Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: Full-Color Custom Apparel Made Simple

In the world of custom apparel, Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing has revolutionized how we bring complex, colorful designs to life. If you’ve ever wanted to print a photograph, create full-color artwork, or produce small quantities of highly detailed designs, DTG printing is the solution you’ve been looking for.

 

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

Direct-to-Garment printing is a digital printing method that works much like your desktop inkjet printer—except it prints directly onto fabric. Specialized water-based inks are sprayed onto the garment, creating vibrant, full-color prints with incredible detail and soft hand feel. The result is a high-quality print that becomes part of the fabric itself.

 

Why Choose DTG Printing for Your Custom Apparel?

Unlimited Color Options

Unlike screen printing, which requires a separate screen for each color, DTG printing can reproduce any color combination without additional setup costs. Whether your design has 2 colors or 2,000, the price remains the same. This makes DTG perfect for: - Full-color photographs - Gradient designs - Complex artwork with color blending - Designs with unlimited colors

Incredible Detail and Resolution

DTG printers can reproduce fine details, intricate patterns, and photographic images with stunning clarity. Small text, thin lines, and complex graphics that would be challenging or impossible with other methods are no problem for DTG printing.

Perfect for Small Quantities

DTG printing has virtually no setup costs, making it economically viable for orders as small as one piece. Whether you need a single custom shirt or a dozen unique designs, DTG delivers professional results without the high minimums required by screen printing.

Soft, Breathable Feel

DTG uses water-based inks that absorb into the fabric rather than sitting on top like plastisol screen printing inks. The result is a soft, breathable print that doesn’t add stiffness or weight to the garment. You can barely feel the print when you touch it.

Eco-Friendly Printing

DTG printing uses water-based, eco-friendly inks with no harmful chemicals. The process generates minimal waste compared to traditional printing methods, making it an environmentally responsible choice for custom apparel.

No Color Limitations or Separations

With DTG, you don’t need to worry about color counts or separations. Your full-color design prints exactly as you created it, with smooth gradients, photo-realistic details, and unlimited colors—all in a single pass.

 

What Can You Print with DTG?

DTG printing works best on:

·       100% cotton garments: T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts

·       High cotton-blend fabrics: 80% cotton or higher

·       Light to medium-colored garments: White and light colors produce the most vibrant results

·       Dark-colored garments: Possible with white underbase for opacity

Ideal DTG Applications:

·       Custom photo t-shirts

·       Artwork reproductions

·       Small batch custom designs

·       One-off personalized gifts

·       Complex multi-color logos

·       Event shirts with individual names

·       Limited edition designs

·       Print-on-demand products

The DTG Printing Process: From Digital File to Finished Shirt

Step 1: Design Preparation

Your design is prepared as a high-resolution digital file. Unlike screen printing, no color separation is needed—your design prints exactly as you created it.

Step 2: Garment Pre-Treatment

For optimal ink adhesion and color vibrancy, garments are pre-treated with a special solution. This step is especially important for dark-colored garments.

Step 3: Garment Loading

The shirt is carefully positioned on the printer platen and smoothed to ensure a flat printing surface.

Step 4: White Underbase (for dark garments)

When printing on dark fabrics, a white ink underbase is printed first to provide opacity and allow colors to show vibrantly.

Step 5: Full-Color Printing

Your design is printed directly onto the garment using specialized water-based inks. The printer applies ink precisely where needed, building your image layer by layer.

Step 6: Curing

The printed garment passes through a heat press or conveyor dryer to cure the ink, bonding it permanently to the fabric.

Step 7: Quality Control

Each piece is inspected to ensure color accuracy, print quality, and overall excellence before packaging.

 

DTG vs. Screen Printing vs. Heat Transfer: Which Is Right for You?

Choose DTG When:

·       You need full-color or photographic designs

·       Your design has gradients or color blending

·       You want unlimited colors without extra costs

·       You need small quantities (1-50 pieces)

·       You want the softest possible print feel

·       You’re printing on white or light-colored garments

·       Each piece has a unique design or personalization

Choose Screen Printing When:

·       You need 50+ pieces of the same design

·       Your design has 1-4 solid colors

·       You’re printing on dark-colored garments

·       You need the most cost-effective option for bulk orders

·       Maximum durability is essential

Choose Heat Transfer When:

·       You need extremely small quantities

·       You’re working with performance fabrics or polyester

·       You need specialty finishes like metallic or glitter

·       Your design includes fine details on dark garments

 

Design Tips for Best DTG Results

Use High-Resolution Images

For best results, provide designs at 300 DPI or higher. Low-resolution images will appear pixelated or blurry when printed.

RGB Color Mode

DTG printers work in RGB color mode, so design your artwork in RGB rather than CMYK for the most accurate color representation.

Transparent Backgrounds

Provide your design with a transparent background (PNG format) for the cleanest results. This ensures only your design prints, not a white or colored box around it.

Consider Garment Color

Designs with light colors show best on white or light-colored garments. Dark garments require a white underbase, which can slightly affect very light or pastel colors.

Avoid Large Solid Areas on Dark Garments

While DTG can print large designs on dark shirts, very large solid color areas may feel slightly heavier than smaller designs. Consider incorporating texture or patterns into large areas.

File Formats We Accept

·       PNG (preferred for designs with transparency)

·       JPEG (for photographs)

·       PDF (vector designs)

·       AI, EPS (vector files)

·       PSD (Photoshop files with layers)

 

DTG Printing on Dark vs. Light Garments

Light-Colored Garments

DTG printing on white and light-colored shirts produces the most vibrant, true-to-design colors. The white fabric provides a natural base for colors to show brilliantly, and no underbase is needed.

Dark-Colored Garments

Printing on dark fabrics requires a white ink underbase to provide opacity. While results are excellent, the process is more complex and may result in a slightly more noticeable hand feel compared to printing on light garments.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do DTG prints last? With proper care, DTG prints can last for years. The water-based inks bond with the fabric fibers, creating durable prints that withstand regular washing. Expect 50+ washes with proper care.

Can you print photographs? Absolutely! DTG excels at printing photographs and photographic-quality images. It’s perfect for memorial shirts, family photos, pet portraits, and any photographic application.

What’s the minimum order quantity? There’s no minimum! DTG is perfect for single pieces or small batches. This makes it ideal for testing designs, creating personalized gifts, or producing limited editions.

How do I care for DTG printed garments? Wash inside-out in cold water and tumble dry on low heat. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners. Don’t iron directly on the print. Following these guidelines maximizes print longevity.

Can you print white ink? Yes! White ink is used as an underbase for dark garments and can also be used as a design element on dark shirts.

How long does DTG printing take? Our typical turnaround is 7-14 days after design approval and deposit. Because DTG has minimal setup, rush orders are often possible.

Is DTG printing expensive? DTG is cost-effective for small quantities. While the per-piece cost is higher than screen printing for large orders, there are no setup fees, making it economical for 1-50 pieces.

 

Perfect Applications for DTG Printing

Personal Use

·       Family reunion shirts with photos

·       Birthday gifts with custom designs

·       Memorial shirts with portraits

·       Wedding party shirts

·       Baby announcement tees

·       Pet lover apparel with photos

Business Use

·       Sample products before bulk ordering

·       Limited edition merchandise

·       Event-specific designs

·       Personalized customer gifts

·       Product photography samples

·       Test marketing new designs

Creative Projects

·       Artist merchandise with complex artwork

·       Photography reproductions

·       Illustration prints

·       Fan art and pop culture designs

·       Indie brand launches

·       Crowdfunding campaign rewards

 

Why Choose Fernando’s Screen Printing for DTG?

At Fernando’s Screen Printing, we’ve invested in professional-grade DTG equipment and training to deliver exceptional results for every project. Our family-owned business treats your designs with the care and attention they deserve.

 

What Sets Us Apart:

·       Professional DTG equipment: State-of-the-art printers for superior quality

·       Expert color management: Accurate color reproduction for your designs

·       No minimums: Order as few as one piece

·       Fast turnaround: 7-14 day standard production (rush available)

·       Personal service: Direct communication with the owner

·       Design assistance: Help preparing files for optimal results

·       Quality guarantee: Every print inspected before delivery

·       Community discount: 10% off for teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, and more

 

Tips for Your First DTG Order

Start with Light-Colored Garments

For your first DTG order, consider white or light-colored shirts. They produce the most vibrant results and let you see the full potential of DTG printing.

Provide High-Quality Files

The better your source file, the better your print. Use high-resolution images (300 DPI minimum) for best results.

Order a Sample First

For large projects or important events, consider ordering a sample first to ensure you’re completely satisfied with the colors and quality.

Communicate Your Vision

Let us know the intended use for your prints. We can provide guidance on design optimization, garment selection, and care instructions.

 

Ready to Bring Your Full-Color Designs to Life?

Direct-to-Garment printing opens up a world of creative possibilities for custom apparel. Whether you’re printing a cherished photograph, creating complex artwork, or producing a small batch of unique designs, DTG delivers professional quality without minimums or color restrictions.

 

Contact Fernando’s Screen Printing today:

·       Phone: (714) 723-0125

·       Email: Sales@fernandosprint.com

·       Visit us: 11331 Markon Dr. Garden Grove, CA 92840

·       Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM, Saturdays by appointment

 

Let’s transform your digital designs into beautiful custom apparel. Get your free quote today and discover why customers throughout Orange County trust Fernando’s Screen Printing for all their DTG printing needs.