A DTG printer works best on cotton and high-cotton-blend fabrics because cotton absorbs water-based ink effectively. Garments must contain at least 30% cotton for DTG printing. Therefore it is ideal for T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, canvas bags, and children’s clothing. Dark garments usually require pretreatment before white ink is printed.

A DTG prints ink directly onto the garment, making it well suited to detailed artwork and small or on-demand orders. It works best on cotton apparel and normally requires pretreatment for dark fabrics. DTF first prints the design onto transfer film, then applies it to the garment with heat. DTF supports a wider range of fabrics, while DTG can provide a softer, more breathable feel on cotton garments.

A With proper pretreatment, heat curing, DTG prints can remain vibrant through 50 washes and are suitable for everyday wear. Durability depends on the ink, fabric type and washing method. For best results, use a gentle cycle and mild detergentwash the garment inside out in cold water. Avoid bleach, high-temperature washing, and direct ironing over the printed area.

A To start DTG printing, you typically need a DTG printer, a computer with design and printing software, and a heat press machine. Essential consumables include CMYK and white DTG inks, pretreatment liquid, cleaning liquid and replacement maintenance parts. You will also need blank cotton garments and a pretreatment spray gun, especially when printing white ink on dark clothing.