253-926-0507 decosource.com 2025 Freeman Rd E, Milton WA 98354

Direct to Garment

Printing Guide

DecoSource is on the cutting edge with our direct to garment

printing division, also known as printing. Our printer usesDTG

specialized inkjet technology that can apply designs directly

onto fabric using a full CMYK color spectrum that requires less

setup time and also costs less than traditional printing methods.

No longer will designs be limited to just a handful of colors!

We use water-based inks that are safe for the environment as

well as durable and comfortable to wear. Because we are no

longer limited by the same setup costs found in other methods,

we can print smaller order sizes quickly and less expensively.

DTG printing is the most cost e�ective solution for designs that

use a lot of di�erent colors, since the production cost is the same

whether it is one or a hundred ink colors. It is also best for orders

72 pieces or less. Turnaround time is typically 5-10 business days

from approval of artwork, and we do accept rush orders (charges

apply).

Providing ArtworkOne of the most important factors in producing great looking DTG printing is

having good quality artwork for us to initially work from. Clean artwork will

save time and money on orders, since extra charges for redrawing it will be

reduced or eliminated.

Digital artwork is categorized into two kinds: bitmap and vector based image

�les. They each have their own unique qualities but are both easy for us to

work from if they were created correctly.

Bitmap ImagesBitmap images are made up of individual pixels (dots) arranged on a

grid. Most computer monitors can display around 70 to 100 dots per

inch, while our DTG printer can print up to 300 dots per inch. Bitmap

�les are best for photo-realistic images or designs that have complex

colors.

We prefer bitmap images be provided in a resolution of at least 300

dots per inch, at the same size you would like to be printed. When an

image of a lower resolution is enlarged to 300 dpi, its edges will

appear jagged and blurry. Digital photographs, images from desktop

cameras, and Photoshop �les are examples of bitmap images. File

names usually consist of extensions such as .JPG, .GIF, .TIF, .PSD, or

.BMP. Graphics pulled from websites are usually low-resolution

bitmaps and do not print well.

Vector ImagesVector images are di�erent from bitmaps because they are not

de�ned by pixels, but by math. Instead of the computer reading a

list of colored dots arranged in an order, it sees nodes white form

lines and curves that create shapes (vectors). Vector images can be

resized in�nitely and their clarity will remain the same.

Vectors are created with programs such as andAdobe Illustrator

Corel Draw. File names usually consist of extensions such as .EPS,

.AI, and .CDR. Vector designs are always created manually by a

designer or automatically with a specialized tracing program. A

bitmap image imported into a vector art program such as Adobe

Illustrator does not immediately reclassify it as a vector �le. Vector

art is easiest for us to work with and almost always will product the

best results.

Shirt ColorsGarment colors play a factor in the �le preparation process for DTG

printing. When the same design is printed on di�erent colored

shirts, results may vary. For example, a design prepared speci�cally

for black shirts will often have ink removed in black areas of the

design so that the shirt shows through rather than the ink. This can

give a design much cleaner contrast and a softer feel because it

requires less ink to be used. When the design is then printed on a

shirt that isn�t black such as red or yellow, it can make the same

design look strange, since the black is no longer there.

By knowing the shirt colors beforehand, �les can be prepared

accordingly so that they will work best on a speci�c garment color.

Issues tend to arise when changes are made last minute or reorders

are placed with garments in a di�erent color than originally used.

Prepping �les for di�erent colors does require time from our art

department, so if a separate color layout is requested, and

additional setup fee will be applied for each new version.

When a design is prepared for black shirts, it may look incorrect on

di�erent color shirts without adjustments made

Bitmap images should be at least 300

dots per inch to achieve the clearest

possible print

Fabric SelectionThe water-based ink used in DTG printing works best on smooth, cotton fabric.

Garments made of 100% cotton will almost always yield the best results, giving

designs bolder colors and heavier ink coverage. When synthetic �bers are

added to a fabric blend, printing can have mixed results depending on the

percentage of synthetic material used. In most cases, the pitfalls of using a

synthetic blend are minimal - ink make look just slightly less vibrant than on

cotton. This issue may appear more noticeable on orders that include a variety

of garments made of both cotton and synthetic fabric.

Garments made from smooth fabric such as allow for the mostjersey knit

consistent ink coverage. Textured fabric such as pique or rib knit can lead to

uneven ink distribution and in some cases make a design completely

unprintable. Use caution when selecting items made from textured fabric. New

items with unknown results should be tested before setting up an order.

Design SizeThe maximum print area on our machines is 15�wide by 19�tall.

While it is possible for a design to be printed at that size, in most

cases, it is much too large to result in an aesthetically pleasing

�nished product. Depending on the style of garment and its size,

this maximum area will need to be reduced by using di�erent

pallets (shirt frames) and silicone rubber risers to �t speci�c items.

Shirts need to be completely smooth when framed, so any

protruding seams or pockets need to be placed lower than the

print area to maintain a �at surface.

Orders with a variety of garments that require separate pallets

may mean resizing the design so that it works on all items. This is

most common in orders that feature both adult and youth sizes

or those with both t-shirts and hoodies. A design that may work

well on the front of a t-shirt may not work as well on the front of

a hoodie, since the dimensions of the print area are di�erent.

Hoodies have a pouch pocket in the front that cannot be printed

on, so the design area is reduced by 7 inches vertically. Keep this

in mind when providing artwork. Refer to the sizing chart on the

back page.

Color ProcessDTG printing uses a CMYK ink process of blending primary inks to form a larger palette. CMYK

stands for yan, agenta, ellow, and Blac . These four colors, along with a white base areC M Y k

applied in various amounts to generate hundreds of di�erent colors in a single design. This

process does make matching colors with 100% accuracy a little tricky (such as to a Pantone

chart).

Factors such as ink density and fabric selection can lead to minor variations in some hues,

mostly in large areas featuring a single color. For the majority of orders, this issue is not easily

visible. It usually only becomes apparent when a DTG printed design is compared side by side

with the same design presented on another medium, such as a computer monitor. Please

understand that we will do our very best to match colors as closely as possible, but some minor

di�erences may occur.

avoid

good

best100% CottonFound in most common styles of T-shirts

Produces the best quality print

50/50 Cotton/PolyFound in most sweatshirt styles and

some T-shirts. Ink is slightly lighter in

comparison to 100% cotton

100% PolyesterUsed in performance fabrics

Not recommended for DTG printing

Maximum Print Sizes

Standard Pallet

15�x19�

Youth Pallet

10�x12.5�

Youth T-Shirt

10�x12.5�

Ladies�Tank Top

10�x12.5�

Youth Mini Pallet

10�x7�

Youth Hoodie

10�x7�

Long Sleeve

3�x15�

Vertical Riser

12�x15�

Horizontal Riser

15�x12�

Adult Hoodie

15�x12�

Sleeve Pallet

3�x15�

Adult T-Shirt

15�x19�Ladies�T-Shirt

12�x15�

Tank Top

12�x15�

Recommended design sizes

Adult full front designs: 11�to 12�wide

Adult full back designs: 13�to 14�wide

Youth full front and full back designs: 9.5�wide

Left chest designs: 13�to 14�wide