Decoration
Blank apparel for DTG printing
DTG is the fine-detail method — photographic art, gradients, small text — and it is also the fussiest about fabric. Water-based ink wants high cotton content and a smooth face; polyester sheds it. Everything below rates Excellent or Good for DTG.
The classic DTG substrate is a combed ring-spun cotton tee: tight surface, minimal fuzz, clean ink lay-down.
How to choose
- For maximum detail, pick 100% ring-spun or combed cotton in a jersey knit.
- Cotton-rich blends (60%+) print acceptably with a softer, vintage result — set expectations with the client.
- Dark garments need pretreatment and a white underlayer; budget for it in the quote.
What goes wrong
- Sending polyester-dominant garments to DTG — the ink washes out; those bodies belong with DTF or screen printing.
- Printing on textured surfaces (piqué, fleece) and expecting photo detail.
Common questions
- Why does DTG need cotton?
- DTG uses water-based inks that absorb into natural fiber. Polyester does not absorb them, so prints on poly-dominant fabric fade or wash out — the reason polyester bodies are rated Not Recommended here.
From the glossary: Combed Cotton · Ringspun Cotton · Water-Based Ink
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