Why Is My DTF Printer Not Printing White

Your Direct-to-Film (DTF) printer not printing white is a common problem that almost all DTF printer operators have encountered. This makes white prints to be patchy and streaky instead of the white pop you were going for.

Anyway, worry less because this guide will take you through several factors that affect white ink output in DTF printers. We will explain in simple words what the problems can be and how to solve them. Let’s get right into it then:

DTF white ink has special features that you need to understand to know how it works. This ink is an oily solvent for smooth flow and better printing. However, its smooth nature is also a drawback because it will always cause ink clogs if not taken care of properly.

Even in the ink cartridges, white ink will often contain pigments that settle at the bottom layer. You need to shake the white ink cartridges gently on a daily basis after installation. You also need to check if your DTF printer’s white ink stirring system is functional. The stirring is important in maintaining even pigment distribution during printing.

Another special feature of DTF white ink is that it doesn’t react well with alcohol. Exposure to alcohol causes the solvent in the ink to quickly evaporate and this affects the quality and flow of the ink. Avoid alcohol cleaning solutions when cleaning your print head, instead use manufacturer-approved cleaners for everything to work well.

You also need to check for ink compatibility with the DTF printer. Purchase the right white ink for your DTF printer model. Incorrect white ink leads to faded prints and bad ink flow because of clogged print heads. Each manufacturer always provides a list of recommended ink for their printers. Using the right ink for your printer model contributes to a longer lifespan of your print head.

White ink problems in DTF printing happen occasionally because of a few reasons such as poor maintenance, ink setting, or using the wrong type of ink among others. Let’s go through each of these factors and how to resolve them.

As a DTF printer owner or operator, there are several important checks you need to perform daily. These checks enable you to identify issues that affect white ink output for example, and resolve them quickly. Your DTF printer might be having white ink output issues because of the following:

• Low white ink levels in cartridges.

• Air bubbles or blockages in ink lines and dampers.

• Printer setup.

Check your ink cartridges on a regular basis so that you’re able to refill the depleting ink in time. You also need to check that the ink is flowing correctly through the lines and dampers. Air bubbles or any blockages can prevent the ink from flowing. Ensure the ink cartridges have been sealed tightly.

One of DTF white ink issues is that it doesn’t react well with alcohol. Exposure to alcohol causes the solvent in the ink to quickly evaporate and this affects the quality and flow of the ink. When cleaning your print head avoid alcohol, instead use manufacturer-approved cleaners for everything to work well.

You also need to check for ink compatibility with the DTF printer. Purchase the right white ink for your DTF printer model bearing in mind the shelf-life. Old or incorrect white ink leads to faded prints and bad ink flow because of clogged print heads. Each manufacturer always provides a list of recommended ink for their printers. Using the right for your printer model contributes to a longer lifespan of your print head.

How you maintain your printhead also affects your white ink printing. As already mentioned, white ink is very thick so it easily clogs. Because of this, you need to always run a cleaning cycle probably on a weekly basis using the right cleaning solutions. This will help with unclogging the printhead and increasing the quality of white ink output. Running the automatic cleaning feature of your DTF printer also contributes to unclogging.

For small business owners, when handling large orders requiring 4 to 5 hours straight, you must clean the printhead because clogs may have formed. For home crafters, you must use your DTF printer regularly because it helps keep the nozzles moving while preventing the cartridges from getting stuck.

DTF printers use a specialized Raster Image Processor (RIP) software for ink configuration. White ink is enabled using the RIP software settings. You have to select the correct print profile and make sure the under-base white layer is properly set according to your design. Your File Design must include the white underbase layer or else the printer won’t print white in those areas.

DTF printer software settings also let you set the ink droplet size and resolution. For white prints, be careful how much ink you use if you are aiming for vibrant and well-covered prints. It’s not only about how you get the white color output right but also how all the other colors will look together in the final print. So strike a balance for your prints to look great.

Another reason why your printer is not printing white color could be a faulty damper or capping station. Inspect your damper and capping station because they affect white ink delivery. Replace faulty or damaged dampers then verify the pump system is working correctly and ink is being pulled through the lines.

Extreme cases of clogging or white ink issues, in general, could be faulty print heads. However, before making any replacement, consult with a qualified technician or the manufacturer. Always refer to your printer’s manual when troubleshooting hardware malfunctions. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer.

Humidity is a key factor when doing DTF printing. Low humidity can lead to the ink drying prematurely or cause clogging in the print head. For the DTF printer to work effectively, you have to operate within the recommended temperature range which is normally about 68°F - 77°F (20°C - 25°C) . Maintain a humidity level of about 40%- 60% in your work environment.

Avoid dry environments because static electricity can cause the white ink to repel the film. Consider using anti-static wipes, brushes, or grounding straps to reduce static buildup.

Some of the questions asked by DTF printing crafters on white ink output include:

Remember regular maintenance of your DTF printer such as performing nozzle checks can prevent most white ink problems. If white ink problems persist after checking on the mentioned areas, maybe it’s time to seek professional assistance.

Share this knowledge with the DTF Printing community so that they can also resolve some of their white ink problems. We wish you success in your next white ink DTF printing!