Best Practices for Prepping Garments for Direct-to-Garment Printing

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing has revolutionized the custom apparel industry. With DTG, designs can be printed directly onto garments, eliminating the need for traditional screen printing or embroidery. However, to achieve optimal results from DTG printing, it is crucial to properly prepare the garments beforehand. This article explores the key best practices for prepping garments for DTG printing, ensuring high-quality, long-lasting prints.

Choosing the Right Garments

The first step in prepping garments for DTG printing is selecting the appropriate fabric. Cotton is the most suitable material for DTG printing due to its natural absorbency and ability to retain ink well. Other suitable fabrics include blends of cotton with polyester or spandex. Avoid using garments with high synthetic content, as these materials may repel ink and result in poor-quality prints.

Pre-Treating the Garments

Pre-treating the garments before printing helps the ink adhere better and enhances the vibrancy of the colors. There are two main methods of pre-treating garments:

Spray Pre-Treatment: This method involves spraying a liquid pre-treatment solution directly onto the garment. It is suitable for large-scale production and can be automated for efficiency.

Soak Pre-Treatment: This method involves soaking the garments in a pre-treatment solution. It is ideal for small-batch printing and allows for better penetration of the pre-treatment into the fabric.

Pressing and Fluffing the Garments

Before printing, it is essential to press the garments to remove any wrinkles or creases. A heat press should be used to ensure even distribution of pressure and heat. Additionally, garments should be fluffed out using a garment brush or steamer to raise the fibers and create a smoother printing surface.

Lint Removal and Cleaning

Thoroughly removing lint and any other debris from the garments is crucial. Lint can disrupt the printing process by clogging the print heads or causing ink misalignment. Use a lint brush or roller to remove lint from all areas of the garment, especially the printing area.

Curing the Prints

After printing, the garments need to be cured to ensure the ink is permanently bonded to the fabric. Curing involves exposing the prints to high temperatures for a specific amount of time. Proper curing ensures that the prints are durable, vibrant, and resistant to fading or peeling.

Additional Tips for Optimal Results

Use high-quality inks specifically formulated for DTG printing.

Calibrate the printer regularly to maintain print quality and color accuracy.

Test print on a sample garment before printing a large batch.

Store garments properly in a cool, dry place to prevent fading or damage to the prints.

By following these best practices, you can ensure that your garments are optimally prepared for DTG printing. This will result in high-quality, long-lasting prints that meet your design expectations and exceed your customers’ satisfaction.