Prevent your DTF white ink from running down the PET film

If you have experienced your DTF white ink running down the PET film, read on for some advice:

Note: the image in this post came to us from a customer, who corrected the issue by decreasing their white resolution. We do not print, nor recommend you print, Disney characters as this is a copyright violation (of course).

Tip 1:

Start by checking the ink loading. For most print types, a white ink resolution of 70-80% is recommended. Some clients prefer 100% white ink resolution to create a solid base for colors, but this can sometimes cause the white ink to bleed. If this happens, try reducing the ink loading to prevent any issues.

Tip 2:

If reducing the white ink resolution doesn't help, try our double-sided frosted DTF PET film, available in various sizes (A3, A4 sheets, and 30cm, 33cm, 42cm, and 60cm rolls, both cold and hot peeling). This film has 6 layers of coating, absorbing more ink than the single-sided version, which has 5 layers.

Tip 3:

Consider using a heating plate to dry the ink immediately after printing. Many commercial DTF printers from China have a built-in heating plate that dries the film as it exits the printer, which is especially helpful in cold environments or when using high-resolution white ink. Some newer printers feature two heating plates: one at the back where the film enters and another after the design is printed.

See figure 1

 figure1

Tip 4:

Ensure your PET film hasn't absorbed moisture, as this can impact ink absorption. If moisture is present, you can use a hair dryer on a low setting to dry it. The heat platen referenced in Tip 2 is also useful for removing moisture both before and after printing, including the area surrounding the print, to help prevent excessive powder adhesion.

Tip 5:

If you have multiple heads for your white ink, you can either set one head to a higher level and the other to a lower level, or configure both to a lower level simultaneously.

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