Thinking about starting DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing? This method lets you print vibrant, detailed designs directly onto fabric. To get high-quality, long-lasting prints, you need the right printer, ink, and tools.
Here’s a quick checklist of DTG essentials, followed by a detailed breakdown.
DTG Printing Essentials Checklist
- ✔ DTG Printer – Prints directly onto fabric.
- ✔ DTG Ink – Special ink for durable, high-quality prints.
- ✔ Pretreatment Solution – Prepares dark fabrics for printing.
- ✔ Heat Press – Dries and sets the ink.
- ✔ RIP Software – Controls color and ink usage.
- ✔ High-Quality Garments – Works best on cotton shirts.
- ✔ Regular Maintenance Tools – Keeps your printer running smoothly.
Now, let’s go over each in detail.
1. DTG Printer: The Core of Your Setup
A DTG printer works like an inkjet printer but prints directly onto fabric.
Popular DTG Printers
- Epson SureColor F2100 & F3070 – Reliable and easy to use.
- Brother GTX & GTX Pro – Fast and great for high-detail designs.
- Kornit DTG Printers – Best for large-scale production.
💡 Tip: The Brother GTX Pro offers fast printing and reduced ink waste, making it a solid choice.
2. DTG Ink: Get Bright and Lasting Prints
DTG printers need special pigment inks that bond with the fabric. Good ink creates sharp, vibrant prints that last.
Why Choose Winnerjet DTG Ink?
- Produces rich colors and sharp details.
- Bonds well with cotton, preventing fading.
- Prevents printhead clogging, reducing maintenance time.
💡 Tip: If you use a Brother GTX or GTX Pro, Winnerjet GTX Pro ink delivers high-quality results at a lower cost.
3. Pretreatment Solution: A Must for Dark Fabrics
Dark-colored shirts need pretreatment before printing. This helps white ink stick better and prevents it from soaking into the fabric.
How to Apply Pretreatment
- Spray evenly onto the fabric.
- Press with a heat press to dry.
- Start printing.
💡 Tip: A pretreatment machine applies an even coat and speeds up the process.
4. Heat Press: Curing the Ink for Durability
After printing, use a heat press to dry and set the ink. This makes sure the print won’t fade or wash off.
Best Heat Press Settings
- Temperature: 320°F (160°C)
- Time: 90–180 seconds
- Pressure: Medium to high
💡 Tip: A conveyor dryer speeds up curing for high-volume printing.
5. RIP Software: Optimizing Your Prints
DTG printers need RIP (Raster Image Processor) software to optimize colors and ink use.
Why Use RIP Software?
- Ensures accurate colors.
- Controls white ink usage to prevent waste.
- Improves print quality, especially for detailed designs.
💡 Tip: Use software designed for your printer, like Epson Garment Creator, Brother GTX Graphics Lab, or RIP Pro C6.
6. High-Quality Garments: Best Fabrics for DTG
DTG works best on 100% cotton because it absorbs ink well and produces bright prints.
Best T-Shirt Brands for DTG
- Bella+Canvas – Soft and lightweight for detailed designs.
- Gildan Softstyle – Affordable and widely used.
- Next Level Apparel – High-quality cotton for premium prints.
💡 Tip: Always test print before printing in bulk.
7. Regular Maintenance: Keep Your Printer Running Smoothly
DTG printers need regular cleaning to keep prints sharp and prevent clogs.
Basic Maintenance Routine
✔ Daily: Check nozzles and clean printheads if needed.
✔ Weekly: Shake white ink cartridges to prevent settling.
✔ Monthly: Deep clean ink lines and update software.
💡 Tip: Winnerjet DTG inks help prevent clogging, reducing maintenance.
Conclusion
Starting DTG printing requires the right equipment, high-quality inks, and regular maintenance. With these essentials, you can create professional, long-lasting prints and build a successful custom apparel business.
Looking for reliable DTG ink? Try Winnerjet DTG ink and Winnerjet GTX Pro ink for bright colors, smooth printing, and easy maintenance.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular ink in a DTG printer?
No, DTG printers need special pigment inks that bond with the fabric.
2. Does DTG printing work on polyester?
DTG works best on 100% cotton. If you need to print on polyester, consider DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing.
3. How long does a DTG print last?
With proper washing, DTG prints can last 50+ washes before fading.
4. Is pretreatment required for all fabrics?
No, pretreatment is only needed for dark-colored shirts.
5. What’s the best DTG printer for beginners?
The Epson SureColor F2100 and Brother GTX Pro are great beginner-friendly options because they’re easy to use and produce sharp prints.
