Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is direct to garment printing?

A. Direct to garment (or DTG) printing is a state-of-the-art process that prints high resolution, full-color images on cotton garments. DTG printing is a digital process that takes digital art files and prints them directly into the fabric using special inkjet technology, creating permanent prints that will not peel or wash out.

Q. Can you print on dark-colored garments?

A. Yes, we can print on dark-colored garments. Dark shirts may require us to use a white under-base when printing, and are classified as CMYK+W. Garments that do not require an under-base are referred to as CMYK.

CMYK means printing only color, so it is only possible when the colors in the design are darker than the color of the shirt. CMYK+W is any artwork that requires white ink or light colors on a dark shirt.

The rule of thumb with DTG is if the color of the ink is lighter than the color of the shirt, there needs to be an under-base.

Q. What is the difference between direct to garment printing and screen printing?

A. Direct to garment printing and screen printing are both permanent processes. DTG printing is a digital printing process. It is more advanced and can print unlimited colors, with no minimums or set up fees. Screen printing requires a setup charge for each color, as well as restrictions on how detailed a design can be. DTG is an eco-friendly printing method that does not produce any harmful waste, whereas screen printing uses plastisol inks that can be harmful to the environment.

Q. What are the advantages of direct to garment printing?

A. The digital advantage is huge! Unlimited print colors. Fast turnaround times. No minimum order size. No screen/set up fees. Eco friendly.

Q. Is direct to garment printing better than screen printing?

A. The truth is that different print processes are ideal for different situations. DTG is best when printing designs with a lot of colors or detail, orders of fewer than 250 pieces, orders with multiple design styles, and in situations where a quick turnaround is needed.

Screen printing could be more cost-effective for orders with 250+ of the same design style, and for designs that are using only one color. Regardless of which method better suits your needs, both DTG and screen printing are permanent high-quality printing methods.

Q. What are the artwork requirements for direct to garment printing?

A. Click here to view our artwork requirements

Q. Should I wash my garments before wearing them?

A. It’s suggested you wash any garment, printed or not, before wearing it. In regards to digital printing, it’s a good idea to rinse your garment in lukewarm water prior to wearing, but plenty of clients throw them right on after they’re printed.

Q. Will direct to garment printing wash off?

A. DTG printing is a permanent process and the dyes are infused into the fabric. All textile printing is subject to weathering over time, but DTG will not peel or fade drastically as long as the garment is washed under normal conditions.

Q. Can you print blended shirts or polyester?

A. DTG printing was made for 100% cotton, because 100% cotton is the most durable fabric that accepts the digital printing process. However, there is an alternative for non-cotton garments: the Digi-flex process.

The digi-flex process allows us to print on more delicate materials. It is an adaptation of the DTG process that requires printing the design on a piece of film, and then transferring the print from the film to the fabric. This is an excellent option for people who want the look and quality of DTG but the flexibility of alternate fabric choices.

Neither DTG nor the digi-flex process can be used to print on knits, corduroy, or other textured fabrics. If you have a question about a particular garment or fabric, please give us a call.

Q. How soon can my order be ready?

A. We have some same day and next day services available depending on the scope of the order. Standard production is 3-7 business days from the time the proof is approved. Bulk orders may take longer, depending on the specifics of the order.

Q. Can you print photographs?

A. Yes. DTG printing can print with an unlimited amount of colors and very high resolution. We can print up to 1200dpi (dots per inch), meaning we can print photo-quality images on garments.

Q. How big can you print?

A. Our max print size is currently 14×16.

Q. How can I optimize my colors for direct to garment printing?

A. Check out our artwork requirements.

Q. Do I need to own the artwork that I am printing?

A. When you place an order with F4mily Matters you assert that you have the right to print the artwork you are providing.

Q. Do I own the artwork that F4mily Matters created for me?

A. F4mily Matters does offer design services, which includes creating logos and designs from scratch. You own all rights to any artwork that we have been paid to produce for you.

Q. Can I provide my own garments?

A. Absolutely! However, we have a no replacement policy on garments we did not provide, meaning if a mistake happens during production the customer will be responsible for providing replacement garments to be reprinted.

Q. What kind of machines do you use?

A. We have state of the art pretreatment machines, heat presses, DTG printers, and conveyor dryers.

Q. I'm not happy with my order. Can I get a refund?

A. We do not offer refunds. If you are unhappy with your order for any reason, please contact our shop directly. Every effort will be made to reach a satisfactory solution.

Q. Can you print on tie-dye, camo, and neon colors?

A. Yes. However, sometimes printing on dyed garments can cause dye migration, in which the dye color from the shirt can blend with the color of the white ink.

Q. What is the difference between classic, heavyweight, and premium t-shirts?

A. Our classic collection consists of light-to-medium weight ring-spun cotton garments with a true-to-size fit. (3.8 oz. to 4.3 oz.)

Our heavyweight collection consists of medium-to-heavy weight ring-spun cotton garments with a true-to-size fit. (5.3 oz. to 6.1 oz.)

Our premium collection consists of light-to-medium weight combed, ring-spun garments with a fashion fit. (4 oz. to 4.5 oz.)

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