What is DTG and Why Your Business Should Use It!

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is a process by which a digital image is printed directly onto your apparel. This process allows for any quantity order with highly detailed full-color designs. 

DTG printing is the process of printing on textiles using specialized aqueous ink jet technology. These printers often have a platen (a flat plate) designed to hold and press the garment in place, as the printer inks are jetted or sprayed onto the textile by the print head. Since these printers use water-based ink, they require a curing process. These inks work best for printing on natural fibers like cotton, hemp, and linen. Pre-treatment is typically applied to the garment before printing. This treatment is heat-pressed into the custom t-shirt causing the fibers of the shirt to lay down. This also allows the water-based inks to bond more fully to the garment. This is especially important when using white ink on darker garments. Once the garment is done with the treatment process, it is then positioned onto the platen system. The garment is then digitally printed with the design on the printer queue. 

Why choose Direct-to-Garment Printing? 

This printing style is great for both large and small orders as there are no set-up costs which makes for a cost-efficient option for those smaller orders. The range of order sizes and quick turnaround are advantages of this method as opposed to others like screen printing. DTG is also a great option for designs that require a large number of colors and detail and is best for accurately reproducing full-cover photos/designs. 

With smaller orders, more complex designs, and a fast turnaround time, direct-to-garment printing is probably right for you. Contact us at RH Prints Co for a free quote to get your project started today!