Leandro Rivas
DTG print that fades after curing has been a common issue with many print shops. We obtain great prints after DTG printing on garments until we cure them under the conveyor dryer. Everything changes from a bright and vibrant print to a dull and faded image.
Top 4 Methods to Prevent DTG Print Fade After Curing:
Moreover, we can’t ignore curing as it is important to dry ink for long-lasting prints. Then how to fix such printing issues? Follow the methods below:
#Method 1. Long Dwell Time in Conveyor Dryer:
Try lowering the temperature(within 280 F to 320 F) of the conveyor dryer with a long dwell time. The sudden application of high temperature causes the print to fade or roast. Too much heat causes dye migration.
Further, if you can get a successful cure, you can confirm it with a wash test to ensure the garment is fully cured. Furthermore, it is better to use hoddies that have a 100% cotton face.
#Method 2. Prevent Fading by Curing with Heat Press:
If you cannot work with the conveyor dryer, instead use a heat press for curing yet adopting the right procedure, which we will discuss here.
Dye migration is a common issue while curing a print on the garment. Because dye from synthetic fibers can rise and blend with the white underbase, use a heat press to avoid this.
Start by placing the t-shirt/garment onto the platen and heat press while lowering its temperature(330 F; further increase in temperature will cause scorching) and pressure. Try curing it in turns by releasing the press every couple of seconds until the curing is done. This may be a tiresome process.
#Method 3. Use Hover Press Before Curing Cotton/Poly Blends:
Why DTG print fades after curing? The fading or burning of garments post-curing is caused due to cotton/poly blends with wide(loosely knit) fabrics. But, you can easily fix it. The best way is to hover press for a minute or two before fully curing. You can also apply heat press for 1min under light pressure.
#Method 4. Prevent Fading by using 100% Cotton Fabrics:
You won’t get good prints with DTG on hoodies. In DTG printing, hoodies or t-shirts with 100%cotton do not fade after curing due to tight-knit weave. Therefore, tight weave cotton fabrics are best for DTG printing that does not fade after curing. As a result, you can sell custom t-shirts without compromising print quality.
Moreover, you can get good quality blank hoodies & t-shirts for DTG printing from Bella + Canvas, Gildan 18500, Port & Company, etc.
