Bleeding of DTG prints is a custom printing issue in which the borders of the printed images get blurred in DTG prints. It is one of the common problems that make prints appear dull.
Moreover, bleeding of DTG prints mostly occurs with low-quality shirts that use thicker yarn and low-quality dyes. So, how to prevent DTG print issues? Let us discuss this below.
6 Best Ways to Prevent Bleeding in DTG Prints:
Various issues need to be fixed to fix bleeding in DTG prints. They are as follows:
1. Platen Height:
When Platen is too far away from the head, it causes bleeding of DTG prints. Therefore, adjust your platen height and reduce the distance between the garment and the head as per the recommended settings.
Moreover, if the print surface is too far away from the printhead, it declines the print quality. Further, the ink may cause mist from inside the printer and may cause DTG printer problems in the future. Therefore, adjust the platen to its optimum.
2. Printing CMYK over White:
Too much white ink deposits on the garment can cause problems in drying. And most probably, applying CMYK ink over it will bleed and or change colors.
In such cases, you need to decrease base white ink by 50% to 60% than the previous settings. Further, make sure to cure properly with even temperature distribution using a heat press.
3. Limiting Image Resolution is Important:
The image resolution is denoted by Dots per Inch(DPI). It determines the ink’s amount of ink that will print directly onto the substrate(for DTG printer) or transfer paper(sublimation printing). 200 dpi image resolution is optimum for printing on t-shirts, tote bags, mousepads, caps, etc.
Fabrics do not display any good prints with image resolution higher than 200 dpi. The print will not look any better with a higher resolution.
Moreover, it will cost you more inks, take longer to print, and ultimately cause the inks to bleed due to heavier deposits. Further, you won’t get any better prints with higher DPI.
Therefore, to control resolution, use editing elements like Adobe Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Photoshop Elements if you have Epson printers.
4. Too Much Pre-heat:
The print before curing seems fine, but after curing causes bleeding and banding issues. This indicates the application of too many pretreats on the shirts or garments.
Try to apply less heat and see if it fixes the issue. After all, custom printing involves both skill, knowledge, and a trial & error process.
5. Color Migration:
Color migration means the transition from one color to another, which mixes their properties.
Such as yellow to green color migration. Which not only causes bleeding but also banding problems in prints.
6. Garment is not Properly Dried:
If the pre-tread t-shirt or garment is not properly dried, it will cause bleeding. Dry the garments using a heat press,
Final Words:
Further, if you don’t get your problems solved, you may have issues with your DTG printer. Please contact your local supplier.