Detail on black: DTG for GBtwo’s punk T-shirt range

The brief

GBtwo’s designs are bright and use many colours, which rules screen printing out as a practical option. Transfers were off the table too: they had used them before and were not happy with how the print washed. What they wanted was a T-shirt range they could stand behind, and someone who would show them the difference between the methods.

What we did

We talked them through the print processes and settled on direct-to-garment. Then we tested and tweaked on our Brother GT3 DTG machines until the detail in the artwork came through, and produced one of the best prints we have had the pleasure of running. Our own favourite is the cake design on the black T-shirt.

DTG on dark and coloured garments is harder than on white, and the technique is still improving; this range is a good example of what it can do when the set-up is right. The repeat runs have been just as satisfying.

Why not transfer

The client had used transfer printing before and had not been happy with how it washed. Transfers are good for promotional clothing and for garments that will not be washed and worn repeatedly, because over time a transfer fades.

GBtwo's shirts were being sold, so they had to survive being someone's favourite T-shirt. That ruled transfer out before we started, and it is why we spent the time making sure the method chosen would hold the detail in their designs.

“Working with Garment Printing has been a fantastic experience for us, their services and experience has been next to none. They talked us through the different print processes so we could finally produce high quality printing for our T-Shirt range, with their knowledge and foresight they helped us achieve what we’re looking for at a good price, therefore I would recommend Garment Printing.”

— The Team, GBtwo