Resources

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing is a digital textile printing method in which a design is printed directly onto a finished garment (like a t-shirt, hoodie or bag) using a specialized ink-jet printer that lays water-based inks onto the fabric.

This process produces vivid, photo-quality results with a soft feel that becomes part of the material. DTG is perfect for small batch orders and unique, full-color designs where flexibility and detail matter most. Check out our buyer’s guide to learn how to get started with DTG printing.

The direct-to-garment (DTG) printing process is a simple yet effective method for creating vibrant, durable designs on a variety of materials. Follow these key steps to see how a printed design is transformed into a ready-to-press transfer.

1. Pretreat the shirt: A pretreatment solution is applied by hand or with a pretreat machine, then pressed to cure and create a smooth surface.
2. Print the design: The printer applies a base layer of white ink followed by CMYK color inks to produce the design.
3. Cure the ink: The printed shirt is heat pressed or run through a conveyor dryer to cure the ink, making the design durable and ready to wear.

Reference the step-by-step guide below for more information or download guide here.

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing is a modern apparel decoration method that uses specialized inkjet technology to print high-quality designs directly onto fabric. It’s an increasingly popular choice for small businesses, custom orders, and on-demand fulfillment, and for good reason.

1. High-quality, full-color print: DTG printing produces vibrant, full-color designs with incredible detail, even in small text and complex images. Because it prints directly onto the fabric, it allows for smooth gradients, subtle shading, and photo-realistic results that are difficult to achieve with traditional methods.
2. Soft, breathable feel: Unlike screen printing, which lays thick layers of ink on top of the fabric, DTG ink soaks into the fibers resulting in a smooth, soft finish that moves naturally with the garment. This makes it ideal for designs that cover a large area without feeling heavy or stiff.
3. No minimum order requirements: DTG is perfect for small batches or one-off custom pieces. Since there are no screens or setup fees, you can print a single shirt just as easily as you would print 100. This flexibility is ideal for testing new designs, personalized orders, or fulfilling online store purchases on demand.
4. Eco-friendly process: Many DTG printers use water-based, non-toxic inks that are safe for both the environment and the wearer. Compared to traditional methods, DTG generates less waste, uses less water, and eliminates the need for harsh chemicals or plastisol-based inks.
5. Fast turnaround time: Because the setup process is minimal, DTG allows for quick print-to-order fulfillment. This is particularly helpful for businesses offering rapid shipping, same-day customization, or pop-up event sales.
6. Ideal for complex artwork: DTG excels at handling intricate artwork, colorful illustrations, and high-resolution photos without needing color separations. You can go from digital artwork to a printed garment in just a few steps, perfect for artists, designers, and custom merchandise brands.
7. Lower labor and setup costs: Compared to screen printing, DTG requires less manual labor and equipment setup. This helps reduce overall production costs, especially for small to medium-sized runs.
8. On-demand printing capability: DTG integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms, making it easy to offer on-demand printing for online stores. You don’t have to stock inventory, just print as orders come in, reducing overhead and unsold stock.

For more information on how DTG printing could benefit your business, fill out this form.

Proper pretreatment is key to getting the best results with direct-to-garment (DTG) printing. It helps your prints look vibrant, last longer, and adhere correctly to the fabric. Check out the graphic, or download here, below for a quick breakdown of pretreating basics and why this step is so important for quality DTG prints.

The Epson SureColor F1070 is a hybrid printer that offers both direct-to-garment (DTG) and direct-to-film (DTF) printing! The Epson SureColor F1070 hybrid printer is perfect for custom apparel and personalization businesses that want flexibility and professional results. In this video, you’ll learn how to switch between DTG and DTF modes, and when to use each. The resource also covers the unique prep processes: pre-treatment for DTG printing, and the two-step heat press method (with film and powder) for DTF. You’ll also learn how to prepare files in Epson Garment Creator software, to streamline color management and white ink placement for both DTF and DTG printing methods.

In this step-by-step tutorial, Britany walks you through how to use Epson Garment Creator software for both direct-to-garment (DTG) and direct-to-film (DTF) printing applications. She’ll demonstrate how to select the best print settings for your print job, adjust for optimal print quality, and fine-tune ink density and white ink layering for the best possible print!

You’ll also learn how easy it is to switch the Garment Creator software between DTG and DTF modes, save your projects for efficient production, and access the software’s additional tools like the Epson Print Cost Estimator to help manage material expenses.

This video will help you feel confident using your Epson F1070 whether you’re just getting started with DTF/DTG printing or looking to optimize your workflow. Watch now and explore the full line of Epson printers, inks, and ready-to-print blanks available at JPPlus.com to start or grow your custom apparel business today!

Although DTF (direct-to-film) and DTG (direct-to-garment) both use advanced digital printing technologies, the way each method transfers ink and the materials they work best on are different. DTG prints directly onto garments for a softer finish, whereas DTF uses a film transfer process that improves durability and flexibility across more fabric types. Here’s a quick side-by-side look at the key differences to help you choose the best fit for your project.