ink directly onto fabric using specialized inkjet printers. The process involves the following steps:

1. Design Preparation – A high-resolution digital design is created and uploaded to a DTG printer.
   
   
2. Pre-Treatment – Dark-coloured fabrics require a pre-treatment solution to help the white ink adhere properly and enhance vibrancy. The recommended approach for dark colour shirts is Direct-to-film printing
   
   
3. Printing – The fabric is placed on a platen, and the printer applies ink directly onto the material using CMYK and white inks.
   
   
4. Curing – The printed garment is heat-cured using a heat press or conveyor dryer to set the ink and improve wash durability.
   
   
5. Final Inspection – The garment is checked for quality, ensuring a smooth, detailed, and vibrant print.

This process results in a soft, breathable print with excellent colour detail, making it ideal for custom and on-demand apparel production.

Key Advantages of DTG Printing

Versatility

DTG printing is best suited for white, 100% cotton and high-cotton blends, as natural fibres absorb water-based inks more effectively. While it is primarily used for T-shirts and hoodies, it can also be applied to other cotton-based textiles.

Print Quality & Durability

DTG produces high-resolution prints with rich colour depth, intricate details, and smooth gradients.
Because the ink is absorbed into the fabric rather than sitting on top, the design remains soft and breathable.
Proper curing ensures good wash durability, though care instructions (such as washing inside out and air drying) help maintain longevity.

Cost-Effectiveness

DTG eliminates the need for expensive screens and setup costs, making it an economical choice for small orders, personalized designs, and one-off prints. However, it is less cost-efficient for large-scale production compared to screen printing.

Design Flexibility

DTG allows for full-colour printing, including gradients, photorealistic images, and fine details without the need for colour separations. Unlike traditional printing methods, there are no limitations on the number of colours used in a design.

Washability & Feel

DTG prints have a soft hand-feel, as the ink integrates into the fabric rather than forming a thick layer on top.
Properly cured DTG prints remain vibrant through multiple washes, though they may experience some fading over time compared to DTF or screen printing.