DIRECT TO GARMENT (DTG)
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.
OUR PROCESS
STEP ONE
Send your order information to one of our Merch & Branding Specialists by emailing us at sales@branded.ink or by submitting it through our online Quote/Order form. If you prefer a personal touch and want to see products in person, we're happy to meet with you at our showroom. Once you receive your quote or order confirmation, please verify the order details, including quantity, sizes, and any specific instructions.
STEP TWO
Submit your design work to your Merch & Branding Specialist. Feel free to email us anytime sales@branded.ink with your design. Once your order is approved and a deposit is made, we will send your order to our Art Department where magic is made. If you have production files already made, you know the drill… just send it over to sales@branded.ink.
STEP THREE
Check your email for the digital proof our in-house designers will send. This is to ensure the layout and color is accurate. As we're only human, please review for any spelling errors and ensure the image size meets your expectations. Once the proof is approved, your order will move to the next stage. Your order will pop on over to our production department where your project is brought to life!
STEP FOUR
Our high tech DTG (Direct to Garment) department will now take on your order. We start with first applying a pre-treatment solution to any dark garments that may require any white inks. Even though DTG is a water based process, the white inks actually have a metal in it to adhere to the surface of the shirt and just soak in. This required pre-treatment makes the white stay on the outside of the garment, making it a brilliant white at the same time. This step ensures that the ink bonds with the fabric and improves color vibrancy. The pre-treatment is not needed on light garments that have no white ink in the design. Once the shirt is pretreated we then import over your design and adjust the profiles as needed for your particular garment specs. Setting up for proper placement of the print. we then place the garment on the DTG printer’s plate ensuring it is smooth and wrinkle-free. The DTG printer applies the ink directly onto the garment in layers. We then remove the printed garment and then its off to a heat press or a dryer to cure the ink. This step is required and must be done thoroughly with high quality equipment. Our state of the art equipment ensures that the ink bonds to the fabric and becomes durable. Finally, we check the print for quality, including color accuracy, alignment, and overall finish. From there, we fold and bag your items up. If you choose to ship the items, we carefully package the items, seal the package and send it on its way!
STEP FIVE
Your order is now complete and ready for pickup or delivery. Your Merch & Branding Specialist will contact you with details on how to pick up your order or provide you with tracking information for delivery.
STEP SIX
Wow! How cool is that? Your order is done and your awesome project was brought to life. INK ON!
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