Experience the cutting-edge precision and vibrant colors of Direct to Garment (DTG) printing at Midtown Print Works. Our advanced DTG technology brings your digital images to life directly on apparel, delivering unparalleled detail and color accuracy—all at an affordable price.
Why Choose DTG Printing?
Direct to Garment (DTG) printing is transforming custom apparel production. Unlike traditional methods, DTG prints your design directly onto the fabric using state-of-the-art inkjet technology. This approach is ideal for small orders and complex, full-color designs, offering a seamless solution for detailed and vibrant prints.
The DTG Process
1. Artwork Preparation:
- Your submitted artwork undergoes meticulous review to ensure optimal quality on your selected garment. We adjust color profiles and check for compression artifacts, guaranteeing the best possible print.
2. Fabric Pre-treatment:
- The garment is pre-treated with a special solution that enhances ink bonding, ensuring durability and vibrancy.
3. Printing:
- Using a specialized inkjet printer, your design is printed directly onto the garment. Our DTG inks are specifically formulated for fabrics, resulting in high-quality prints with a wide color range.
4. Curing:
- The garment is cured using a heat press, setting the ink and making it permanent. This step ensures your design remains vibrant and durable through repeated washes.
Ideal for Small Orders and Detailed Designs
DTG printing is perfect for small runs (fewer than 72 pieces) and for printing intricate, multi-color images such as photographs or detailed logos. This cost-effective method eliminates screen setup fees, making it an excellent choice for short runs and personalized designs.
Best File Types for DTG Printing
For the highest quality prints, we recommend using vector files such as .svg, .eps, .ai, or .pdf. These formats ensure crisp, clear images that scale without loss of quality.
Common Questions
When is DTG printing the best option?
- Ideal for small quantities, detailed images, and light-colored garments.
Which fabrics work best?
- Cotton and cotton blends.
Can DTG be used on items other than apparel?
- Currently, DTG is primarily used for clothing but can extend to other fabric-based items.
Turnaround time?
- Orders are typically processed quickly; contact us for specific timelines.
Minimum order size?
- No minimum order size, making DTG perfect for custom, one-off designs.
Limitations:
- Colors may appear slightly muted and can fade over time, especially with frequent washing.
Ready to Bring Your Designs to Life?
Explore the full potential of DTG printing for your next project. Contact us today to start creating your custom apparel and see your designs come to life on high-quality garments.
What is DTG Printing?
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing involves printing digital images directly onto garments, typically t-shirts, using specialized inkjet technology. This versatile and efficient method creates custom apparel with vibrant, detailed designs, offering endless possibilities.
Benefits of DTG Printing
- High Detail: DTG allows for high-resolution prints with intricate details and a wide color range.
- On-Demand Printing: Perfect for small runs and custom orders, eliminating the need for large inventories.
- Soft Feel: The ink absorbs into the fabric, resulting in a soft, breathable print that doesn’t feel heavy or stiff.
Our Process
1. Design Preparation:
- Create or prepare the design using graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. Ensure the design is in a high-resolution format for optimal print quality.
2. Pre-Treatment:
- Apply a special solution to the garment to prepare it for ink absorption, especially important for dark fabrics. Heat-press the garment to dry the solution and create a smooth printing surface.
3. Loading the Garment:
- Place the pre-treated garment on the DTG printer's platen, securing it properly to avoid movement during printing. Ensure the design is correctly aligned.
4. Printing:
- The DTG printer uses inkjet technology to spray ink onto the garment, following the digital design file. For dark garments, a white ink base layer is printed first, followed by colored inks.
5. Curing:
- Cure the garment using a heat press or conveyor dryer to set the ink. This ensures the print bonds with the fabric, making it durable and wash-resistant.
6. Quality Control:
- Inspect the printed garment for any errors, color accuracy, and overall print quality. Make any necessary adjustments or reprints.
7. Packaging and Shipping:
- Fold and package the finished garments for delivery. Once packaged, the garments are shipped to their final destination, ready to be worn.
Note: Unless a post-wash is requested, shirts are shipped with the pretreat residue still on the fabric. For best results, wash the garment before wearing to remove any discoloration due to the pretreat.