Direct digital printing, also known as DTG, is a revolutionary technology that emerged in the late 1990s. Following in the footsteps of ordinary home printers, DTG printers print graphics directly onto clothing instead of paper.
This technique requires little or no preparation (on light textiles): the images are recreated by a print head which projects thousands of tiny drops of ink onto the fabric. The visual appearance and touch are without relief, because the ink will penetrate directly into the fibers of the garment. For direct to garment printing Dallas you can consult Dallas Shirt Printing as they have best prices in the market.
What does DTG mean?
DTG is the abbreviation for Direct To Garment and means “directly on the garment” in French. In fact, the ink is injected into the fibers of the textile.
One of the greenest printing methods is digital printing. It enables efficient use of both power and ink. Water-based inks used in digital textile printing are absorbed by the fabric. These inks have been recognized as eco-friendly by organizations like OEKO-TEX and ECO PASSPORT. And are therefore non-toxic , non-dangerous even for children and 100% biodegradable.
The key stages of DTG printing:
1- Visual design:
You should first create your visual in Photoshop, Illustrator or another graphic design program. To print it, a file in .png or jpg format is required. A resolution of at least 300dpi is recommended for optimal results.
2- Printing:
The textile is installed on the strip (suitable support) which delimits the printing area, and the visual is sent to the printer. Adjustments are made on the console, then printing is started.
3- Drying:
The textile is placed in the drying tunnel so that the ink is well fixed on the garment.
Watch the DTG printing process in action:
What can be printed with DTG printing?
DTG printers offer extremely precise printing. They allow you to print logos, images or even photographs with great detail. And above all, you are not limited in the number of colors!
Digital printing allows a very faithful reproduction of the digital visual. This technique makes it possible to reproduce a multitude of colors, complex details, gradients, strong contours or shadows. On the other hand, it does not allow the printing of metallic or fluorescent colors; for this you will have to turn to screen printing or flex transfer.
The lower the quantity and the higher the number of colors, the more reasons there are to use DTG printing.
3. Digital printing: for which textile?
A digital printer can print photos and images in many colors on almost any textile, however, you will see better results if the product is made from natural fibers like cotton . On synthetic textiles such as polyester, this printing technique should be avoided.
At Main Gauche, we use this technique to print on light textiles (white, gray, natural, pastel) because it is on these colors that digital printing is the most efficient. Indeed, on dark textiles, the printing process varies. The DTG printer must be equipped with white ink and pretreatment is required so that the white ink can adhere. In addition to that, the printing will be done in 2 layers: an underlayer of white (which serves as a base) then a layer with the colors making up the visual. Without this undercoat, CMYK colors that are translucent against a dark background will not appear vibrant and sharp. We obtain a marking with a slight extra thickness similar to that in screen printing but more airy than in flocking.
Direct digital printing is a technique that lends itself perfectly to your personalized t-shirt projects , personalized sweatshirts or personalized tote bags.
Personalized t-shirts
The printed t-shirt is the big trend in summer and winter, it’s impossible to do without it! Thanks to digital printing, you will be able to print visuals with multiple colors, details and gradients (photos, drawings, etc.), on timeless textiles such as t-shirts.
At Main Gauche, we offer you a selection of quality t-shirts in 100% classic or organic cotton, at affordable prices in order to dress the employees of your company or the members of your association with t-shirts printed to your liking. picture.
If you need help creating your printed t-shirts, discover our article dedicated to this subject!
Personalized tote bags
If you are looking for ways to increase your visibility easily and inexpensively, then opt for printed tote bags. The tote bag is an accessory that has a large enough marking surface to put a visual that will attract attention. Not only is it an inexpensive promotional item but also practical and ecological.
By printing tote bags, your communication becomes portable and lasting. Offering them to your customers and/or employees is an opportunity for you, so that your brand accompanies them wherever they are. Remember that they are the best ambassadors of your brand image. Every time your tote bags are out on the arms of your customers, your image will be too. This is an excellent way to increase your notoriety and reputation.
Personalized sweatshirts
Whatever the season, the printed sweatshirt remains a must-have because of its incomparable comfort and style! Hooded, round or zipped collar, fitted or oversized , the sweatshirt is available in a wide variety of models.
Complete your brand’s collection or dress your employees and customers with endlessly customizable sweatshirts! Thanks to digital printing you can decorate your sweatshirts with all the visuals of your choice without worrying about the number of colors and complexity.
Digital printing VS screen printing
These days, there are dozens of textile customization options. There are perks and cons to anything you can do. In printing, digital printing and screen printing are the two most popular techniques.
Discover the differences between these two options to help you choose the one that would best suit your textile customization project:
