Epson L1800 DTF Printer Not Printing White Ink? Here’s How to Fix It

Question:

I just managed to get my Epson L1800 DTF to print color, now I can not print white ink. First, it prints white ink, but it gets stuck in mid-print. I included an image demonstrating the issue. Do you have any idea why this is the case and how can I fix it?

Answer:

Epson L1800 DTF Printer Not Printing White Ink? Here's the Answer!

In DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing, white ink is thicker and heavier than colored inks, which increases the likelihood of clogging, air bubbles, and flow problems. The printers could be failing due to issues with the white ink printing process.

Troubleshooting Steps

Verify the Printhead to see if it is Clogged or Partially Blocked

If your white ink stops printing mid-print, the print head may be clogging during printing.

✔ Run a nozzle check:

A partial ink pattern with missing or incomplete white ink is a indication that the printhead is partially blocked.

Give it a light cleaning cycle and see again.

Don’t run cleaning after cleaning, as this will introduce air to the system—wait 10–15 minutes between cleanings.

✔ Manually flush the printhead if required:

When several cleanings fail to flush ink through the white output holes, perform the same operation with a printhead cleaning solution to touch the build-up of the ink.

Check for blockages or air bubbles in the ink supply tubes

Air caught in the ink lines can block ink flow. If your printer has a damper system, inspect the dampers for air bubbles.

✔ To bleed the ink lines:

Then, using a syringe and tube, gently suck ink through the waste line (the one that goes to the capping station).

If you see air bubbles constantly forming, you might have a leaky or blocked damper 

Ensure Proper Suction of Capping Station

The capping station maintains the printhead kiss and, hence, it remains filled with ink. If it is clogged, then it will not print white ink correctly.

✔ Check the suction of capping station:

Now we will connect to the waste ink line with a syringe and a tube and suck up 1.5 ml of ink.

If you feel no resistance or just pull air, the capping station is probably leaking or clogged.

Solution: Clean the capping station with a flush solution or replace it if needed.

Stop White Ink from Clogging & Pigment Separation

Do not use pigment-based (non-dyestuffs) white ink, unlike colored ink, white ink is pigment-based, and heavy titanium dioxide particles (the white) engorge and settle very quickly.

✔ Daily Maintenance:

Shake your white ink bottles every day so the pigments mix it.

If your printer has no automatic ink mixing system, agitate the ink yourself right before printing.

Verify that your white ink is not expired; ancient or unused ink has a tendency of getting thicker, which can clog the tip.

Replace or Clean Ink Dampers

Dampers control the ink flow and prevent particles from entering into the printhead. If the Damper is clogged or broken the white ink can plot completely.

✔ Signs of a bad damper:

If the other colors print correctly but the white ink stops halfway through the print, then the white ink dampers may be clogged or faulty.

If you haven’t changed them out in a long time, you might want to install new white ink dampers.

Don't let your printheads overheat and lose suction!

If the Epson L1800 printhead is used for toooo long time, it gets heated and disrupts the flow of the ink.

✔ Solutions:

Avoid allowing the printer to run continuously between long prints so that it does not overheat.

If your printer uses a peristaltic pump, ensure that it is functioning correctly — a failing pump can diminish the car’s suction strength.

Conclusion and What to Do About It

Because printer issues are hands-on, the troubleshooting can be an involved affair. We can not offer troubleshooting or remote printer repairs/support. We do offer drop off and repair at our location, though. To send us your printer for inspection, please follow our local repair service page:

Printer Repair Service by BCH Technologies (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service).

Because we serve on a first-come, first-served basis, there could be a wait time before we can take a look at your printer. Whether you require repairs for an entire printer or individual components, we can help. However, we also realize our rates are not the lowest in the area, so we suggest troubleshooting yourself when possible.

You are one call away from more support at BCH Technologies (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). You can use the search icon (on our channel’s homepage, below the “About” section) to look for specific videos. With all the troubleshooting videos we have created over the years, it is the fastest way to find the video you seek. Moreover, YouTube also suggests compatible videos from other lists that can solve the problem for you!

We appreciate you contacting us once more! Thanks for your support, and we hope this guide helps restore the flow of white ink in your printer! You can also check out our resources or service your printer for a complete inspection if you have any more questions. Happy printing!