Understanding the DTG Color Spectrum

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What is DTG?

Direct-to-garment (DTG) is a method where a digital printer is used to print a design directly onto a garment using inkjet technology. Picture a futuristic inkjet printer the size of your bathroom that costs more than a house! With this process, the inks are absorbed by the fibers of the garment. Imagine an inkjet printer, but using a blank garment instead of paper- and that’s essentially how DTG printing works.

Why DTG?

Since DTG is printed using a digital printer, it has less color limitations than screen printing, which allows for more versatility since you are not required to match colors by inks and pantones. Because of this, the print stays pretty close to true color. Additionally, with DTG, customization is super simple.

DTG printing allows a much wider range of colors, tones and effects than traditional screen printing at the same time it produces much higher quality output than you can get through transfers.  DTG inks are water based which means that the prints have a much softer “hand” (softer to the touch) than plastisol screen prints. 

Most importantly, direct to garment printing allows Music City DigiTee to offer on demand instant prints from one off designs and prints to small and medium sizes production runs. There are no film and screen setups involved and control over inventory are just a few examples of the benefits of DTG printing.

DTG printers use process inks in cyan, magenta, yellow and black to generate the colors. These colors allow for the generation of millions of colors.  Additionally, DTG printers also include white ink which is used as a base on dark garments to allow for the reproduction of this same range of colors on dark textiles. 

As you can see, the hardest hues to hit are the bright reds, cyans, and greens. Let’s explore quick spectrums of these three colors.

DTG colors on a black garment.

DTG colors on a gray garment.

DTG colors on a white garment.

Inspired to create your own custom tees? Browse tons of style options and CALL US today! Music City DigiTee, we provided Nashville with the best custom prints. #GetNashTee

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