Importance of Properly Caring for Your Custom Printed Garments

Custom printed garments are a fantastic way to showcase unique designs, promote brands, or create personalized fashion pieces. Whether your garments are created using White Toner, Direct-to-Garment (DTG), Direct-to-Film (DTF), or Sublimation printing techniques, proper care is essential to maintain their quality and longevity. Without appropriate care, these prints can crack, fade, or discolor, compromising the appearance and lifespan of your garments. Here’s why proper care is crucial and some tips on how to keep your custom prints looking their best.

 

1. Maintain Vibrant Colors: Custom prints are known for their vivid and vibrant colors. Proper washing and handling ensure these colors remain bright and do not fade over time.
2. Prevent Cracking and Peeling: Prints, especially those on garments, are susceptible to cracking and peeling if not cared for correctly. Proper washing techniques and avoiding high heat can prevent these issues.
3. Extend Garment Lifespan: Taking good care of your printed garments ensures they last longer, providing more value for your investment.
4. Preserve Design Integrity: Each custom print is unique and often holds personal or brand significance. Proper care helps preserve the integrity of the design, keeping it looking as intended.

 

 

1. White Toner Printing:
   
   • Washing: Turn the garment inside out to protect the print. Use cold water and a gentle cycle to prevent the toner from cracking.
   • Drying: Air dry the garment or use a low-heat setting in the dryer. High heat can cause the print to peel or crack.

 

 

1. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing:
   
   • Washing: Wash inside out in cold water with mild detergent. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners.
   • Drying: Tumble dry on low heat or hang dry. High heat can damage the print.
   • Ironing: If ironing is necessary, do it inside out on low heat without directly touching the print.

 

 

1. Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing:
   
   • Washing: Use cold water and turn the garment inside out. Use a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
   • Drying: Avoid high heat. Tumble dry on low or air dry to prevent the print from cracking.
   • Ironing: Iron inside out on low heat. Do not iron directly over the print.

 

 

1. Sublimation Printing:
   
   • Washing: Sublimated prints are generally more durable. However, to maintain vibrancy, wash in cold water on a gentle cycle.
   • Drying: Tumble dry on low or medium heat. High heat does not typically affect sublimated prints, but lower heat is always safer.
   • Ironing: Ironing is generally not necessary, but if needed, do it on low heat without direct contact with the print.

 

 

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Bleach and strong detergents can damage prints. Stick to mild, color-safe detergents.
• Separate Laundry: Wash printed garments with similar colors to prevent color bleeding.
• Store Properly: Store your garments in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

 

Proper care of custom printed garments is not just about maintaining their aesthetic appeal but also about preserving their functionality and longevity. By following these care tips, you can ensure your printed garments stay vibrant, intact, and wearable for a long time. Remember, the effort you put into caring for your garments will pay off by keeping your designs looking fresh and new.

For more detailed information on each printing method and additional care tips, check out our blog: The Art of Pricing: How to Price Custom DTG Printed Shirts.