Introduction

Pre-treatment is the secret sauce behind vivid, durable DTG prints—especially on dark garments. But many beginners (and even some experienced printers) struggle with it. From streaking to blotching to poor washability, most DTG print issues can be traced back to pre-treatment errors. In this blog, we’ll outline the most common pre-treatment mistakes and how to fix them.

Why Pre-Treatment Matters

- Helps ink bond to fabric fibers
- Prevents ink bleed and dull colors on dark shirts
- Supports white underbase layering
- Increases print longevity after washing

Mistake #1: Uneven Application

Whether you're using a hand sprayer or a pre-treatment machine, uneven coverage causes visible lines, color inconsistency, and poor ink adhesion. Always:
- Apply in horizontal and vertical passes
- Use a scale or template for consistency
- Let the shirt absorb the liquid evenly before pressing

Mistake #2: Over or Under Applying

-   Too Little  : Weak colors, no ink bonding
-   Too Much  : Sticky residue, staining, or ink floating on top
Solution: Test your specific shirt style and adjust settings for optimal grams per area.

Mistake #3: Not Curing Properly

A poorly cured pre-treatment layer will ruin even the best print. Use a heat press with consistent temperature and pressure. Make sure:
- You cure until the fabric is fully dry (usually 30–45 seconds)
- The press doesn’t leave shine or scorch marks
- You’re not skipping curing entirely by rushing jobs

Mistake #4: Wrong Garment Type

Polyester blends or low-quality cotton can behave unpredictably with pre-treatment. Always:
- Use DTG-compatible 100% cotton
- Avoid garments with heavy dye migration
- Test new garment lines before running full jobs

Conclusion

Mastering pre-treatment is key to great DTG printing. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you achieve vibrant, long-lasting results while saving time and materials. Treat your garments right before printing—and they’ll reward you in quality.

✅ Get pro-quality prints with our reliable DTG printer — built to pair perfectly with great pre-treatment technique.