Advantages of DTG Printing
High-Quality, Full-Color Prints
- DTG printers can produce vibrant, detailed images — including photorealistic graphics, gradients, and fine lines.
- Great for complex or multicolor designs that would be expensive with screen printing.
Soft Feel
- Ink is absorbed into the fibers of the garment rather than sitting on top (like with vinyl or transfers), resulting in a soft, natural feel.
No Minimum Order
- Perfect for print-on-demand or small-batch runs — you can print one shirt at a time with no setup costs.
Quick Turnaround
- Ideal for one-off designs or online stores where orders are printed as they come in.
Eco-Friendly
- Uses water-based inks that are generally less harmful to the environment compared to plastisol inks used in screen printing.
Disadvantages of DTG Printing
Limited Fabric Compatibility
Pretreatment Required for Dark Garments
- To print white ink on dark shirts, pretreatment is necessary, which adds time and potential inconsistency if not done properly.
Slower Production Speed
- Printing each garment individually is slower compared to screen printing or DTF transfers — not ideal for large bulk orders.
Durability Concerns
- While DTG prints hold up well with proper washing, they may not last as long as screen prints or DTF transfers under heavy wear.
Color Vibrancy on Dark Fabrics
- Even with pretreatment, colors on dark garments may appear slightly muted compared to DTF or screen printing.
Best Use Cases
- Small-batch or one-off orders
- Print-on-demand eCommerce stores
- Designs with intricate color detail or gradients
- Cotton-based garments