How to Fix Overflowing Black Ink and Line Issues on a DTF A4 Prestige Printer

Question:

My DTF A4 Prestige printer is printing lines with overflowing black ink. What causes this issue, and how can I fix it?

Answer:

When your DTF A4 Prestige printer prints lines with overflowing black ink, it typically points to a combination of mechanical and ink flow issues. Below are the most likely causes and solutions:

1. Capping Station Issues (Improper Sealing or Clogging)

The capping station plays a key role in maintaining the printer’s ink pressure and nozzle health. If it’s clogged, misaligned, or not sealing properly, the printhead may not rest securely during idle periods. This leads to ink flooding or dried nozzles — both can result in dark streaks or excessive black ink.

Here are some helpful guides to maintain or repair your capping station:

• Removing and Installing the Capping Station (https://youtu.be/_cZEkmgIZYc) – shows how to remove and reinstall the capping station.

• Unclogging the Capping Station (https://youtu.be/WbY_6O1-w2c) – demonstrates how to clean clogs and restore suction.

• Capping Station Maintenance Tips (https://youtu.be/5yjq3ZN0qv8) – covers regular upkeep to prevent leaks and suction loss.

• Repairing the Capping Station (https://youtu.be/5UC2IMu9V90) – helps diagnose and fix malfunctioning caps.

• Rewiring Capping Station Tubes (https://youtu.be/J9im3s8UJfo) – for resolving ink tube disconnections or clogging.

If your issue persists, we also offer a comprehensive capping station disassembly and reassembly guide that goes deep into the mechanism. You can find it here: Capping Station Assemble/Disassemble Guide for L1800, 1390, Artisan 1430, and 1400 (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/video-capping-station-assemble-disassemble-guide-for-l1800-1390-artisan-1430-and-1400).

2. Printhead Flooding or Ink Pressure Imbalance

Overflowing black ink lines are often caused by excessive pressure in the black ink line. This can happen if the ink damper is defective, the tubing is overfilled, or the ink pump is pushing too much ink. Make sure the ink lines are evenly primed — not fully filled with ink — as air cushions help maintain consistent flow.

Also check for leaks or blockages in the ink tubing system, especially in the black channel. If your printer was recently serviced or converted for DTF, incorrect assembly of ink tubes or dampers may be the culprit.

3. Printhead Contamination or Residual Ink Build-Up

A dirty printhead bottom surface can smear ink across the film and cause “overflowing” appearance. Clean the bottom of the printhead gently with a lint-free swab and DTF-safe cleaning solution. Avoid strong solvents that may damage the nozzle plate coating.

If you hear a screeching sound during printing — a sign that the printhead carriage is dragging or scraping the film — check these videos for possible fixes:

• Screeching Sound Repair – Part 1 (https://youtu.be/MjArYM-QnfU)

• Screeching Sound Repair – Part 2 (https://youtu.be/TNOG_1TtN6g)

4. Maintenance Tips to Prevent Ink Overflow

Regular cleaning is vital for DTF printers. Many users overlook capping station flushing and tube checks, which are among the most ignored DTF maintenance tasks. Schedule a weekly cleaning routine for the printhead cap, wiper blade, and pump tubes to prevent ink buildup and suction imbalance.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Because of this, we’re unable to provide remote troubleshooting or repair guidance. However, we do offer an in-person printer repair service at our local diagnostic facility — learn more here: Printer Repair Service – BCH Technologies (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service).
Please note that we work on a first-come, first-served basis and, due to demand, there may be a few weeks’ wait time. Our services include both full printer repair and individual component repairs, depending on your needs. If you prefer to troubleshoot yourself, we recommend exploring our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) — simply use the search icon next to the “About” tab to find the most relevant tutorials.

Thank you again for contacting us and for supporting BCH Technologies. Your engagement helps us create more in-depth guides and improve the quality of our technical support content.