Direct-to-Garment (DTG) is an modern printing technique that uses advanced inkjet printers to apply ink directly onto fabrics (hence the name). As an alternative to traditional screen printing, DTG offers versatility, speed, and vivid color reproduction. Perfect for intricate designs and photorealistic images, it's the go-to method when you want impeccable detail with color gradients, and swift results on cotton apparel like t-shirts, hoodies, or totes.
DTG is also far more efficient. While screen printing multiple colors takes a considerable amount of preparation and setup, a DTG print is ready to print as soon as the design is completed. Moreover, if you're eyeing smaller quantities, DTG might be the wallet-friendly choice you need.
If a bad experience somewhere else has you feeling averse to DTG, rest assured. At Print Renegades, we have developed processes after years of experience to make sure you are pleasantly surprised with the outcome of a DTG print. From using premium pretreatments to maintaining optimal printer settings, we make sure your prints look as good as they possibly can. Our experienced staff will educate you on how to get the best results every time and warn you of any potential pitfalls. If you're after top-notch, rapid, and budget-friendly full-color prints, get in touch. Discover the Print Renegades difference in DTG.
For cotton tees, DTG reigns supreme. Achieve photographic precision on a canvas up to 16x20 inches (subject to shirt size). For top-tier results, consider the fabric quality and provide high-resolution art. The smoother and tighter the fabric knit, the better the end resultl. Remember: High-resolution designs (300 dpi or more) translate best into prints.
Images on the internet are usually less than a third of the quality required for print. We have had some success printing lower resolution images, but a good rule of thumb is to make sure your graphic is the highest resolution possible to ensure the best possible final result. NOTE: simply increasing the dpi of a low resolution image in Photoshop does not improve the resolution or quality of a digital file.
Fabric Matters in DTG: Sweatshirts, with their cozy and warm nature, often differ from tees in their fabric composition. They aren't always pure cotton. Yet, for the most vibrant and long-lasting DTG results, we recommend garments with a cotton outer layer. This ensures that the ink bonds perfectly, capturing every intricate detail of your design.
Choosing the Right Brand: Not all sweatshirts are created equal, especially when it comes to DTG. We've found that certain brands, such as AS Colour, Cotton Heritage and Independent Trading Company, offer garments that are particularly DTG-friendly. Their fabrics have a tighter knit and allow for clearer, more vibrant prints. It's a subtle difference, but one that can make your design stand out.
Printing Challenges & Solutions: Hoodies and sweatshirts present unique challenges for DTG. Seams, pockets, and zippers can interfere with the printing process. Typically, pullover hoodies offer a clear print area of about 10x12 inches on the front. If you have a design in mind, we can guide you on maximizing this space. Our team is here to advise on getting the best print possible, ensuring some areas aren't sharper or blurrier than others.
Natural fibers like canvas or denim are ideal for DTG, resulting in crisp and vibrant designs. Most standard totes can handle up to a 10x12 inch print. Larger, gusseted bags may allow for a larger print area but this would need to be determined based on a number of variables.
Do note: Synthetic fabrics like nylon or acrylic aren't DTG-compatible. Always check fabric composition before finalizing the print method.
A single DTG sample costs $25 per print location if you are providing your own garment. The more that you print of each design, the lower the cost per print will be. Check our DTG pricing calculator below.
Like any print we do, it's meant to be a permanent decoration. Meaning the print should last as long as the garment does. It's always suggested to make sure to follow the garment's care instructions to ensure the garment and print lasts as long as possible.
DTG printing is priced based on three main print sizes:
These sizing categories are outlined in the pricing calculator on this page.
