What is pretreat and when should I use it?

What is pretreat and why does it matter for DTG printing?

Pretreat solution is a key component for direct-to-garment (DTG) printers, such as the Epson SureColor F2100 and F3070.  For dark garments, the printer lays down a white ink underbase so that colors printed on top appear vivid and true-to-design.  Pretreat prevents the fabric from absorbing too much ink, which would result in a faded or washed-out image.    Proper pretreat application is essential for achieving high image quality, particularly when printing multiple ink layers on dark garments.

Why use a pretreat machine?

A dedicated pretreat machine is the most reliable way to apply pretreat solution evenly and consistently across garments.  Manual methods such as a roller or spray bottle typically produce uneven pretreat coverage, leading to inconsistent print quality and wasted garments.  The pretreat machines are also fast and easy to maintain.

Alternative pretreat options

Another option is to purchase ready-to-print (RTP) shirts that have already been pretreated by the manufacturer.  This simplifies the workflow but limits your garment selection and removes control over pretreat application quality.  Note that white and light-colored garments do not require pretreat when printing without a white ink underbase. However, a white underbase can optionally be applied to any garment color for enhanced color vibrancy.  When print quality is not ideal, improper pretreatment application is often the cause.  Contact Grimco for additional guidance on pretreat and DTG printing best practices.