Brother

A s DTG printing grows, manufacturers are racing to produce fabric finishes that attempt to create molecular bonds between the inks and the treatments embedded in the fabrics. But not all treatments are created equally. "Many fabrics now being developed for DTG printing are laden with silicone softeners, which creates a flatter, softer-feeling hand," notes Bell. "But because softeners are topically applied, these can wash out in the first or second laundering." "Water-based inks do not work well or bond with the fabric if there is any silicone on it," agrees White. "It gives it a softer smoother feel, but that's not a shirt you to want to print on, especially for DTG." "Other treatments that some manufacturers use is starch with the idea that it is going to compact those yarns. The problem is it quickly washes out, and you're going to have a very different feel to that garment." Finishes and treatments used will be driven by two factors: cost and garment use. According to Anastos, "Any extra treatments you apply to fabric have a cost. So the question has to be asked, 'What is the garment's purpose?' If the shirt is going to be digitally printed, you want to only use treatments that won't affect the printing process." Factor 4 What finishes have been applied to the shirt?

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