How to Choose the Right Ink and Pretreatment for Your DTG Textile Printer

If you’re stepping into the exciting world of DTG (Direct to Clothing) textile printing, it’s crucial to know how to choose the right ink and pre-treatment. These elements will directly impact your print quality, durability, and overall cost. This article will reveal the secrets of choosing the perfect combination to give you amazing print results and satisfied customers.

Ink selection: pigments and dyes

When choosing ink, the primary consideration is the type of ink. There are two main options: pigment ink and dye ink.

Pigment inks: These inks consist of pigment particles suspended in a liquid. They adhere to the surface of the fabric instead of penetrating into the fibers. Pigment inks have excellent color intensity, light resistance and washable resistance.

Dye inks: These inks consist of dye molecules dissolved in a liquid. They penetrate into the fibers of the fabric and react chemically with them. Dye-based inks have a wide color gamut and soft feel, but they are not as light and washable as pigment inks.

Selection of pretreatment: polymer and slurry

Pretreatment is a key step to improve print durability. It provides a surface for the ink to adhere to, preventing the ink from seeping into the fabric and causing fading or cracking. There are two common pretreatment options:

Polymer pretreatments: These pretreatments consist of thin layers of polymer that are applied to the fabric. They provide a smooth surface to the ink, improving color brightness and print clarity.

Stock preconditioning: These preconditioning agents consist of a thicker stock like substance that penetrates deep into the fabric fibers. Slurry pretreatment provides excellent durability and is suitable for heavy or durable materials.

Make choices based on your needs

The best combination of ink and pretreatment depends on your specific needs:

Color strength and durability: Pigment inks are combined with polymer pretreatment to provide the most vibrant colors and maximum durability.

Soft feel and comfort: The combination of dye ink and paste pretreatment provides the softest feel and maximum comfort.

Cost-effectiveness: Dye inks are generally cheaper than pigment inks, while polymer pretreatments are more affordable than slurry pretreatments.

By following these guidelines, you can choose the most appropriate ink and pretreatment for your DTG textile printer. Remember to consider your specific needs and experiment with different options to find the best combination that works best for you. With the right choices, you can create stunning prints that engage your customers and drive your business to thrive.