DTG Shirt Printing Techniques for High-Quality Custom Apparel

DTG shirt printing stands for direct to garment printing, a method where designs are printed directly onto fabric using specialised inkjet technology. It allows for detailed, full-colour prints on t-shirts without the need for screens or plates, making it ideal for custom or small-batch orders. This technique offers high-quality, vibrant prints with smooth finishes that maintain garment softness.

The process works best on 100% cotton shirts and supports complex designs that traditional printing methods struggle to reproduce. Direct to garment printing also speeds up production time for intricate artwork, providing flexibility and precision. It suits both individual creatives and businesses wanting quick turnarounds on diverse designs.

Understanding how direct to garment printing functions helps in choosing the right fabric and design to maximise print durability and colour accuracy.

Key Takeways

• Direct to garment printing uses inkjet technology to print directly onto fabric.

• It produces detailed, vibrant designs ideal for small runs.

• Fabric choice and design preparation affect print quality and durability.

Understanding DTG Shirt Printing

DTG shirt printing involves a digital process that applies ink directly onto fabric. It uses technology to produce detailed, colourful designs without traditional screens or plates. This method is especially suited for small orders and intricate patterns.

What Is DTG Shirt Printing?

Direct to garment printing is a technique where specialised inkjet printers apply water-based inks directly onto textiles. This allows for producing high-resolution images with fine details and vibrant colours.

Direct to garment printing works best on cotton or cotton-blend shirts because the ink soaks into the fibres, ensuring durability and soft feel. Unlike screen printing, DTG can print full-colour artwork without additional setup costs or time.

It is ideal for print-on-demand services, custom designs, and short-run orders where variety and precision are priorities.

How DTG Printing Works

DTG printers load a shirt onto a flat surface and use cartridges similar to inkjet printers but with textile-specific inks. The printer sprays tiny ink droplets onto the fabric in precise patterns.

Before printing, the shirt may undergo pretreatment to improve ink adhesion and colour vibrancy, especially for dark garments.

Once printed, the shirt is heat-cured using a press or dryer to fix the ink into the fabric. This process enhances durability and wash resistance, preventing fading or cracking.

Benefits of DTG Shirt Printing

Direct to garment printing excels in producing detailed, multicolour images without the need for multiple screens or setup steps. It supports continuous-tone designs with gradients and complex shading.

Key benefits include:

• Low minimum order quantities, making it cost-effective for small batches

• Fast turnaround due to minimal setup

• Softer prints that maintain fabric breathability

• Environmentally friendlier inks compared to plastisol used in traditional printing

  
  

DTG vs. Traditional Printing Methods

Traditional methods, like screen printing, use stencils and multiple ink layers, which can be time-consuming and costly for short runs. Screen printing is economical for large orders but requires significant setup.

Direct to garment printing allows direct application without stencils or screens, lowering the barrier for customisation. However, DTG inks may be less vibrant on dark fabrics compared to plastisol.

Feature	DTG Printing	Screen Printing
Minimum Order	Low (1 piece)	High (usually 50+ pieces)
Colour Complexity	Unlimited, detailed	Limited by number of ink screens
Setup Time	Minimal	Longer
Print Durability	Good, but less than plastisol on dark shirts	Excellent on all fabrics
Ideal Use	Short runs, full-colour prints	Large orders, simple designs

Choosing and Using DTG Printing Effectively

Successful direct to garment printing depends on selecting the right materials, preparing artwork properly, and following care instructions to maintain print quality. Each step ensures the best results, from crisp designs to durable prints that last through washing.

Best Fabrics and Shirts for DTG

Direct to garment printing performs best on 100% cotton shirts due to cotton’s ability to absorb water-based inks deeply, yielding vibrant and long-lasting colours. Blends with a high cotton content (above 60%) can also work but may produce less sharp prints.

Dark fabrics require a white underbase layer, which adds cost and can affect softness. Lighter colours do not need this layer, so prints are generally softer and colours more accurate.

Shirts with a smooth, tight weave provide cleaner prints. Avoid heavily textured or synthetic fabrics such as polyester, as they resist ink penetration and reduce colour vibrancy.

Artwork Preparation for DTG

Artwork must be high resolution, ideally 300 DPI or higher, to avoid pixelated prints. Use PNG or TIFF formats with transparent backgrounds to ensure clean edges and colours.

It’s important to convert all fonts to outlines or paths to prevent font substitution during printing. Designs should have colours in the RGB colour space, as DTG printers translate these into CMYK inks directly.

Avoid elements smaller than 1mm to prevent blurring. Simple, bold designs with solid colours tend to print more clearly than complex gradients or fine details.

For exceptional results in direct to garment printing, consider working with a trusted provider like screen 27. Screen 27 specialises in high-quality DTG shirt printing, helping you achieve vibrant, long-lasting custom apparel. Whether you need one shirt or a small batch, screen 27 ensures your designs come to life with professional precision and care.

For local printing options and expert services, explore our blog “DTG Printing Near Me” to find trusted professionals in your area.

Care Instructions for DTG Printed Shirts

Washing direct to garment printing shirts from screen 27 inside out in cold water helps preserve ink vibrancy. Use gentle cycles and avoid bleach or harsh detergents, as these can degrade the direct to garment printing.

Line drying or using a low-heat tumble dry setting is recommended to maintain both the fabric and the direct to garment printing from screen 27. High heat can cause shrinking and cracking of the print.

Avoid ironing directly on the direct to garment printing. If ironing is necessary, turn the shirt inside out or place a cloth over the design and use a low setting to protect the direct to garment printing from screen 27.