What is pre-treat for DTG?
If you’ve ever looked into Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing, you may have heard the term “pre-treat” (or pretreatment). But what does it mean, and why is it so important?
What Is Pre-Treat?
Pre-treat is a special liquid solution applied to garments before DTG printing.
It works almost like a primer, preparing the fabric to hold onto the ink.
Without it, the water-based DTG inks would sink into the shirt fibers and look dull, washed out, or uneven.
Why Pre-Treat Matters
Bright, Vibrant Colors – Especially important when printing on dark garments, where a white underbase is needed to make colors pop.
Crisp Details – Helps inks sit on top of the fabric, preserving fine lines and sharp edges in the design.
Durability – Keeps prints from fading or washing out quickly.
Smooth Printing Surface – Ensures the garment lays flat and prints evenly.
When Is Pre-Treat Required?
Dark Garments – Always required, since a white underbase needs something to bond to.
Light Garments – Not always required for simple designs, but often recommended for better print quality.
Polyester or Blends – Some specialty pre-treatments are used to help DTG ink adhere to tricky fabrics.
Why Customers Should Care
If you’re ordering DTG prints, pre-treat ensures your design looks bright, professional, and long-lasting. A shop that skips or skimps on pretreatment is cutting corners — and it will show in the final product.
Final Takeaway
Pre-treat is the secret ingredient that makes DTG printing work. By applying a pretreatment solution before printing, we guarantee that your designs come out vibrant, detailed, and built to last.
Contact us today to learn more about DTG printing and how pre-treat helps us deliver the highest-quality prints possible.