DTG Printing Services
Direct to Garment printing — eco-friendly, water-based inks for the softest feel in custom apparel
What is DTG (Direct to Garment) Printing?
DTG (Direct to Garment) printing is a cutting-edge digital printing method that uses water-based, eco-friendly inks sprayed directly onto fabric with industrial inkjet technology. Unlike screen printing or heat transfers, DTG ink absorbs into the garment fibres, producing prints that feel like part of the shirt — not sitting on top of it.
DTG excels at reproducing photographic images, complex gradients, and designs with unlimited colours — all without setup fees or colour surcharges. It's the ideal choice for small-to-medium orders, personal projects, one-off samples, and anyone who values the softest possible print feel.
At T-Shirt Elephant, we use state-of-the-art DTG equipment in our Canadian production facility to ensure every print meets our exacting colour-accuracy and durability standards. Whether you need 1 shirt or 500, our DTG service delivers brilliant results with fast turnaround and free shipping on orders over $250 CAD.
Why Choose DTG Printing?
Ultra-Soft Hand Feel
Ink absorbs into the fabric fibres instead of sitting on top. You can barely feel the print — it's the softest method available.
Unlimited Colours
Print photographic images, gradients, and complex artwork with millions of colours — no extra cost per colour.
Eco-Friendly Inks
Water-based, OEKO-TEX certified inks with no harsh chemicals. DTG is one of the greenest printing methods in Canada.
Vibrant on Dark Fabrics
White ink underbase technology delivers fully opaque, vivid prints on black, navy, and dark-coloured garments.
No Minimums or Setup Fees
Order 1 piece or 1,000. DTG requires zero screens, zero films, and zero setup costs — pay only for what you print.
Won't Crack or Peel
Because ink absorbs into the fabric, DTG prints never crack, peel, or flake — even after 50+ washes.
How DTG Printing Works
Upload Your Design
Submit your artwork via our online design tool or email. We accept PNG, AI, PSD, PDF, and JPG files.
Pre-Treat Garment
We apply a pre-treatment solution so the water-based inks bond permanently to the fabric fibres.
Print on Garment
Your design is sprayed directly onto the fabric using CMYK + White water-based inks at up to 1200 DPI.
Heat Cure & Ship
The garment is heat-cured to lock in the inks, quality-inspected, and shipped to your door across Canada.
DTG Printing Pricing
All prices in CAD. No setup fees. No colour charges. Volume discounts available.
Small Print
Up to 5" × 5"
per piece
- ✓ Left chest logos
- ✓ Sleeve prints
- ✓ Small back prints
Standard Print
Up to 11" × 14"
per piece
- ✓ Full front designs
- ✓ Full back designs
- ✓ Most popular size
Oversized Print
Up to 16" × 20"
per piece
- ✓ All-over style prints
- ✓ Oversized streetwear
- ✓ Maximum impact
Garment cost extra. Dark garments may incur a small surcharge for white underbase. Contact us for an exact quote.
DTG vs Other Printing Methods
DTG Printing is Perfect For
Artists & Designers
Reproduce fine art, illustrations, and complex artwork with photo-quality accuracy.
E-Commerce Brands
Print on demand with no minimums — launch your clothing line without inventory risk.
Events & Reunions
Full-colour event shirts, bachelorette parties, family reunions — even just 1 piece.
Corporate & Promo
Company swag, trade show giveaways, and branded apparel with detailed logos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DTG printing?
DTG (Direct to Garment) printing is a digital printing method where water-based, eco-friendly inks are sprayed directly onto fabric using industrial inkjet technology. It produces photo-quality, full-colour prints with an incredibly soft hand feel because the ink absorbs into the fabric fibres rather than sitting on top.
What fabrics work best with DTG printing?
DTG works best on 100% cotton and high-cotton blends (at least 50% cotton). Ring-spun and combed cotton garments produce the sharpest results. For polyester or synthetic fabrics, we recommend our DTF printing or sublimation services instead.
How does DTG compare to screen printing?
DTG is ideal for small to medium orders (1-100 pieces) with complex, multi-colour, or photographic designs. There are no setup fees or colour limits. Screen printing is more cost-effective for large bulk runs (200+) with simple 1-4 colour artwork.
How does DTG compare to DTF printing?
DTG prints directly on the garment for the softest possible feel but works best on cotton. DTF printing transfers from a film and works on any fabric type. Both offer unlimited colours and no setup fees — the choice depends on your fabric and desired hand feel.
Is DTG printing durable?
Yes! DTG prints withstand 50+ washes without cracking, peeling, or significant fading. Because the ink absorbs into the fibres, it won't flake off like vinyl. Wash inside out on cold and tumble dry low for best results.
Can DTG print on dark-coloured garments?
Absolutely! We use a white ink underbase layer on dark garments for vibrant, fully opaque prints on black, navy, and other dark colours. The pre-treatment process ensures crisp, long-lasting results.
What is the minimum order for DTG?
There is no minimum. Order as few as 1 piece — perfect for samples, prototypes, or personal projects. No setup fees apply regardless of quantity.
What is the turnaround time?
Standard DTG orders ship within 10 business days. Rush (7 days, +25%) and Super Rush (5 days, +50%) are available. Contact us for urgent timelines.
Is DTG printing eco-friendly?
Yes! DTG uses water-based, OEKO-TEX certified inks free of harmful chemicals. There are no screens, films, or excess materials to dispose of — it's one of the greenest printing methods available.
What file formats do you accept?
We accept PNG (preferred), AI, EPS, PDF, PSD, and high-res JPG files. Submit artwork at 300 DPI at actual print size for best results. Our design team optimises your files free of charge.
Serving Customers Across Canada
DTG Printing Toronto · DTG Printing Vancouver · DTG Printing Montreal · DTG Printing Calgary · DTG Printing Edmonton · DTG Printing Ottawa · DTG Printing Winnipeg · DTG Printing Halifax · DTG Printing Mississauga · DTG Printing Hamilton
Ready to Try DTG Printing?
No minimums. No setup fees. Eco-friendly inks. Free shipping on orders over $250 CAD.
100,000+ Happy Customers · 99.7% Satisfaction Rate · 10-Day Turnaround
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