How Much Does DTG Ink Cost?
DTG printing involves applying ink to a surface, such as fabric or paper. This process is typically less expensive than screen printing and contract printing. However, you need to consider the labor costs involved. You must also account for sales time, which can include visiting a customer’s store or meeting them at a networking event.
Another factor that should be included in the total cost of a job is accounting time. This includes creating a quote, calling blank suppliers, and ordering supplies. Lastly, shipping and handling include packing, mailing labels, and delivering the product to the customer.
Cheaper than Screen Printing
When comparing the two print methods, it is important to understand what each method offers. Screen printing is expensive and can produce blurry results. It also requires a lot of time and money to set up the printing process. In addition, if you need multiple colors in one design, screen printing can quickly become very expensive. DTG on the other hand, allows you to print as many colors as you want on one product, without the hassle of having to replace screens or waste ink cartridges.
One of the biggest benefits of DTG printing is that it is cheaper to produce. While screen printing can produce fine detail, it is not very efficient in smaller quantities and requires a large setup time. Additionally, DTG ink is transparent, unlike plastisol ink, making it possible to create smooth gradients and overlaps between colors. Another advantage of DTG printing is its precision color matching. It can reproduce any color in any shade thanks to Pantone’s color-matching system.
Screen printing is also more flexible. It is less expensive than DTG ink. While screen printing is cheaper, the process requires a much longer setup time. It is also more expensive per item. In addition, it does not offer volume discounts.
Less Expensive than Contract Printing
DTG printing is a relatively new technology that uses computer processing to print directly onto the fabric of a garment. The process is very similar to using an inkjet printer to print on paper, but it is more economical for small orders and is better for the environment. With DTG, you can print almost any image without any additional setup costs.
The initial cost of a DTG printer is much less than a contract printer. A single ink cartridge costs approximately $200. Most CMYK DTG printers can hold up to $1,200 worth of ink. DTG printing manufacturers make their money selling the ink, not the machines. Depending on the number of units you print per month, you may find that the ink costs more than the machine itself.
DTG printing pricing is based on the market price. Prices vary depending on the location of the printer. For example, a DTG printer in Manhattan is likely to cost more than in other places. That means that a custom shirt printed in Manhattan could sell for $25 to $50 per shirt, while a similar shirt printed in another city might cost less.
Although DTG printing may not be the best option for uniforms, it is perfect for souvenirs. Inks used in DTG printing are water-based and natural-sourced. This means fewer issues with clogging and longer-lasting prints. Another advantage of DTG printing is that the ink used is permanent and sticks to the clothing fibers, making it much more durable than contract printing. In addition, DTG garments feel soft to the touch. This means that you will not feel the design when wearing the shirt.
Better for Complex Designs
For intricate designs, DTG ink is preferred, as it uses water-based inks to create vibrant colors and a durable print. DTG printers work best on natural fabrics since they absorb liquids better than synthetic fabrics. Suitable fabrics for DTG printing include cotton, combed cotton, organic cotton, linen, and light-colored polyester.
The ink curing process for DTG printing involves the use of a heat press or conveyor dryer. Both methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive. To get the best results from DTG printing, the fabric should be at least 50% cotton. However, polyester and poly-cotton blends are also suitable for DTG printing. The benefits of DTG printing are great precision and the ability to reproduce complex designs without any flaws or bleeds.
When using a DTG printer, you should prepare the fabric with a pre-treatment chemical to make it more resistant to DTG ink. This pre-treatment process adds a minute or two to the time required to print on the fabric. But, the cost of this process is minimal compared to the cost of DTG ink.
DTG printers also offer a large range of colors. This means that they can print complex designs and photos. However, the drawback is that DTG printers can’t print on transparent fabrics. The printers need to spread the ink to compensate for the color gap. In addition, DTG printing isn’t very good at printing on transparencies. If your designs are complex, a DTG printer can also create halftones, which can make the design semi-transparent.
Some Frequently Asked Questions about DTG and Custom T-shirt Printing
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>DTG Printing vs. DTF Printing: Which is Still the Best Option?
– The epidemic has led tiny studios to focus on Print-on-Demand manufacturing. With it, DTG and DTF printing have entered the market, piquing the attention of manufacturers interested in dealing with personalized clothes…Read More
>What are the Common File Types Used for Printing?
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>What are the Advantages of Buying Custom T-Shirts Online?
– Ordering personalized t-shirts online is easier than you might think, from design to production. T-shirt printing companies in Philadelphia and other cities have improved their online ordering processes to make them more user-friendly. Anyone can now choose, design, and order customized t-shirts all in the same place..Click Here to Learn More
>What is DTF or Direct to Film Printing?
– Direct-to-film printing is a one-of-a-kind printing method that includes producing graphics on special films and then transferring them to clothes. DTF printing is a heat transfer technique that lasts as long as classic silkscreen printing. DTF is a printing method that is not the same as DTG…Click to Read More
>Is Screen Printing or DTG the best option for your company?
– The method of pushing ink through a stenciled mesh screen to create a printed design is known as screen printing. Even though you’ve rarely heard of the term yet, you’ve probably owned or used a screen-printed item. Serigraphy and silk screen printing are other names for the same method, although they all refer to the same core technology…Click Here to Continue Reading
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