When it comes to achieving high-quality prints on garments using DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing, proper pre-treating is crucial. Pre-treat is essentially a solution made of Elmer’s glue and salt water that helps adhere white ink to the fibers of the garment. In this blog, we will explore four different pre-treat methods, ranked from most recommended to least, to help you achieve the best results for your prints.
Method 1: Quality Pre-Treater
The top recommended method for pre-treating garments is by using a quality pre-treater. A pre-treater is a container with a Wagner sprayer that allows for precise control over where the pre-treat solution is sprayed. The advantage of this method is its customization to the specific garment and print design. By using the measurements on the outside of the pre-treater, you can dictate the spray area. Additionally, you can control the speed of the spray, with faster nozzle movements resulting in less pre-treat being laid down. This method offers superior quality and consistency compared to other methods.
Method 2: Already Pre-Treated Shirts
The next recommended method is to use already pre-treated shirts, which eliminates the need for you to pre-treat the garments yourself. This method is particularly useful for beginners in DTG printing as it removes the possibility of human error during the pre-treating process. Ordering pre-treated shirts online can save you time and streamline your workflow, as you can print anywhere on the garment without worrying about inconsistent pre-treat coverage. However, it’s important to note that the shipping process may rough up the garments and disturb the pre-treat, potentially leading to inconsistencies.
Method 3: Handheld Wagner Sprayer
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, using a handheld Wagner sprayer is another option. These sprayers can be purchased from a hardware store and produce a consistent spray across the garment. However, it’s crucial for the operator to maintain an even pattern while spraying. This method tends to result in overspray and wastage of pre-treat solution, so it’s advisable to work in a contained area to minimize the mess. Care should be taken while using this method to avoid spraying Elmer’s glue everywhere.
Method 4: Roller Method
The least recommended method is the roller method, which involves using a high-density foam roller. This method is best suited for printing on small areas, such as bibs, onesies, or baby clothes. To apply the pre-treat, you would dunk the roller in the solution and roll it on the garment in the direction the print head moves (usually left and right). However, there is a higher risk of excess pre-treat on the garment or of pulling up fibers using this method. It is important to exercise caution and precision while using the roller method.
Drying and Storage
Once you have applied the pre-treat, it is crucial to ensure that the garment is completely dry before proceeding with printing or storing. Drying can be done using a heat press or by hang drying the garment. Even when hang drying, it is recommended to press the garment with a heat press to ensure the fibers are laid down properly. When storing pre-treated shirts, it is important to avoid disturbing the pre-treat and to keep the garments away from dust and moisture.
Proper pre-treatment is essential for achieving high-quality prints in DTG printing. By following the recommended methods, you can ensure consistent results and enhance the longevity of your prints. If you are looking for a pre-treater or DTG printer, check out our website and videos. Our team is always ready to recommend the best solution for your needs.
Still have questions regarding Pre-Treat?
Call 1-800-771-9665 and ask to talk to one of our commercial sales specialists or visit our website https://www.itsupplies.com.
IT Supplies is your single source solution for everything relating to the perfect print. We represent some of the top manufacturers in the industry. Our full lineup includes Eco Solvent, Latex, Flat Bed, and Aqueous printers by EPSON, HP, and Canon. We also carry a large selection of Dye-Sublimation and DTG Printers by both EPSON and HP. Visit us at www.itsupplies.com
IT Supplies Blog 