Inkjet Printing

Inkjet printing is a method where ink is sprayed onto the fabric in small droplets to create a design. It's often used in DTG printing for full-colour designs on custom garments.
Unlike traditional screen printing, which requires physical screens and ink layering, inkjet garment printing is fully digital. Artwork is sent from a computer directly to the printer, allowing detailed, full-colour designs to be reproduced without complex setup.
In Australia’s custom apparel industry, inkjet-based DTG printing is widely used for short runs, retail merchandise, promotional apparel, and on-demand production.

How Inkjet Printing Works on Garments

Digital Artwork Processing

The process begins with high-resolution artwork. The file is prepared in professional design software and sent to a DTG printer. The printer interprets the file and calculates ink placement with precision.

Direct Ink Application

The printer sprays water-based textile inks directly onto the garment. For dark fabrics, a white underbase layer is typically printed first to ensure colour vibrancy.

Once printed, the garment is heat cured to set the ink and ensure wash durability.

Fibre Bonding

Unlike vinyl or transfer-based methods, inkjet garment printing allows ink to penetrate and bond with the fabric fibres. This contributes to a softer finish compared to some heat-applied methods.

Key Features of Inkjet Garment Printing

Full-Colour Capability

Inkjet printing can reproduce complex artwork, gradients, and photographic images without additional setup costs for each colour.

No Screen Setup Required

Because it is digital, there are no physical screens to create. This makes it efficient for small orders and one-off prints.

Soft Hand Feel

When printed on cotton-rich garments, the ink absorbs into the fibres, resulting in a softer feel compared to thick ink layers.

On-Demand Production

Inkjet printing supports flexible production models, including small batch runs and online merchandise fulfilment.

Benefits for Australian Businesses

Inkjet printing is particularly beneficial for:

Start-up clothing brands launching small collections
Corporate campaigns requiring detailed graphics
Event merchandise with short turnaround times
Schools, clubs, and community groups ordering limited quantities
E-commerce businesses using print-on-demand models

For Australian businesses that do not require high-volume runs, inkjet printing offers flexibility without the upfront costs associated with screen printing setup.

It also reduces waste, as garments can be printed only when needed.

Fabric Compatibility

Inkjet garment printing works best on:

100% cotton
High-cotton blends
Certain treated polyester blends (with appropriate ink systems)

Cotton provides the most vibrant and durable results due to its ability to absorb water-based inks effectively.

Polyester garments require specialised ink systems and pre-treatment to achieve optimal adhesion.

Practical Considerations

Order Volume

Inkjet printing is most cost-effective for small to medium runs. For very large bulk orders, traditional screen printing may offer lower per-unit costs.

Garment Quality

Higher-quality cotton garments generally produce better print clarity and colour performance.

Wash Care

Garments should be washed inside out in cold water and dried on low heat to maintain colour integrity.

Artwork Preparation

High-resolution files are essential. Low-quality artwork may appear pixelated when printed.

Inkjet Printing in Professional Garment Production

Inkjet printing has transformed the custom apparel industry by enabling high-detail, full-colour decoration without complex setup processes. It supports creative flexibility, quick turnaround, and scalable production.

For Australian businesses seeking detailed designs, small batch production, or on-demand printing solutions, inkjet-based garment printing offers a modern and practical approach within professional custom apparel production.