The answer is simple if by traditional t-shirt printing method, you mean screen printing (or silk screening).

DTG printing is a digital process, like that home printer process mentioned above.

You create a digital file using one of a variety of software applications like Corel Draw, Photoshop or Canva, bring it into the included “RIP” software and send to the printer.

That can be in response to an order of ONE t-shirt just as easily as 100 t-shirts.

But with screen-printing for instance, you need more equipment, more space and more time. Which is why it’s virtually impossible to purchase under 1 dozen screen printed t-shirts of the same design.

With screen printing you also may have chemicals to dispose of, screens to store and a cleaning or spray station for reclaiming screens after each print run.

Not so with DTG!

You need basic PC and print knowledge.

Your knowledge of graphic design and using software applications for digital artwork will be key if you’re creating your own designs too.

But regardless of your skill level, YES Group has the training system to turn you into a DTG printer professional in no time.

The 3 main components of your cost to print a custom t-shirt are:

Cost of the blank t-shirt – this varies quite a bit depending on quality, quantity, style and size.

Pre-treatment costs – today’s clothing is treated against things like staining and to avoid absorbing water. You’ll need to “pre treat” shirts before printing so the ink can bond with the fabric.

DTG ink – because direct to garment is an inkjet technology it only applies ink according to the design. That means EVERY unique design uses a different amount and combination of the inks.

The cost of the shirt depends on what you or you customer choose, and the cost of the ink depends on the design.

The software that comes with each DTG printer can tell you how much you’ll spend on the ink, so if you have a design in mind the team at YES Group can likely give you an accurate estimate per combination.

How many do you want to produce? In truth this is one of the biggest differences between a colour separated, analog system like screen printing. There’s no need to worry about how many colours a design has, or to price a job differently because it’s a more colorful image. There will be no difference in cost for a 3 color or a 23 color design!

You will “cure” your shirts using either a heat press [most common] or a tunnel dryer depending on your preference and volume. All of this will be a part of your DTG printer training course and can be covered in a live demonstration.

If you were to put yellow paint on a black wall – it would NOT look yellow! You’d end up with something distinctly olive instead.

The same applies to a black or dark coloured t-shirt. That’s why when you tell the software that you’re printing on a dark shirt it will automatically prime the t-shirt by adding a layer of white ink first.

If you wash them correctly then the answer is yes.

Care for them and wash them according to instructions and they’ll last for years!

The best way to answer this question is ‘little and often’.

Just like any piece of machinery it needs to be looked after. How much will depend on how hard you work it. Remember though that all of our machines are built for industrial use so don’t compare them with the small printer you have at home.

The short answer is – yes. The slightly longer one is – yes, depending on the textile. Just ask us for details, we’re always happy to help.

Our customers have printed on shirts, pillow cases, blankets, towels, floor matts and more!

Direct to garment printing is a very eco-friendly way of printing.

Otherwise, choosing the RIGHT direct to garment/dtg printer is a big decision – and one that the professionals here at YES Group are here to talk you through.

Just contact one of our friendly advisors with any questions you have and they will be happy to help.