Posted on October 31, 2025November 3, 2025 by George

Tag: dtg printing

Understanding T-Shirt Printing and How It Works

T-shirt printing has become one of the most popular ways to express creativity, promote brands, and personalize clothing. From local businesses and fashion startups to large-scale manufacturers, custom printing gives people the freedom to design and produce unique garments. This industry continues to grow as technology makes printing faster, more affordable, and accessible to anyone who wants to start a small apparel business or simply create custom shirts for personal use.

What Is T-Shirt Printing?

T-shirt printing is the process of applying a design, logo, or image onto fabric using different printing methods. These designs can include text, illustrations, or full-colour graphics. The goal is to transfer the image onto the garment in a durable and visually appealing way.

Modern printing methods have made it possible to produce high-quality prints in smaller quantities. This flexibility allows both individuals and businesses to meet specific customer demands. Today’s digital printers can even handle complex designs with smooth colour gradients and detailed artwork that older methods could not easily reproduce.

Why T-Shirt Printing Matters

T-shirt printing is more than just decoration—it’s a form of communication and branding. For businesses, custom shirts serve as effective marketing tools. They help promote company identity and improve visibility during events or campaigns.

For artists and designers, printing offers a creative outlet and a way to share original artwork. For individuals, personalized shirts can celebrate occasions like birthdays, reunions, or sports events. In short, printed shirts connect people, messages, and creativity through wearable designs.

Different Types of T-Shirt Printing

There are several ways to print on T-shirts, each with its advantages. Choosing the right one depends on the desired quality, quantity, and budget. Below is an overview of the most common methods.

1. Screen Printing

Screen printing is one of the oldest and most reliable printing methods. It uses a stencil (or screen) to push ink through onto the fabric.

It’s ideal for bulk orders.
Produces bright, durable prints.
Works best for simple designs with fewer colours.

However, it requires setup time and can be costly for small runs because each colour needs a separate screen.

2. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

DTG printing uses specialized inkjet technology to print directly onto fabric. It works like a standard printer but prints on cloth instead of paper.

Perfect for detailed, full-colour designs.
Requires little setup time.
Best suited for small to medium quantities.

DTG prints feel soft and look sharp, though they work best on cotton fabrics.

Further Reading: 14 Most Frequently Asked Questions About DTG Printing

3. Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing

DTF printing transfers a printed design from film onto fabric using heat and adhesive powder. It is a newer method that combines the best of DTG and heat transfer techniques.

Can print on various fabrics like cotton, polyester, and blends.
Produces durable, vibrant prints.
Offers flexibility and lower production costs.

This process has become a popular choice for many small printing businesses because it’s easy to learn and produces consistent results.

Further Reading: 9 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Direct-to-Film Printing

4. Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)

HTV printing involves cutting designs from colored vinyl sheets and heat-pressing them onto garments.

Great for lettering and simple graphics.
Allows layering of different vinyl types and colours.
Produces durable, textured designs.

However, it is more time-consuming for complex or large-scale prints.

5. Dye Sublimation

Dye sublimation uses heat to transfer dye into the fibres of polyester fabric.

Produces vibrant, fade-resistant prints.
Works best on light-colored polyester shirts.
The print becomes part of the fabric, so it never cracks or peels.
This method is ideal for sportswear, jerseys, and promotional shirts that require long-lasting colour.

Step-by-Step Process of T-Shirt Printing Using Printers

Modern digital printers enable faster and more precise T-shirt printing. While each method has its differences, most printing workflows follow a similar set of steps.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:

Design Creation – The process starts with making the design using software like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW. The design must be high resolution and correctly sized for the print area.
Garment Preparation – The shirt must be clean, flat, and pre-treated if needed. Pre-treatment helps the ink stick better and produce brighter colours.
Printer Setup – The printer must be calibrated, and the right inks and media (film or fabric) should be loaded.
Printing – The design is printed directly on the shirt (for DTG) or onto transfer film (for DTF).
Curing or Drying – The printed design must be cured using heat to set the ink. This ensures it bonds properly with the fabric.
Heat Transfer (For DTF) – The cured design is pressed onto the shirt using a heat press, bonding it permanently.
Quality Check – The finished shirt is inspected for colour accuracy, alignment, and quality before packaging.

Comparing DTF and DTG Printing

Both DTF and DTG are modern printing methods that produce excellent results, but they serve different needs. DTG prints directly on fabric, resulting in a soft feel and detailed image. However, it works best on cotton garments.

DTF printing uses film and adhesive powder to transfer designs, allowing it to print on a wider range of fabrics. It also produces stronger prints that resist washing and stretching. For small businesses, DTF can be more cost-effective due to lower setup and material costs.

In short, DTG offers high-end results for cotton shirts, while DTF offers flexibility and durability across many fabric types.

Best DTF and DTG Printers in 2025

The newest DTF and DTG printers in 2025 offer faster speeds, sharper quality, and better ink efficiency. Leading brands like Roland have introduced advanced printers, such as the Roland.

Roland VersaStudio BY-20

The Roland VersaStudio BY-20 is a compact, user-friendly desktop direct-to-film (DTF) printer designed for creating vibrant, high-quality graphics that can be transferred to apparel and accessories. It offers contour-cutting functionality and works with a wide variety of fabrics—making it a versatile solution for small businesses or print shops looking to expand into custom apparel.

Roland DTF Printer TY-300

The Roland TY-300 is a high-end DTF (Direct-to-Film) printer built for custom apparel and textiles. It delivers vibrant, detailed graphics on a wide variety of fabrics—including cotton, polyester, denim, and nylon—without needing pre-treatment.

With a production speed of up to 10.9 m²/h and advanced maintenance features to reduce downtime, it provides both performance and reliability for small and large print operations.

T-shirt printing has evolved from simple one-colour prints to full-colour, detailed designs made possible by modern printing technology. Whether for personal projects or commercial use, printing on shirts has become easier, faster, and more profitable.

By understanding the different printing methods and processes, anyone can start creating custom garments that stand out. With tools like today’s DTF and DTG printers, the possibilities in the world of T-shirt printing are endless.

Are you a business owner looking to elevate your apparel customization game? Consider investing in direct-to-garment printing machines. Contact us today to explore your options and take the first step toward enhancing your business with the latest in t-shirt printing technology. Let’s turn your creative vision into a colourful, wearable reality!

Posted on October 25, 2024 by George

Tag: dtg printing

Investing in a Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing Business

As the demand for custom apparel continues to rise, many entrepreneurs and small businesses are looking to tap into the growing personalized products market. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing has become a popular method for creating high-quality, custom clothing and accessories. Investing in a DTG printing business offers various advantages, including high-resolution prints, low setup costs, and the flexibility to fulfill on-demand orders. This article will explore what DTG printing is, the advantages of investing in a DTG business, and why it’s a promising venture in today’s market.

What is Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing?

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is a digital printing technique that uses specialized inkjet technology to apply ink directly onto fabric. Unlike traditional screen printing, DTG does not require screens or extensive setup for each design, making it ideal for producing one-off items and small to medium-sized orders. DTG printers use water-based inks that are absorbed into the fabric, resulting in soft, vibrant prints with intricate details and smooth gradients. This technique is especially popular for printing on cotton and other natural fibres, but advances in ink and printer technology are expanding its capabilities to synthetic blends and other materials.

The DTG printing process involves a pre-treatment step, particularly for dark garments, which helps the ink adhere better and maintain vibrancy. Once the pre-treatment is applied, the garment is loaded into the printer, and the design is printed onto the fabric in a single pass. After printing, the garment is typically heat-pressed to cure the ink and ensure long-lasting durability.

DTG vs DTF Printing

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) and Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing are two popular methods for producing custom apparel, each with distinct advantages. DTG printing applies ink directly onto the fabric, creating soft, high-quality prints with vibrant colors that are particularly well-suited for natural fibres like cotton. This process requires pre-treatment for dark garments but excels in producing detailed images with smooth gradients. DTF printing, on the other hand, prints designs onto a film that is later transferred to a garment using a heat press. DTF is more versatile across fabric types, including synthetic blends, and does not require pre-treatment, making it faster for printing on dark fabrics. While DTG is ideal for premium-quality prints on natural fibres, DTF offers more flexibility across different materials and is better for designs requiring durability across multiple fabric types.

8 Reasons to Invest in a DTG Printing Business

1. High-Quality Prints for Customization

One of the main benefits of DTG printing is the ability to produce high-quality, detailed prints with vibrant colours. DTG printers can handle complex designs with fine details, gradients, and multiple colours without requiring a separate setup for each colour, as in screen printing. This makes DTG an ideal choice for creating unique, customized products that are visually appealing and professional-looking. As consumers increasingly seek personalized apparel, the ability to offer high-quality customization gives businesses a competitive advantage.

2. Ideal for Small Batch and On-Demand Production

DTG printing allows for cost-effective, small-batch production, making it ideal for businesses that want to offer on-demand printing services. Unlike traditional printing methods, DTG does not require screens, and there are no minimum order quantities. This flexibility allows businesses to cater to custom orders, limited editions, or test new designs without significant upfront costs. For entrepreneurs, this opens the door to working with individual customers, small businesses, and niche markets that need high-quality, low-volume runs.

3. Low Setup Costs Compared to Traditional Printing

Investing in a DTG printing business generally has lower setup costs than traditional methods like screen printing. With DTG, there’s no need for screens, extensive pre-production, or a large inventory of materials, which reduces initial costs. DTG printers, while a significant investment, are often more affordable in the long run due to the low material costs and minimal setup requirements. This makes it an accessible option for startups and small businesses looking to enter the custom printing market without a significant financial burden.

4. Fast Turnaround Times

In today’s fast-paced market, quick turnaround times are essential for customer satisfaction. DTG printing allows businesses to fulfill orders quickly since there is minimal setup, and designs can be printed directly from a digital file. For small businesses and entrepreneurs, this means they can offer rapid delivery, improve customer experience and meet demand for timely, high-quality products. Fast production also enables businesses to produce and deliver last-minute orders or customizations, which can increase their competitiveness in the market.

5. Environmentally Friendly and Low Waste

DTG printing is known for being a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional screen printing. It uses water-based inks that are less harmful to the environment, and the on-demand nature of DTG printing reduces waste by allowing businesses to produce only what they need. Unlike screen printing, which often requires large runs to be cost-effective, DTG can efficiently handle single items, eliminating excess inventory and reducing the risk of unsold products. This low-waste model aligns with the growing consumer demand for sustainable practices and eco-friendly products.

6. Expanding Market Demand for Custom Apparel

The demand for custom apparel is growing across various sectors, from personal fashion and merchandise to corporate branding and events. Consumers increasingly seek personalized products, and businesses use custom apparel for marketing, promotions, and corporate gifts. Investing in a DTG business allows entrepreneurs to tap into this expanding market by offering customized products to individuals, small businesses, and organizations looking for unique branded items. As the trend toward personalization continues, DTG businesses have the opportunity to meet diverse customer needs and establish a loyal customer base.

7. Flexibility to Experiment and Innovate

DTG printing provides the flexibility to experiment with new designs and products without significant cost or risk. Entrepreneurs can test new ideas, designs, or limited-edition items without committing to large production runs. This flexibility fosters innovation, enabling businesses to quickly adapt to market trends and customer feedback. By responding to customer preferences and industry trends, DTG businesses can stay relevant and competitive in the dynamic custom printing market.

8. Scalability and Growth Potential

A DTG printing business is highly scalable, making it an excellent option for entrepreneurs looking for growth potential. Starting with a single DTG printer, businesses can expand their equipment as demand increases, adding more printers to handle higher volumes. Additionally, DTG printing can complement other printing services, such as Direct-to-Film (DTF) or heat transfer, to diversify offerings and reach a wider audience. This scalability allows businesses to start small and gradually increase capacity, minimizing risk while growing steadily.

Best DTG and DTF Printers in 2024

Here are some of the best Direct to Garment printers available:

Texart XT-640S DTG
Turns up the volume on t-shirts, apparel, and fabric accessory printing without the high-volume industrial price tag.

For those who want to start their own DTF printing business, here are some of the best DTF printers in the market:

VersaStudio BN-20D Direct-to-Film Printer
The newest addition to the BN-20 Series of desktop printers. The BN-20D Direct-to-Film System complements Roland DGA’s existing family of compact, powerful VersaSTUDIO machines designed to help smaller home- or office-based print providers build their businesses.
VersaSTUDIO BY-20 Desktop Direct-to-Film Printer
Roland DG has released the latest and most innovative Direct-to-Film printer, the Roland VersaStudio BY-20. It’s a highly versatile desktop device ideal for a range of direct-to-film apparel applications, such as creating custom T-shirts, sportswear, tote bags, and more. With its compact design, it is even perfect for small businesses that have small production space.

Investing in a Direct-to-Garment printing business offers significant benefits for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to enter the custom apparel market. With its high-quality output, low setup costs, and ability to handle on-demand, small-batch orders, DTG printing is well-suited to meet the growing demand for personalized products. Additionally, its environmentally friendly approach and scalability make it an appealing option for those seeking a sustainable and flexible business model. As customization continues to drive consumer interest, DTG printing provides a solid foundation for businesses aiming to succeed in the fast-evolving custom apparel industry.

For business owners looking to venture into the world of direct-to-garment (DTG) printing or upgrade their existing equipment, the future of customized apparel is at your fingertips. Explore our range of cutting-edge DTG printing machines that can help you unlock new opportunities, streamline production, and stand out in the market. Contact us today to learn more about the best DTG solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Posted on July 19, 2024July 23, 2024 by George

Tag: dtg printing

Garment Printing Through DTF Printers

Garment printing is a key technology that impacts various industries, including fashion, retail, promotional products, and event merchandising. It allows designers, businesses, and individuals to create customized apparel and accessories, meeting the increasing demand for personalized products. The importance of garment printing lies in its ability to offer on-demand production, improve brand identity, and reduce waste. In this post, we will explore the different garment printing techniques, their applications, the benefits of modern digital printing methods, and the role of advanced printers in changing the industry.

What is Garment Printing?

Garment printing is the process of applying designs, patterns, or images onto textiles, primarily clothing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, and other apparel. The purpose of garment printing is to customize and personalize clothing for fashion, branding, promotional purposes, and more. Each printing method offers different benefits in terms of quality, cost, and suitability for various types of fabrics and production runs.

Different Garment Printing Methods

Garment printing has undergone significant advancements, from traditional methods like screen printing to innovative digital techniques offering greater flexibility, quality, and efficiency. Here we’ll briefly cover the different garment printing methods:

Traditional Garment Printing Methods

Screen Printing

Screen printing is one of the oldest and most widely used methods for garment decoration. It involves creating a stencil (or screen) for each colour in the design, then applying ink through the screen onto the fabric. This technique is known for its durability and vibrant colours, making it ideal for large production runs. However, the setup process is labour-intensive and costly, particularly for designs with multiple colours, making it less suitable for small batches or custom orders.

Heat Transfer Printing

Heat transfer printing involves printing a design onto transfer paper and then using heat and pressure to transfer the image onto the garment. This method is relatively simple and cost-effective for small runs and custom items. However, the prints may not be as durable as those produced by screen printing, and the colours can fade over time with repeated washing.

Modern Garment Printing Techniques

Dye Sublimation Printing

Dye sublimation is a garment printing process that uses heat to transfer dye onto fabric. The process involves printing a design onto special transfer paper using sublimation ink. This paper is then placed on the fabric, and heat and pressure are applied, causing the ink to turn into a gas and penetrate the fabric’s fibres. This results in vibrant, durable prints embedded into the fabric rather than sitting on top.

Dye sublimation is particularly effective on polyester fabrics or fabrics with a high polyester content. It’s commonly used for printing sportswear, promotional items, and custom apparel. The key advantages of dye sublimation include producing high-resolution, full-color images, and the prints’ resistance to fading and cracking. However, it is less suitable for natural fibres like cotton without special coatings.

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

DTG printing is a digital method that prints directly onto the fabric using specialized inkjet technology. This technique allows for high-resolution, full-colour prints with fine details and smooth gradients. DTG printing is particularly popular for custom T-shirts, as it eliminates the need for screens and extensive setup. It is best suited for natural fibres like cotton, although advancements in ink technology are expanding its use to synthetic fabrics as well.

One of the significant advantages of DTG printing is its ability to produce one-off custom designs and small to medium-sized production runs efficiently. The prints are soft to the touch, as the ink is absorbed into the fabric rather than sitting on top, which enhances the wearability and comfort of the garment.

Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing

DTF printing is a newer technology that involves printing a design onto a specialized film, applying an adhesive powder, curing the film, and then heat-pressing it onto the garment. This method offers several advantages, including the ability to print on a wide variety of fabrics without the need for pre-treatment. DTF printing produces vibrant colours and fine details, making it suitable for intricate and multicoloured designs.

The versatility of DTF printing allows for customization on various items beyond T-shirts, such as hoodies, tote bags, hats, and even shoes. Its ability to handle different fabric types, including polyester and blends, makes it a valuable tool for businesses looking to expand their product offerings.

Advanced Printers in Modern Garment Printing

Advanced garment printers, such as the Roland VersaStudio BY-20, have played a crucial role in the evolution of garment printing. This printer combines high-quality output with user-friendly operation and compact design, making it accessible to small businesses, startups, and individuals interested in on-demand printing.

Key Features of Roland VersaStudio BY-20

Compact Design: Many modern garment printers are designed to fit comfortably in small spaces, making them ideal for businesses with limited room.
High-Quality Printing: Advanced print technology ensures sharp, detailed prints with vibrant colors, suitable for both simple and intricate designs.
Ease of Use: User-friendly interfaces and intuitive software make it easy for beginners to start printing quickly, reducing the learning curve.
Integrated Finishing: Some printers, like the Roland VersaStudio BY-20, come with integrated finishing units, allowing users to cure the printed designs immediately, streamlining the production process.

You can read our article about the detailed specs of Roland VersaStudio BY-20.

Applications and Opportunities

The advancements in garment printing technology have opened up numerous opportunities for businesses and individuals. Here are some key applications:

Custom Apparel

Custom T-shirts, hoodies, and other apparel items are popular applications for modern garment printing. Whether for personalized gifts, promotional merchandise, or fashion brands, the high-quality output ensures customer satisfaction.

Promotional Products

Businesses can create promotional items like tote bags, aprons, and caps, helping to increase brand awareness and engage customers.

Small Batch Production

The ability to print on demand makes modern garment printers ideal for small-batch production. This capability allows businesses to offer limited edition products or test new designs without committing to large production runs.

Event Merchandise

Event organizers can produce custom merchandise for concerts, festivals, or corporate events. The quick turnaround times and ability to print on-site ensure timely delivery and allow for personalized products.

Creative and Educational Uses

Artists and educators can use garment printers to bring creative projects to life, from art prints on fabric to custom uniforms and educational tools. The versatility of these printers supports a wide range of creative applications.

The evolution of garment printing from traditional methods to modern digital techniques has significantly expanded the possibilities for customization, quality, and efficiency. Technologies like DTG and DTF printing, supported by advanced printers such as the Roland VersaStudio BT-12 and the Roland VersaStudio BY-20, have made it easier than ever to produce high-quality, custom garments on demand. As the demand for personalized apparel and promotional items continues to grow, the advancements in garment printing technology will continue to drive innovation and open up new opportunities for businesses and creative professionals.

For business owners looking to venture into the world of direct-to-film (DTF) printing or upgrade their existing equipment, the future of customized apparel is at your fingertips. Explore our range of cutting-edge DTF printing machines that can help you unlock new opportunities, streamline production, and stand out in the market. Contact us today to learn more about the best DTF solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Posted on April 12, 2024October 25, 2024 by George

Tag: dtg printing

14 Most Frequently Asked Questions About DTG Printing

When it comes to garment printing, direct-to-garment (DTG) printing stands out as a cutting-edge technology revolutionizing the industry. In this article, we delve into the frequently asked questions (FAQs) surrounding DTG printing, exploring its intricacies, advantages, and challenges. From understanding the process itself to delving into the nuances of material compatibility and design intricacies, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide for both beginners and seasoned professionals navigating the realm of DTG printing. Join us as we unravel the mysteries and unveil the potential of this innovative printing technique.

1. What is Direct-to-Garment Printing?

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing is a modern digital printing technique that enables high-quality, full-colour designs to be printed directly onto garments such as T-shirts, hoodies, and tote bags. Unlike traditional printing methods like screen printing, which involves creating stencils and applying layers of ink, DTG printing works more like a regular inkjet printer but on fabric.

The process involves loading the garment onto a specialized printer equipped with textile inks. The printer then directly applies the ink onto the fabric, following the digital design file provided. This allows for intricate designs, vibrant colours, and detailed graphics to be reproduced accurately and efficiently.

DTG printing is highly versatile and suitable for both small and large production runs. It offers advantages such as quick turnaround times, the ability to print complex designs with gradients and fine details, and the capability to produce custom prints without the need for setup costs or minimum order quantities.

2. DTG vs Traditional Screen Printing

DTG printing excels in producing high-quality, full-color designs with intricate details and is well-suited for small to medium production runs. On the other hand, traditional screen printing is more efficient for large production runs of simple designs and offers excellent durability and colour vibrancy. The choice between the two methods depends on factors such as design complexity, production quantity, fabric type, and budget constraints.

Fabric Compatibility:

DTG Printing: Versatile and suitable for printing on various types of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, blends, and even some specialty fabrics.
Screen Printing: Works well on cotton and other natural fabrics but may not adhere as effectively to synthetic or textured fabrics.

Durability and Feel:

DTG Printing: Provides a soft feel and good durability when proper printing techniques and quality inks are used. The print becomes part of the fabric, resulting in a smooth finish.
Screen Printing: Offers excellent durability and vibrant colours. The ink sits on top of the fabric, providing a slightly raised texture and a more durable finish.

Complexity of Designs:

DTG Printing: Ideal for intricate designs, photographs, and designs with multiple colours and gradients. DTG printers can reproduce fine details accurately.
Screen Printing: Best suited for simple designs with fewer colours. Each colour in a design requires a separate screen, making it less efficient for complex designs.

3. Why Use DTG?

The combination of high-quality prints, versatility, quick turnaround times, and cost-effectiveness for small runs makes DTG printing a valuable tool for businesses, designers, and individuals seeking efficient and customizable garment decoration solutions.

4. Difference Between DTG and DTF Printing

DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing and DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing are two distinct digital printing methods for garments. DTG printing involves directly printing ink onto fabric, resulting in vibrant, high-quality prints with intricate details and smooth gradients. On the other hand, DTF printing transfers a design from a film onto a garment using a heat press, allowing for printing on various fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends. While DTG printing is preferred for its versatility, ability to produce full-colour prints and soft feel, DTF printing offers advantages such as the ability to print on dark fabrics and textured surfaces, making it suitable for certain applications like personalized apparel and promotional items.

5. What Kinds of Graphics Can You Print with DTG Printing?

You can print nearly anything with DTG technology, ranging from portraits and logos to custom designs. The crucial factor lies in the quality of the graphic being printed. Graphics with good contrast, high resolution, and large bitmapped images reproduce exceptionally well, while vector images yield even better results! Here are some of the graphics you can print:

Complex Designs: Intricate and detailed designs with fine lines, small text, and intricate patterns can be accurately printed using DTG technology.
Photographic Prints: DTG printing excels at reproducing photographic images with high resolution and vibrant colours, making it suitable for printing portraits, landscapes, and other photographic artwork.
Multicolour Designs: DTG printers can handle designs with multiple colours and gradients seamlessly, allowing for vibrant and dynamic prints without colour limitations.
Logos and Branding: Company logos, branding elements, and promotional graphics can be printed onto garments with precision and clarity, helping businesses create branded apparel for marketing and promotional purposes.
Artwork and Illustrations: DTG printing is ideal for printing artwork and illustrations with intricate details, bold colours, and shading, enabling artists and designers to showcase their creativity on garments.
Text and Typography: DTG technology can print text and typography in various fonts, sizes, and styles, making it suitable for printing slogans, quotes, and custom text-based designs on garments.
Custom and Personalized Designs: DTG printing allows for easy customization of garments with personalized designs, names, initials, and messages, making it popular for creating unique and one-of-a-kind apparel items.

6. 2 Common Terminologies to Know in DTG Printing

Bitmapped Images

Refers to a graphic that is composed of individual pixels, each assigned a specific colour value. These images are also known as raster images. In contrast to vector graphics, which are defined by mathematical formulas and scalable without loss of quality, bitmapped images have a fixed resolution and may lose clarity when scaled up. Common examples of bitmapped images include photographs, digital paintings, and scanned artwork. When printing with DTG technology, bitmapped images are suitable for achieving detailed and realistic prints, especially when they have high resolution and good contrast. All scanned images are bitmaps, and all images from digital cameras are bitmaps. Common bitmap formats include bmp, jpg, tiff, gif, png, and psd.

Vector Images

Graphics are created using mathematical formulas to define lines, shapes, and colors. Unlike bitmapped images, which are composed of pixels and have a fixed resolution, vector images are resolution-independent, meaning they can be scaled to any size without loss of quality. Common file formats for vector images include SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics), AI (Adobe Illustrator), and EPS (Encapsulated PostScript). Vector images are highly versatile and suitable for DTG printing because they allow for crisp, clean lines and shapes, making them ideal for logos, text, and graphics with solid colours and well-defined edges. Additionally, vector images typically result in smaller file sizes compared to bitmapped images, making them easier to manage and manipulate. Common vector formats include cdr (CorelDRAW), ai (Adobe Illustrator) and eps.

7. Can You Interchangeably Use or Convert Bitmapped Images to Vector Images (and vice-versa)?

Yes. You can use both images in using Direct to Garment printesr.

As for converting from one to another, through the use of software, you can convert one image type to another:

Converting Bitmapped to Vector Images:

There are software tools available that can attempt to automatically convert bitmapped images to vector format. However, the results may vary depending on the complexity of the image and the quality of the conversion algorithm. Simple images with clear edges and distinct colors tend to convert more successfully.

Converting Vector to Bitmapped Images:

Vector images can be exported or rasterized into bitmapped formats like JPEG, PNG, or TIFF at a specified resolution. When exporting, consider the intended use and ensure the resolution is sufficient for the desired output size to avoid loss of quality. Some vector graphics software allows for applying bitmap effects to vector objects, simulating a bitmapped appearance. This can be useful for creating artistic effects or adding texture to vector artwork.

8. Can You Just Scan an Image and Print it on a Shirt Using a DTG Printer?

Yes, you can scan an image and print it on a shirt using a DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printer. Ensure that the image possesses adequate size and contrast for optimal scanning results, and scan it at a resolution of 300 dpi or higher. Keep in mind that scanned images are bitmap-based and altering their size can result in quality loss. While slight resizing may be feasible with minimal quality degradation, significant resizing will likely lead to noticeable loss of quality.

9. How Many Colours Do DTG Printers Produce?

DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printers are capable of producing a wide range of colors, typically exceeding the limitations of traditional screen printing methods. They can reproduce full-color designs with virtually unlimited color options, including gradients, shades, and complex color combinations. While the exact number of colors a DTG printer can produce is not strictly defined, it can effectively replicate millions of colors by mixing primary ink colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) in various proportions. This versatility allows for vibrant and detailed prints with rich color accuracy, making DTG printing suitable for reproducing intricate artwork, photographs, and designs with multicolor elements.

10. Are There Differences When Printing in a White Garment vs Black/Darker Garments in DTG Printing?

Yes, there are significant differences when printing on white garments compared to black or darker garments in DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing:

Printing on white garments is relatively straightforward since the fabric color is already light. Colors appear vibrant and true to the original design. Whereas printing on black or darker garments requires a white underbase layer to be printed first. This white layer acts as a base for the colors in the design to ensure opacity and vibrancy. The white underbase layer is essential for preventing the dark fabric color from showing through the printed colors, maintaining the integrity of the design. Colors may appear slightly muted or less vibrant compared to printing on white garments due to the layering of inks. Additional care is needed during the printing process to ensure proper curing of the white underbase and colors, as well as to prevent bleeding or smudging on dark fabrics.

11. Do I need to Treat the Garment After DTG Printing?

Yes, treating the garment after DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing is typically necessary to ensure the longevity and durability of the print. The treatment process involves curing the ink using heat to bond it with the fabric fibers and improve wash fastness. The most common way is to use a heat press. This process helps set the ink into the fabric and enhances its durability and washability. The temperature and duration of heat application depend on the specific ink and fabric used.

12. Will the Ink from a DTG Printer Withstand Washing?

Yes, the ink used in DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing is specifically formulated to withstand washing when properly cured and treated. After printing, the garment undergoes a curing process, typically with heat, to bond the ink with the fabric fibers. This curing process ensures that the ink becomes embedded into the fabric, resulting in durable prints that can withstand repeated wash cycles. Just make sure not to use bleach on any garments that went through a DTG printing.

13. What Type of Fabric Can I Print on Using a DTG Printer?

You can print on almost any fabric when using a DTG printer. It’s essential to consider the characteristics of the fabric, such as absorbency, texture, and composition, when choosing the appropriate DTG printing settings and techniques. Additionally, conducting tests and trials on different fabric types can help determine the optimal printing parameters for achieving high-quality and long-lasting prints.

14. Best DTG printer in 2024

Here are some of the best Direct to Garment printers available:

Texart XT-640S DTG
Turns up the volume on t-shirts, apparel, and fabric accessory printing without the high-volume industrial price tag.
VersaStudio BN-20D Direct-to-Film Printer
The newest addition to the BN-20 Series of desktop printers. The BN-20D Direct-to-Film System complements Roland DGA’s existing family of compact, powerful VersaSTUDIO machines designed to help smaller home- or office-based print providers build their businesses.