So you’ve decided to start a DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing business—great choice! But before you hit “print” on your first t-shirt, you need the right workspace. A well-organized, efficient setup is crucial for producing consistent results and growing your business smoothly.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up your DTG printing workspace, including all the essential equipment and layout tips for maximum productivity.

1. Choose the Right Space

You don’t need a massive warehouse to start. Many successful DTG businesses begin in:

● Spare bedrooms

● Garages

● Small offices or retail stores

Minimum space needed: Around 100–150 sq. ft. for a basic setup
 Ideal space: 200+ sq. ft. for smoother workflow, storage, and expansion

Make sure the area is:

● Well-ventilated

● Dust-free

● Humidity controlled (40–70%)

● Has stable electricity and Wi-Fi

2. Essential DTG Printing Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need to run a functional DTG setup:

✅ DTG Printer

This is your most important investment. Choose a reliable machine that offers:

● High print quality

● Fast production speed

● Easy maintenance features

The MTuTech DTG Printer is ideal for small to mid-size businesses looking for consistent results with low operational hassle.

✅ Pretreatment Equipment

Required for dark shirts (and some light-colored ones).

Options:

● Manual spray bottles (for beginners)

● Automatic pretreatment machine (for consistency and speed)

Also needed:

● Pretreatment fluid

● Protective gloves

● Measuring scale or cup

✅ Heat Press or Conveyor Dryer

Used to:

● Cure pretreatment solution

● Cure the final print

Recommended:

● 16” x 20” flat heat press with digital temperature/timer control

● Teflon or parchment paper to protect prints

Larger businesses may invest in conveyor dryers for faster output.

✅ Computer & RIP Software

● Required to process artwork and manage print settings

● RIP software controls ink flow, underbase, resolution, and layout

Look for software compatible with your printer model—often bundled with purchase.

✅ Blank Garments

Start with high-quality 100% cotton t-shirts, DTG-certified for best print results.

Stock sizes:

● Small to XXL

● Popular colors: black, white, heather gray, navy

Pro Tip: Store in plastic bins or shelves to avoid dust and wrinkles.

✅ Work Tables & Storage

Create dedicated zones for:

● Pretreatment

● Printing

● Curing

● Packaging

Add racks, shelves, and bins to organize shirts, inks, paper, and accessories.

3. Optional But Useful Add-Ons

● Garment steamer – Removes wrinkles before printing

● Lint roller – Ensures dust-free surfaces

● Barcode scanner – For order and inventory tracking

● UPS battery backup – Protects against power surges or outages

4. Cleanliness & Maintenance Area

Keep a separate zone for:

● Cleaning solution

● Spare parts (nozzles, wipers, etc.)

● Waste ink tank

● Maintenance logs

✅ The MTuTech DTG Printer makes cleaning simple with built-in routines, reducing downtime and labor.

Sample Layout Idea for a Small DTG Workshop

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[ Storage Racks ]     [ Pretreatment Table ]

[ DTG Printer ]       [ Heat Press Station ]

[ Computer Station ]  [ Packaging Area ]

Ensure a logical flow: Pretreat → Print → Cure → Pack → Ship

Final Thoughts

Setting up your DTG workspace properly from day one ensures smooth operations, reduces rework, and prepares your business for growth. Whether you’re starting in a spare room or a dedicated shop, the right equipment and layout make all the difference.

 Ready to build your dream DTG workspace?

Start with the MTuTech DTG Printer – Powerful, Reliable, and Built for Business.