Unlocking the magic of DTG: what's the buzz all about?

DTG printing is one of the most modern methods of printing on fabrics. The term comes from the English "direct to garment printing," which literally means "printing directly onto clothing." But what exactly does this method of marking garments and fabrics involve, and what are its pros and cons? We explain in the article below!

DTG Printing – what does "direct" mean?

DTG printing operates based on a simple and widely known method. It works in a very similar way to an inkjet printer, which many people have at home. The difference is that DTG printing is used on materials like cotton bags or t-shirts, and instead of a regular home printer, a special industrial printer is used - one that is designed specifically for DTG printing on garments.

Digital DTG printing simply involves directly applying printing ink onto t-shirts or other materials. The ink penetrates deeply into the fabric, making DTG prints virtually undetectable to the touch. DTG printing is a relatively new technology, as it only began to be used in the printing industry in the 1990s. Of course, at first, only a few print shops adopted this then-innovative printing method. Today, digital DTG printing has become a competitive alternative to older printing techniques, such as the very popular screen printing method.

DTG printing vs. screen printing

DTG (Direct to Garment) printing and screen printing are two popular methods of textile printing that differ in technology and application. DTG printing is ideal for small to medium print runs because it does not require the creation of screens, which shortens turnaround times and lowers costs for smaller orders. It is also more flexible, allowing for the printing of complex, multi-colored designs with high precision.

On the other hand, screen printing is more cost-effective for large quantities, as the cost of preparing the screens is spread across more units. Screen printing is also more durable on synthetic fabrics and can be more economical for simple, single-color designs. However, when it comes to complex graphics, screen printing can be less precise and more time-consuming.

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What are the advantages of DTG digital printing?

DTG printing is very popular, and for good reason — it offers numerous benefits that set it apart from other traditional printing methods. These include:

• High level of detail - DTG printing is ideal for precise prints, such as photographs. This digital printing technology captures even the smallest elements of a design.

• No color limitations - unlike screen printing, DTG allows for the use of a wide range of colors, designs.

• Extremely fast turnaround - there’s no need to making it possible to print vibrant, multi-colored create special screens like in screen printing, which makes the preparation time much shorter. With the use of specialized printers, DTG printing ensures efficiency and speed.

• Cost-effective for small runs - since no screens are needed, DTG printing is affordable even for single items or small to medium quantities. This makes it a great option for small businesses working within a budget.

• Great for colorful designs - DTG provides accurate color reproduction, making it ideal for printing gradients, full-color designs, and complex color compositions.

• Perfect for printing on cotton items - whether it’s t-shirts, cotton drawstring bags, or cotton totes, DTG printing offers a large print area without compromising on detail.

• Soft to the touch - the ink soaks deep into the fabric, making the print virtually unnoticeable to the touch. DTG prints don’t crack or wrinkle, even after multiple washes, which means they are highly durable.

However, it’s important to remember to wash and iron garments inside out to minimize the risk of damaging the print.

DTG Printing – technical aspects

When using the Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing method, it's important to keep several key factors in mind to ensure the best possible durability of the resulting graphic. Firstly, attention should be paid to the target material. DTG printing delivers the best results on natural fabrics, primarily cotton sweatshirts, bags, or t-shirts. The fabric can contain up to 20% synthetic materials, such as polyester.

A DTG print design must be placed on the front or back of a t-shirt or bag. For this reason, this technique is best suited for projects featuring a single, specific graphic - it is not possible to print on sleeves or to cover the entire garment with a uniform pattern. Moreover, it is recommended to use DTG printing on colored fabrics, as this method may offer lower durability on lighter materials.

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When is DTG printing worth using?

As mentioned earlier, DTG printing is cost-effective even for a single item. Therefore, this method is especially useful when you want to order a relatively small batch of clothing featuring your custom print. For example, such a print can be used for a conference, as branded gifts for guests, or for a company event. DTG printing is also great for promotional clothing for your business - perhaps you’ll use it to create unique gifts for your team? That’s just one idea, and custom DTG printing offers many more possibilities!

What should you keep in mind when designing a DTG print?

When designing a print that will be applied to clothing, it should be a digital image. This could be, for example, a personal photograph or a specially created design made in a graphic design program. One of the biggest advantages of DTG printing is the ability to use virtually any graphic file. It's also important to learn how to properly prepare your design for printing to ensure it meets your expectations - the file must meet specific criteria. It should be in a PDF or JPG format with the highest possible resolution. The maximum print size is 35x40 cm, while the smallest printable detail is 2 mm.

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Preparing a design for DTG printing

With DTG printing, there’s no need to limit the number of colors used in your design. The color range is broad, and you can use any color available within it. If you choose to work with a professional print shop, you can be confident they’ll be able to achieve the color depth you’re aiming for. It’s essential to pay attention to the correct file formats when submitting your design for digital printing.

Following the print shop’s guidelines will help ensure a smooth and efficient production process. If the file is submitted in the proper format and at the highest possible resolution, you can be assured that the DTG print on your garment, t-shirt, or bag will look just like the design on your screen. Keep in mind, however, that slight differences may occur due to variations between screen displays. Direct printing preserves quality, and when combined with high image detail, it ensures a well-executed final product.

DTG Printing – summary

Before deciding which marking method is best for your order, it's worth learning more about other types of textile printing. For instance, screen printing might turn out to be a more suitable option for your specific needs. You should consider factors such as:

• the size of your order,

• the fabric your garment is made of,

• the nature of your print design.

At Natura ECO, we offer products made from high-quality cotton, which are perfect for DTG printing. If you think this marking method is the right fit for your apparel or other textiles, we invite you to explore our offer!