10 DTF Printing Mistakes to Watch Out For in Bulk Orders

When making batch orders or multiple orders, the likelihood of errors or DTF printing mistakes is high. Even the slightest slip-up can ruin your batch and cause massive irrecoverable losses that can seriously impact your self-esteem. The rule of thumb is to follow the basic guidelines for DTF printing to avoid running into errors that can ruin batch printing. Keep in mind that common DTF printing issues can slow down the process and impact your income.

In this post, we're going to look at common errors you might see when running batches to help you skip some expensive mistakes. If you adhere to the rules, you should have an easy workflow that consistently yields the desired results. Let's jump in!

1. Uneven Powder Application 

If you don't spread the sticky powder evenly, parts of the design might not stick to the fabric, or it could feel too thick. This issue worsens when printing large quantities of shirts. Too much powder, and the design looks fuzzy or rubbery. Not enough, and it might peel or not last. 

If you don't put on enough, it might peel off or not last long. Uneven application is one of the most common DTF printing mistakes that can be deadly but easily avoidable. Try using a machine that applies the powder for you, or be careful to apply it evenly by hand. Always shake off the extra powder.

2. Lack of Temperature Control

If you are wondering how to prevent DTF transfer mistakes, then focus on temperature, as it is usually the main culprit. Hot or damp weather can disrupt tasks, especially when multiple tasks are being performed simultaneously. If the air is too humid, the ink may bleed, and the powder may not stick properly. Too much heat or cold can also cause the ink to dry too quickly or damage the film. This can significantly increase your waste if you're printing a lot. 

A good tip is to maintain a stable workspace temperature (around 68–77°F) and a moderate humidity level (40–60%). Use a thermometer and a humidity meter to monitor the conditions. Wondering what causes DTF prints to peel off? It’s also the temperature. 

3. Not Curing the Sticky Powder Right

When you're doing big orders, you need to cure the sticky powder just right every time because DTF powder curing issues can immediately ruin your print. If you don't cure it sufficiently, it won't adhere well to the fabric. If you cure it too much, the prints might get stiff or change color. Either way, they won't look good or last long. Don’t just guess – always check the curing time and temperature. 

This helps avoid DTF print not sticking to fabric and prevents other DTF transfer errors. Use a DTF curing oven or set your heat press to around 250–280°F. The powder should look matte, not bubbly. Write down exactly how long and hot to cure it, and do it the same way every time.

4. Using Old or Expired Ink

Old or poorly stored ink can separate, clog your print heads, or cause the colors to appear incorrect. When you're placing large orders, this means the colors may not be consistent across all the shirts. Dirty ink can even break your print heads. Keep your ink in a cool, dry spot, and shake it up before using. 

Check the expiration date before use and don't mix old and new ink. Following DTF printer maintenance tips will keep your equipment running well and your prints looking good every time.

5. Messed Up Film Handling and Storage

PET film can be tricky to deal with. Static, moisture, and dust can really mess up the ink flow and powder adhesion. If you don't store it correctly, the film can warp or get dirty, leading to blurry prints or failed transfers.

Use bags you can seal, or containers with those silica packs, to properly preserve your transfers. When you touch the film, wear gloves to prevent smudges or oils from being transferred to it, especially when creating a large quantity of work.

6. Not Doing Nozzle Checks and Maintenance

If you're doing huge print jobs, there's a bigger chance of print head clogs and lines. If you don't check your nozzles regularly, your print quality may suffer, resulting in color gaps or smudging throughout. Perform a nozzle check before each major job and clean the head as needed. 

Stick to your printer's cleaning schedule - clean the capping stations, wipers, and rollers regularly. Staying on top of DTF printer maintenance tips can prevent downtime and cut down waste.

7. Designs Not Lined Up Right on Shirts

Misaligned designs can be costly, especially when printing many shirts. A crooked transfer spoils the shirt's look. Making that mistake on tons of shirts can really add up! Use tools such as T-shirt rulers, laser guides, or print jigs to align designs precisely.

Consistency is key. Proper alignment improves the look and boosts your brand's professionalism, mainly on large orders.

8. Not Checking Quality Between Steps

If you skip checking the quality while printing a large number of DTF shirts, you're asking for trouble. A small problem, such as printing, curing, or pressing the film incorrectly, can turn into a major disaster when you're producing dozens of shirts. Don’t wait until the very end to check things. Instead, check after each step to ensure the ink coverage is good, the powder is melting correctly, and the temperature is right. 

This is one of the easiest ways to prevent DTF transfer mistakes. Check random shirts throughout the job, too. This way, you catch problems early and make sure your big order meets what the customer is expecting, without wasting a ton of stuff.

Choose Cheetah DTF to Avoid DTF Printing Mistakes

Cheetah DTF is on point, with colors that stay true to the original and transfers that don't fail, even when you're producing a large quantity. We offer films, inks, and curing materials that you can rely on. 

We help businesses create prints that are perfect, with the least amount of waste. Our stuff is made to be fast, precise, and hold up well, which makes Cheetah the best choice for DTF printing. If you're looking for how to get clean results with DTF transfers, Cheetah’s got your back.

Final Thoughts 

Every step is important, from how you handle the film to the quality checks after pressing. If your process is precise and you use materials of the right grade, your prints will speak for themselves. 

For consistent results every time, trust your process, strive to improve, and utilize dependable tools like those from Cheetah DTF. Our resources offer the real DTF printing do’s and don’ts that help keep your business growing.

The best way to avoid DTF printing mistakes is to try a DTF Sample Pack first. It allows you to experiment with and check the colors, consistency, and overall quality before investing in bulk designs, helping you save both money and time. 

Once you are sure about your designs, use our Gang Sheet Buder to maximize space!