Printing custom t-shirts requires a precise blend of the right equipment, materials, and techniques. If your printed shirts stick to themselves and fade or tear after the first wash, there could be several factors contributing to these issues. This article will guide you through troubleshooting these common problems, offering practical solutions, and providing tips to ensure better outcomes with your prints.

The Printing Equipment

The printer used in this case is the Ricoh Ri 2000, serviced in 2022, which is a capable direct-to-garment (DTG) printer. The heat press is an older Insta Swing-away Heat Press Model 221, dating back to the late 1990s. Ageing equipment can lead to inconsistencies, so ensure your machines are calibrated correctly.

Pretreatment

The pretreatment process plays a critical role in DTG printing. Using a pretreatment machine with a slide-out tray is a good start, but the type of pretreatment and its application can impact the final result. Here, the Image Armor Platinum for Dark Garments is applied in 1-2 passes over the shirt. Drying is achieved by hovering the heat press above the shirt for 60 seconds and then pressing it with a clean Teflon sheet for 30-40 seconds at 330°F with medium pressure. This process is repeated until the shirt is completely dry.

The Printing Process

The Ricoh Ri 2000 can handle complex prints, but overheating or over-pressing can lead to sticking and discoloration. Once printed, there are two methods described: air drying for several hours or overnight, followed by pressing, or pressing immediately after printing. The latter often results in print transfer onto the Teflon sheet, indicating that the ink may not be sufficiently cured.

The Washing Process

Washing the printed shirts inside out in cold water with similar dark garments is a common practice to preserve prints. However, the problem described, with sticking and fading after the first wash, suggests that the ink or pretreatment might not be fully set, or there's an excess application of either. This can cause the shirt to stick to itself during washing, leading to tears or discoloration.

Recommendations for Fixing the Issue

To address these issues, consider the following steps:

• Check Calibration and Equipment Health: Ensure your printer and heat press are calibrated and functioning correctly. A worn-out heat press might not distribute heat evenly, leading to uneven curing.
• Adjust Pretreatment: Experiment with different pretreatment amounts. Too much pretreatment can cause sticking, while too little can lead to insufficient adhesion of the ink.
• Optimize Drying Time: If the ink transfers to the Teflon sheet, allow more drying time. Consider increasing the air-dry period or using a lower heat for the initial curing.
• Reassess Pressing Pressure and Temperature: Medium pressure (30-40 PSI) is generally suitable, but if there's discoloration or tearing, try lowering the pressure slightly and pressing for shorter intervals.
• Revise Washing Practices: Test washing with fewer garments and use a gentler cycle. This reduces the friction that can lead to tears and sticking.

Following these recommendations can help reduce the likelihood of sticking, tearing, or fading after the first wash. If you're interested in learning more about DTG printing, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for additional tips and tutorials. You can also follow our tech blog for the latest industry insights or visit us locally in Greensboro, North Carolina, for personalized advice and support.