Troubleshooting DTG Printing Issues on Black Tultex 202 T-Shirts

If you've successfully printed on various popular cotton and cotton/polyester blend t-shirts like Gildan, Next Level, Bella Canvas, and Comfort Colors but are facing challenges with the black Tultex 202 T-shirts, you're not alone. This technical overview aims to address the printing issues encountered and offers potential solutions for achieving optimal results.

Tultex 202 vs. Gildan 64000

While the Tultex 202 and Gildan 64000 share similar specifications, such as fabric composition and structure, the printing results can vary significantly. The specific challenge highlighted is the dull appearance of white-only prints on black Tultex 202 shirts after going through the drying process.

Identifying the Problem

The concern raised by the user points to potential issues with ink adhesion or color vibrancy. It is crucial to examine each step of the printing process and identify the possible causes of the problem.

1. Pre-treatment Selection

The user reported using both Image Armor Platinum and Firebird FBX-100 pre-treats, but neither produced satisfactory results. Consider experimenting with alternative pre-treatments that may offer better adhesion and vibrancy on Tultex 202 fabric. This could involve testing various pre-treatment application techniques to find the most effective method.

2. Dye Migration and Dryer Temperature

Lowering the dryer temperature was attempted to address potential dye migration issues, but it did not yield positive results. Dye migration occurs when the fabric's dye transfers to the printed area during the drying process. It might be worthwhile to explore other techniques to minimize dye migration, such as adjusting ink formulations or experimenting with different curing times and temperatures.

Insights from Image Armor

The user reached out to Image Armor, who suggested that Tultex might be applying a silicon spray to enhance the shirt's softness. This could potentially affect the print quality. While this explanation may seem unusual, it's essential to consider all possibilities. To address this, alternative printing methods or inks designed to work well with silicone-treated fabrics might be explored.

Community Input

The user sought assistance from the community, asking if anyone has successfully printed on Tultex 202 shirts. This indicates a shared challenge within the DTG printing community and highlights the need for collective problem-solving.

Collaborative Solutions

To overcome the printing issues on black Tultex 202 T-shirts, a collaborative approach involving the DTG printing community is recommended. Sharing experiences, techniques, and successful strategies on forums or social media groups can provide valuable insights for those facing similar challenges.

Call to Action

In the dynamic field of DTG printing, encountering challenges with specific shirt brands is not uncommon. As you work towards resolving the issues with Tultex 202, consider joining the conversation on our YouTube channel BCH Technologies or following our tech blog for more in-depth discussions. Additionally, local support in Greensboro, North Carolina, might offer hands-on assistance.

Let's build a community where collective knowledge enhances the DTG printing experience. Your input and shared experiences can contribute to finding effective solutions for successfully printing on Tultex 202 T-shirts.