What are the facts you need to know about DTG printing?
DTG printing, or Direct to Garment printing, has rapidly grown in popularity—but with that growth has come a storm of misinformation. From assumptions about high costs to fears over quality and sustainability, common DTG printing misconceptions might be clouding your judgment and holding your custom apparel production back.
If you’ve ever asked, “Is DTG printing right for my business?” or “Is DTG just for basic T-shirts?”—you’re in the right place.
TL;DR — Fast Facts About DTG Printing
- DTG printing facts: A digital printing method where ink is printed directly onto fabric using advanced inkjet technology.
- Top misconception: Many believe it’s only suitable for low-volume jobs—it’s not.
- Benefits: Vibrant color output, high-resolution detail, customizable single pieces, cost-effective for varying order sizes.
- Best for: Small to medium-sized print runs, online custom apparel businesses, artisanal fashion lines, and prototyping.
- Eco-friendly? Yes, as newer DTG machines use water-based inks and require less waste compared to screen printing.
1. Understanding DTG Printing
Direct to garment printing operates a bit like your home inkjet printer—except it prints directly onto fabric instead of paper. Using specialized water-based ink, DTG allows designs to soak right into the fibers of cotton garments, producing a permanent, high-resolution print that doesn’t crack or peel.
This digital method excels at rendering colorful, intricate designs, gradients, and photographic artwork without the need for screens, films, or setup fees.
2. Common Misconceptions About DTG Printing
2.1 Myth 1: DTG Printing Is Only Suitable for Small Orders
This one has deep roots in DTG’s early days when print speed was slower and technology hadn’t quite matured. Today’s modern DTG printers are more efficient and scalable. If you’re running an e-commerce business where order volumes fluctuate, DTG is ideal. It allows you to print on demand, saving you from costly warehouse inventory.
For medium-sized batches—say 50 to 100 units—DTG remains cost-effective, especially for full-color designs where traditional screen printing would hike up costs due to multiple screens.
2.2 Myth 2: DTG Printing Results in Poor Quality Prints
This couldn’t be further from the truth. Quality issues typically stem from poor artwork preparation or incorrect pretreatment—not the technology itself. With high-resolution images, color management, and proper garment handling, DTG printing produces prints that are unmatched in vibrancy and detail.
In practical terms, we’ve printed photo-realistic designs that remain rich after 20+ washes. Like anything else, mastering it comes with practice and attention to process.
2.3 Myth 3: DTG Printing Is Expensive
The initial investment in a DTG machine may seem steep, but compare it with setup costs for screen printing, film creation, wasted ink, and space needed for drying. DTG provides a faster ROI when you’re offering small batch or fully customizable orders.
This model is ideal for online personalization businesses where each customer orders a different design. That flexibility alone saves thousands when compared to screen printing setups.
2.4 Myth 4: DTG Printing Is Slow
Speed is relative. DTG shines when you’re printing different designs back to back. Unlike screen printing, where you spend time preparing screens and inks for each design, DTG lets you print new artwork instantly.
Modern DTG printers complete a full-shirt print in under 90 seconds. For on-demand production, that’s blazing fast. You get a workflow that scales seamlessly with automated tools and integrations to your e-commerce store.
2.5 Myth 5: DTG Printing Is Not Environmentally Friendly
DTG is among the greenest print methods on the market. Today’s machines use water-based inks that are free from harmful chemicals. There’s also significantly less wastewater and energy used compared to traditional processes.
If sustainability is part of your brand’s vision, it’s worth noting that many DTG manufacturers now build equipment to use 90% less water per print than they did five years ago.
3. Benefits of DTG Printing
No minimums, high-quality color gradients, and on-demand printing. Those are just the starting points of DTG’s advantages:
- Full-Color Printing: Say goodbye to color count limits. DTG handles gradients and photographic prints effortlessly.
- Cost-Effective for Low to Medium Runs: No screens, setup, or color separation means more savings per design.
- On-Demand Fulfillment: Print what you need, when you need it. Perfect for dropshipping or live-selling models.
- Soft-Hand Feel: The ink bonds with the garment fibers, resulting in soft, breathable prints.
- Eco-Conscious: Water-based inks and minimal waste make DTG better for the planet than plastisol-heavy alternatives.
4. Best Practices for Successful DTG Printing
Cracking the DTG code takes more than just pressing “print.” Success lies in your prep, process, and tools. Here’s what works on the ground:
- Use high-resolution artwork — 300 DPI is your friend.
- Choose 100% ringspun cotton garments for the best ink absorption and color clarity.
- The right pretreatment is everything—don’t shortcut this.
- Invest in a heat press for consistent curing and durability.
- Keep your printer head clean. Ink buildup kills quality and machines.
Pro Tip: Want to master achieving vibrant colors with DTG printing? Start with bright underbases and proper curing times—it makes or breaks the final result.
Cost Guide for DTG Printing in Singapore
| Service Level | Price per Shirt (1-color) | Price per Shirt (Full-Color) |
|---|---|---|
| Low-End (Small orders) | $10 – $15 | $15 – $20 |
| Mid-Range (Bulk pricing) | $8 – $12 | $12 – $16 |
| High-End (Premium quality/organic shirts) | $15 – $20 | $20 – $30 |
5. Case Studies: Real-Life Applications of DTG Printing
Case Study 1: Integrating DTG Printing Into Your E-commerce Business
An indie fashion brand incorporated DTG for all personalized orders through their Shopify store. Within three months, their return rate dropped 20% due to improved print quality and garment consistency. Their bestseller? A full-color pet portrait tee.
Case Study 2: Custom Apparel Production for Events
A Singapore-based event company needed customizable shirts for a 3,000-person conference. Instead of ordering traditional screen-printed shirts, they opted for DTG with 100 different design variants. The ability to personalize each shirt enhanced attendee experience—and helped the brand trend online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of DTG printing?
DTG printing offers high-quality, full-color, and soft-touch prints without the need for setup costs. It enables on-demand production and reduces waste, making it ideal for businesses focusing on flexibility, customization, and sustainability.
Is DTG better than screen printing?
That depends. For high volumes of solid color designs, screen printing is cost-effective. But for full-color artwork and variable orders, DTG wins for flexibility and turnaround time. Many businesses now use DTG and screen printing as complementary methods.
How can I prevent faded colors in DTG printing?
Make sure the garment is properly pretreated, and always cure the ink correctly using a heat press or conveyor dryer. Store garments in a dry environment and wash them inside out.
Is DTG printing suitable for dark garments?
Absolutely. In fact, with the proper white underbase and curing, DTG printing on black or dark garments can produce stunning, vibrant results. Using quality pre-treatment is especially critical here.
How do I choose the right DTG printing machine?
Consider factors like print speed, ink cost, fabric compatibility, technical support, and integration with your e-commerce platform. Start small if you’re testing the waters, then scale as demand increases.
Final Thought
DTG printing has revolutionized how we approach custom apparel production. Like any technology, it’s not immune to myths—but getting the facts right can unlock serious opportunities for your business. Whether you’re running a bustling print shop or just starting an online clothing brand, embrace the advantages DTG brings to the table, and kick outdated misconceptions to the curb.