Fixing Layer Order Issues on Procolored L1800: White Printing Before Color in ProRIP

Customer Question:
I'm using a Procolored L1800 printer with ProRIP software for DTF printing, but it's printing the white layer before the color. It should be the other way around. What can I do to resolve this issue?

Answer:

Thank you for reaching out to us about your issue with the Procolored L1800. I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. We truly understand how urgent printing issues can be, especially when you're working with DTF transfers that depend on precise layer alignment. That said, I wanted to give your question the care and detail it deserves. At BCH Technologies, we’re grateful for your engagement and support, primarily through our YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. Your feedback is crucial in helping us expand and improve our technical resources.

Why Is White Printing Before Color?

When your printer outputs the white layer before the color, it typically means the layer sequencing settings inside ProRIP aren’t configured correctly. DTF printing relies on a specific print order—usually Color first, then White, so the white sits underneath the color when the image is transferred onto fabric.

Here are the steps to help you resolve this:

1. Check Your Template or Print Mode

In ProRIP, the print mode or template you select determines the order of layers. You’ll want to ensure the mode is explicitly set to “Color then White” or a similar option, such as “Color+White” (with the correct stacking behavior). If you're seeing "White+Color" or "White first", that’s your culprit.

Look for these settings under:

• Job Settings → Print Mode

• Or under the template dropdown when you first import your image

2. Verify Layer Sequence in the Queue

If you’re manually importing PNG files, the order in which they appear in the ProRIP queue matters. Ensure the color layer is listed first, and white is listed after it. Rearranging them in the wrong order can cause the output to flip, resulting in your printer laying down white on top.

Additionally, in the printing menu, ensure that "Print Color First" is selected.

3. Avoid Mirrored Printing Unless Required

Some DTF films require mirrored printing, but most modern workflows do not. If your software is mirroring the image and then printing white first, it may be due to incorrect film settings. Only enable mirror mode if your film and heat transfer process demand it.

4. Reset or Reinstall ProRIP Settings

If you’ve tried adjusting settings but the problem persists, your ProRIP software might have corrupted templates or a misconfigured profile. In this case:

• Save your jobs and presets

• Do a fresh install of ProRIP

• Load the default templates again and select the correct layer mode

This can often clear any unknown software conflicts.

5. Reach Out to Procolored Support

While we can offer general advice, ProRIP is proprietary software often bundled and configured by the printer brand itself. If none of the above steps fix the problem, it’s worth contacting Procolored’s technical support for guidance tailored to your specific version and printer configuration.

Also, feel free to review our guide for related issues:
How to Fix Epson L1800 Printer Communication Issues – Troubleshooting Guide
[https://bchtechnologies.com/blogs/blog/how-to-fix-epson-l1800-printer-communication-issues-troubleshooting-guide]

Addressing printer issues can be a hands-on process, which limits our ability to offer remote technical support or step-by-step repairs. However, we do offer in-person evaluation and repair services through our diagnostic facility [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]. Due to high demand, appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, and there may be a few weeks of wait time. We can repair full printers or specific parts based on your needs. While our rates may not be the most budget-friendly, we highly encourage DIY research and troubleshooting. A good starting point is our YouTube channel homepage [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. Use the search function near the "About" tab to locate specific topics. With hundreds of videos spanning nearly a decade, this is the most effective way to find helpful content—and YouTube may even recommend other channels that cover your issue.

Thanks again for reaching out to us. We appreciate your trust and hope these steps get your Procolored L1800 back on track!