Color accuracy for products
The vibrancy and print quality of your designs depends on the type of material being printed and the product. Hence, different products with the same design will not look the same. For instance, the colour of the pillow sham will look slightly muted compared to that of a throw pillow or a canvas wrap with an identical design.
Printers used during printing
All of our apparel vendors are using Kornit printers. You can read more about Kornit inks here.
For the DTG process, we use Kornit inks for our direct-to-garment printing specific to our manufacturers' presses. These are all water-based inks.
- Offset inks are for paper printing.
- Water-based inks can be used for DTG or screen print production.
Printing techniques
DTG printing
Most of the apparel items in our product catalog are printed using the Direct to Garment (DTG) printing method because it allows for maximum detail in design and color options. It is also a more cost-effective option for our partners. DTG is a method where a printer directly applies the ink onto the t-shirt with inkjet technology. It involves a special printer that prints the ink directly onto the garment with your desired design. DTG uses specialty inks that are absorbed by the fibers of the garment.
DTF Printing
Direct-to-film (DTF) is an emerging transfer technology that lets users print designs onto polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film using water-based pigment inks. It produces prints with full-color details and techniques that are not accessible to DTG. DTF also provides access to the decoration of poly products, which will unlock an enormous and previously underrepresented product segment in the on-demand space. DTF is the predominant printing technology used on several substrates. Check our DTF clothing assortment here.
Dye-sublimation printing
Sublimation refers to a process where a substance moves from a solid state to a gas state without ever being in a liquid state. Sublimation printing normally involves using a digital printer to produce mirrored images on paper specially coated with a transfer material. For example, this method is used on our Drinkware, Accessory Pouches & other Home Decor products, AOP Sweatshirts, and Hoodies.
Woven technique
Our system and proprietary manufacturing process enable you to weave rather than print your graphic designs into these high-quality, unique products. The process of creating custom woven products uses solid-colored yarn in combination with black and white yarn to achieve the desired colors for your product. This method can produce approximately 195 possible color combinations, which is beneficial as it allows you to work with many different colors when creating your product.
For photography, the software and colors can create a pleasing woven rendition of most photographs, and graphic designs may need to be sampled first which is why we’ve created this guide for you.
Embroidery Printing
Embroidery decoration is best used for creating logos on a thicker garment. Embroidery prints are typically long-lasting and durable. Due to the process, the cost of embroidery is normally more than traditional printing, but it can be much more cost-effective. This printing method isn't suitable for all types of designs, and complicated color palettes or heavy gradients should be avoided. This method is available for our hat assortment.
Foil Printing
Foil printing uses heat, pressure, and a metal die to transfer a thin layer of shiny foil onto a card, creating eye-catching metallic designs or text. Used for premium cards, invitations, and branding materials.
If you’d like to speak to our team about potentially using Gooten for foil-printed products, please reach out to your Partner Support Team. It’s helpful to know how many foil-printed orders you think you would fulfill in a month. Understanding sales volume lets us negotiate better pricing with our vendors and prioritize our integrations for all partners.
Laser Engraving
Laser engraving is a precise cutting-edge decoration technique that uses a focused laser beam to etch or mark a design onto a surface. It is available on our drinkware: six sleek stainless steel options—two bottles and four tumblers. This method delivers a premium, high-quality finish perfect for consumers who value unique, modern, and durable products that align with the latest market trends in drinkware customization. It offers exceptional durability with a permanent mark that won’t fade, chip, or wear off, ensuring lasting quality. The precision of laser engraving allows for intricate designs and sharp text, enhancing the aesthetic appeal, while the bright, metallic finish contrasts beautifully with stainless steel, creating striking visual depth and texture.
3D UV DTF Printing
3D UV DTF Printing (Direct to Film) is a specialized digital printing technique that combines UV printing with Direct to Film technology to create high-quality, three-dimensional, textured prints. It is an innovative decoration method now available on our bestselling ceramic mugs and on a white tumbler. This cutting-edge decoration technique sets your drinkware apart with vibrant, textured and raised designs and transforms your artwork into a striking, tactile experience by making design elements pop off the surface. To achieve the best results, the artwork must feature design elements on a transparent background, ensuring a true 3D effect.
UV Digital Inkjet Printing
UV Digital Inkjet Printing is an advanced printing technology that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to instantly cure or dry inks as they are printed. UV-cured prints are resistant to water, fading, and scratching, making them ideal for indoor and outdoor use. It produces high-quality, vibrant, and detailed prints. The most common applications of UV digital inkjet printing include Signage, other vinyl products and Drinkware.
Digital Inkjet Printing
Digital inkjet printing uses advanced printers equipped with precise nozzles that spray tiny droplets of liquid ink directly onto the material. The ink—either dye or pigment-based—is deposited in controlled patterns to create high-resolution images. Depending on the printer, drying occurs through absorption, evaporation, or heat. This process is highly versatile, capable of printing on materials like paper, fabric, and some plastics, making it ideal for applications such as Wall Art, Stationery, and other decor items.
Toner Press Printing
Toner Press Printing is a digital printing technique that uses toner, a fine, powder-based substance, rather than liquid ink, to create images on paper or other materials. It produces crisp and precise prints with sharp text and vibrant images. Best suited for paper, cardstock, and some specialty media.