Printing on V-neck t-shirts can be a bit tricky compared to standard crew necks, but with the right techniques, you can achieve clean, professional results. In this guide, I’ll walk you through my process for DTG (direct-to-garment) printing on V-necks using the RICOH RI 1000. Whether you’re a seasoned printer or just starting your side hustle, these tips will help you get high-quality prints every time.
Why V-Neck T-Shirts Require Special Attention
Unlike crew neck shirts, V-neck t-shirts have a unique collar shape that can interfere with the printing and pressing process. If you’re not careful, you can end up with unwanted heat marks, misaligned prints, or ink issues. That’s why it’s essential to take extra steps to position and pre-treat your V-neck shirts correctly.
Step 1: Preparing for Printing
Before jumping into printing, ensure you have the right setup:
✅ Choose the Right V-Neck Brand – Not all V-neck shirts are created equal. I prefer using Bella Canvas 3005 because it provides a consistent print surface and a good-quality fabric for DTG.
✅ Check the V-Neck Depth – Some V-necks are deeper than others, especially women’s styles. Adjust your design placement accordingly to avoid printing too low or on uneven areas.
✅ Prepare the Work Area – Keep a clean workstation and have a microfiber towel or multipurpose cleaner handy to wipe excess ink off the platen between prints.
Step 2: Pre-Treating the Shirt Correctly
Pre-treating is crucial for DTG printing, and with V-necks, you must be extra careful:
- Position the Collar Over the Edge – When applying pre-treat, ensure the V-neck collar hangs over the platen’s edge. This prevents any solution from soaking into the collar, which can cause unwanted stains or discoloration.
- Apply an Even Spray – Lightly coat the fabric with pre-treatment spray while keeping the collar clear.
- Press in Intervals – Instead of pressing for a long duration, use short 15-second intervals to allow the shirt to breathe and prevent pre-treat marks.
Step 3: Threading the Shirt for Printing
When printing on the RICOH RI 1000, proper threading ensures accurate placement and prevents the V-neck from interfering with the design:
✅ Thread the Shirt – This means sliding the shirt onto the platen so that the print area is completely flat and the collar is positioned correctly.
✅ Use a Centering Guide – I use the built-in center bolt on the platen to align the shirt properly. Additionally, I double-check the positioning with a measuring stick and by visually aligning the shoulders.
✅ Secure the Shirt – Some V-necks may shift slightly during printing. If you’re doing multiple passes or multi-color designs, consider using a non-slip pad to keep the fabric stable.
Step 4: Printing and Curing the Design
With everything set up, it’s time to start printing!
- Adjust the Print Position – Make sure the top of your design is placed as high as possible without interfering with the V shape.
- Run a Test Print – I always print a sample shirt first to ensure proper alignment before running a full batch.
- Curing the Ink – Once the print is complete, properly cure the ink using recommended settings. This step is crucial to prevent peeling or fading over time.
Final Tips for a Flawless V-Neck Print
- Avoid Printing Over the Collar – Always ensure the V-neck is out of the print area to prevent uneven prints.
- Single-Thread for Back Prints – If you’re printing on the back, thread the shirt so the V-neck doesn’t leave an imprint on the design.
- Always Provide a Sample Shirt – Before printing an entire order, send a sample shirt for client approval.
- Order Extra Shirts – Mistakes happen, so always have a few extra shirts on hand for test prints or replacements.
Wrapping It Up
Printing on V-neck t-shirts may take a little more effort than crew necks, but with the right preparation and techniques, you can achieve high-quality, professional results. By focusing on proper placement, pre-treating carefully, and threading the shirt correctly, you’ll minimize errors and maximize customer satisfaction.
If you have any questions about DTG printing, side hustles, or apparel customization, feel free to reach out!
