Common DTG Printer Problems and How to Fix Them

Even the best DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printers can run into issues. If you're noticing faded prints, clogged nozzles, or color mismatches, you're not alone. These problems are common—but the good news is, most of them are easy to fix with the right know-how.

In this article, we’ll cover the most common DTG printer problems and give you quick, actionable solutions to keep your machine running smoothly and your prints looking flawless.

1. Clogged Print Heads

Problem: Your prints come out streaky or missing sections.

Cause: Ink has dried in the nozzles due to infrequent use or poor maintenance.

Fix:

● Run a nozzle check and auto-clean cycle.

● If that doesn’t work, perform a manual head cleaning using cleaning solution and lint-free swabs.

● Always shake white ink cartridges daily to prevent sediment buildup.

✅ Pro Tip: TheMTuTech DTG Printer includes efficient cleaning features and white ink circulation to reduce clogging.

2. Faded or Washed-Out Prints

Problem: Prints look dull or fade quickly after washing.

Causes:

● Incorrect ink curing

● Poor quality pretreatment

● Low ink levels

Fix:

● Ensure you're curing the ink at the recommended temperature (160°C) and time (90–120 seconds).

● Reapply pretreatment properly and use a heat press to flatten the fabric before printing.

● Check your ink levels and replace low or expired cartridges.

3. Garment Moving During Printing

Problem: Blurry or misaligned prints.

Cause: Shirt wasn’t secured properly on the platen.

Fix:

● Use garment adhesive or a hooping frame.

● Double-check shirt placement before hitting "print."

● Avoid printing on wrinkled or uneven fabric.

4. White Ink Not Printing

Problem: The white underbase doesn’t appear on dark garments.

Cause: White ink separation or clogged white ink channels.

Fix:

● Shake white ink cartridges thoroughly before use.

● Run a white ink circulation and purge.

● Perform a nozzle check to confirm white channels are firing properly.

✅ Want a machine that handles white ink issues with ease?Check out the MTuTech DTG Printer with automatic white ink management.

5. Ink Smudging or Peeling

Problem: Ink rubs off the shirt or cracks after washing.

Causes:

● Insufficient curing

● Wrong garment type

● Overuse of pretreatment

Fix:

● Use a heat press or conveyor dryer at the proper temperature/time.

● Use 100% cotton garments designed for DTG printing.

● Apply pretreatment evenly and avoid oversaturating the fabric.

6. Banding or Lines in the Print

Problem: Horizontal or vertical lines appear in the print.

Cause: Low DPI setting or print head alignment issues.

Fix:

● Increase print resolution in the RIP software.

● Run a print head alignment calibration.

● Perform test prints regularly to spot issues early.

7. Software or RIP Errors

Problem: The printer isn’t receiving the design or prints incorrectly.

Fix:

● Restart your RIP software and printer.

● Update drivers and firmware.

● Check for corrupted design files and use compatible formats (like high-res PNG or TIFF).

8. Ink Wasting During Cleaning Cycles

Problem: Too much ink is used during automatic purging.

Fix:

● Adjust cleaning cycle frequency in your printer settings.

● Use manual cleaning where appropriate.

● Use printers with intelligent ink management—like theMTuTech DTG Printer.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

● Run nozzle checks daily if used regularly.

● Clean the capping station, wiper blade, and around the print head weekly.

● Store your printer in a dust-free, climate-controlled room.

● Use the printer regularly to prevent ink drying.

Final Thoughts

Every DTG printer will have occasional issues, but with a little knowledge and routine maintenance, you can fix most problems quickly and avoid costly downtime. The key is to catch problems early and work with a printer that’s built for reliability.

 Need a dependable machine with smart features that reduce common issues?

Explore the MTuTech DTG Printer – Engineered for Performance and Stability.