Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: Detailed, full-colour designs
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is a revolutionary technique that works similarly to a desktop printer for paper, but for clothing. It utilises specialised inkjet technology to apply ink directly to the fabric, enabling the creation of stunningly detailed, photo-quality images with a vast spectrum of colours. This method is perfect for bringing complex, intricate and multi-coloured designs to life without compromising on quality.
At John Roberts Associates, we utilise modern DTG machines from industry leaders like Kornit and Brother to offer our clients unparalleled creative freedom. The water-based inks are absorbed by the garment’s fibres, resulting in a print that feels soft to the touch and moves with the fabric, avoiding the stiff feeling that some other printing methods can leave.
When to choose DTG Printing
DTG shirt printing is the ideal choice for specific applications where detail and colour are paramount. We recommend this process for:
- Photographic and complex designs: If your artwork contains gradients, extensive colour variations or fine details, DTG will capture them with exceptional clarity.
- Small order quantities: Unlike screen printing, DTG has minimal setup costs. This makes it one of the most cost-effective solutions for small batches, one-off items or personalised individual garments. There is no minimum order for DTG printing.
- A soft-hand feel: Because the ink is absorbed into the fabric, the finished product is soft and breathable, making it perfect for fashion and retail-quality apparel.
- Merchandise and retail products: The high-quality finish makes DTG perfect for creating merchandise for your brand or retail-ready products for your online store.
| Feature | DTG Printing | Screen Printing |
| Best For | Complex, multi-colour, photographic designs | Bold designs with fewer colours |
| Order Size | Ideal for small quantities & one-offs (no minimum) | Cost-effective for large bulk orders (25+ units) |
| Feel on Fabric | Very soft, breathable, integrated with fibres | Thicker layer of ink, highly durable |
| Colour Matching | Unlimited colour options | Precise Pantone matching, limited colours |
The DTG process in 4 steps
- Pre-treatment: The garment is treated with a special solution that helps the ink bond with the fabric, ensuring vibrancy and wash fastness.
- Printing: The garment is loaded onto the DTG printer, and the design is printed directly onto the fabric using our high-precision machinery.
- Curing: The printed garment is passed through a heat tunnel to cure the ink, permanently setting the design into the fabric.
- DTG print quality check: Every item is carefully inspected to ensure it meets our high standards of quality and accuracy.
Limitations and considerations
To ensure the best results, it’s important to understand the limitations of DTG printing:
- Fabric requirements: DTG works best on garments with a high cotton content (ideally 100% cotton, but blends with at least 70% cotton can work well). It is not suitable for 100% polyester fabrics.
- Colour matching: Whilst DTG offers a vast range of colours, it cannot achieve precise Pantone colour matching in the way that screen printing can.
- Cost at volume: For large orders (50+ items), Screen Printing becomes a more cost-effective option. DTG t-shirt printing is better suited to lower-volume orders.
Our commitment to quality and sustainability
Our DTG process aligns perfectly with our commitment to a greener future. We use environmentally friendly, water-based vegan inks that are non-toxic and safe for both adults and children. This sustainable approach ensures we can produce vibrant, high-quality prints whilst minimising our environmental impact. The result is a stunning, durable and eco-conscious piece of clothing that you can be proud of.
Ready to bring your detailed designs to life? Explore our range of Custom Work T-Shirts & Polos or contact our team to discuss your project.