Digital printing or direct to garment (a.k.a. DTG) printing has arrived! We’ve been watching this industry for years and at last the digital print technology has reached our quality standards for art reproduction on dark garments.
The color separation, set up times and number of colors involved made printing complex and/or photographic imagery on darks very cost prohibitive. Rush charges made quick turns for small runs very expensive. DTG makes simulated process prints WITH a quick turn possible and affordable because the art file is printed directly onto the apparel item being decorated using ink jet technology, similar to a home or office paper printer. We can print on:
- T-Shirts
- Hoodies
- Sweat Pants
- Hats
- Bags
- and more!
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT DIRECT-TO-GARMENT PRINTING
Although DTG printing is just as good – perhaps more detailed – than screen print, each medium has a unique quality. For this reason, digital prints should never be used as pre-production samples no matter what the time and cost restraints are.
The pre-treatment on dark shirts may leave a slight discoloration around the printed image area. This is a natural result of the process and disappears with the first wash. All DTG prints should be washed prior to wear. To best preserve the colors in your design, we recommend washing the garments inside out in cold water.
Direct-to-garment printing produces the best results on 100% cotton garments. Polyester thread has a finish that repels the printer inks. Some blends can work, but your best bet is to stick with 100% cotton.
Garments with finishes – such as stain resistant aprons – are not able to be printed digitally.
Are you ready to get started?
Give us a call (435) 628-9442 or request an online quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Digital Printing or Direct to Garment (DTG), and how does it differ from other printing methods.
A. Digital Printing, also known as DTG printing, is a method of printing designs directly onto garments using inkjet technology. It stands out for its ability to produce highly detailed and vibrant prints on dark-colored fabrics. Unlike traditional screen printing, DTG does not require complex color separations, making it cost-effective for small runs and intricate designs.
Q. What types of garments can be printed using DTG?
A. Our DTG printing services are suitable for a wide range of garments, including T-Shirts, Hoodies, Sweat Pants, Hats, Bags, and more. If you have a specific item in mind, feel free to inquire about its compatibility with DTG printing.
Q. How does DTG printing compare to screen printing in terms of quality?
A. DTG printing is known for its exceptional quality and level of detail, often surpassing that of screen printing. It can reproduce complex and photorealistic designs with precision. However, both methods have unique characteristics, and the choice between them depends on your specific project requirements.
Q. Can DTG-printed garments be used as pre-production samples?
A. While DTG printing offers impressive quality, it is not recommended for use as pre-production samples due to the unique qualities of DTG and screen printing. To ensure accuracy, it’s advisable to order separate pre-production samples for evaluation.
Q. Will DTG-printed garments have any discoloration or issues on dark fabrics?
A. The pre-treatment process for dark shirts may result in slight discoloration around the printed image area. This is a natural part of the process and typically fades after the first wash. We recommend washing all DTG-printed garments before wearing them to preserve color vibrancy.
Q. What are the ideal fabric types for DTG printing?
A. DTG printing produces the best results on 100% cotton garments. Polyester threads have finishes that repel printer inks, which may affect print quality. While some blends can be used, opting for 100% cotton is the safest choice
- SCREEN PRINTING
- EMBROIDERY
- SIGN & BANNER
- DIRECT TO GARMENT
- ULTRA COLOR GFX PRINTING
- LASER ENGRAVING
- PROMOTIONAL ITEMS
- GRAPHIC DESIGN
- WEB STORES