5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Shirt Printing Machine

Shirt printing machines are powerful tools that can help you create high-quality, custom designs for apparel. Whether you're running a small business or printing shirts as a hobby, understanding how to properly use your shirt printing machine is essential for achieving the best results. Unfortunately, many beginners (and even experienced users) make mistakes that can affect the quality of their prints or damage the equipment. In this article, we’ll cover five common mistakes to avoid when using a shirt printing machine.

1. Not Prepping Your Material Properly

One of the most common mistakes when using a shirt printing machine is failing to prepare the fabric properly before printing. The type of fabric, its texture, and even its color can all affect the final result of your design.

Mistake: Skipping fabric preparation, such as pre-washing or ensuring the fabric is properly aligned on the machine.

How to Avoid It:

Pre-wash your fabric: Some fabrics, especially cotton, can shrink after the first wash. Pre-washing your shirts helps avoid this issue and ensures that the design stays in place.
Ensure proper alignment: Before printing, double-check that the shirt is properly aligned on the platen (the surface the shirt rests on). Misalignment can result in a crooked or uneven print.
Check fabric type: Different materials, like cotton, polyester, or blends, react differently to different printing methods. Ensure you’re using the right ink and machine settings for the fabric type.

2. Using the Wrong Ink or Transfer Paper

Using the wrong ink or transfer paper for your shirt printing machine can lead to poor results, such as faded prints, ink smudging, or even ink failure to bond with the fabric.

Mistake: Using inks or transfer papers that aren’t compatible with the printing method or fabric type.

How to Avoid It:

Use the right ink: For screen printing, DTG (Direct to Garment) printing, or sublimation, make sure you’re using the appropriate ink designed for each method. For example, sublimation ink works well on polyester fabrics, while DTG ink is ideal for cotton.
Choose compatible transfer paper: Heat press machines require specific types of transfer paper for different designs (e.g., dark shirts vs. light shirts). Be sure you're using the correct type of transfer paper for your design and fabric color.
Test before production: Always run a test print to ensure the ink and transfer paper are compatible with the fabric and printing method you're using.

3. Skipping the Curing Process

Curing is the process of setting the ink into the fabric to ensure it remains durable after washing. Neglecting the curing process can result in the print fading or washing out quickly.

Mistake: Not properly curing the print, which may lead to smudging or fading after washing.

How to Avoid It:

Cure the ink properly: For screen printing or DTG prints, it’s essential to use the correct heat settings to cure the ink. For example, screen printing ink typically needs to be heated to 320°F for several minutes, while DTG prints require a heat press to fully set the ink.
Use a heat press or conveyor dryer: Invest in the right equipment to ensure your prints are properly cured. A heat press is often necessary for heat transfer printing, while a conveyor dryer is essential for larger screen printing jobs.

4. Not Performing Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your shirt printing machine is crucial for ensuring its longevity and preventing malfunctions. Skipping maintenance can result in poor print quality, ink clogs, or even machine breakdowns.

Mistake: Failing to maintain your printer, leading to frequent malfunctions or poor-quality prints.

How to Avoid It:

Clean the machine regularly: For DTG printers, clean the printhead regularly to avoid ink buildup, which can cause clogging and poor print quality. For screen printing machines, clean the screens and squeegees after each use to maintain proper function.
Check for wear and tear: Inspect all parts of the machine, including rollers, platens, and heat press components, for signs of wear. Replace any worn-out parts to ensure consistent performance.
Follow the manufacturer's guidelines: Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance schedules and cleaning procedures to keep your equipment in top condition.

5. Overloading the Printing Machine

Attempting to print too many shirts at once or using improper settings for large batches can overwhelm your shirt printing machine, leading to poor results or equipment failure.

Mistake: Trying to print too many shirts in one go without taking breaks or adjusting machine settings accordingly.

How to Avoid It:

Know your machine's limits: Each machine has a maximum output capacity. For example, if you’re using a heat press, it can only handle a certain number of shirts per hour before it needs to cool down.
Take breaks between prints: Don’t push your machine to its limit—give it time to cool down between large batches to avoid overheating or damaging the components.
Adjust settings for batch printing: For machines like DTG printers, adjust the settings according to the batch size. Printing larger quantities may require adjustments to speed, ink usage, or curing time.

Conclusion

Avoiding these common mistakes when using a shirt printing machine can help ensure that your prints are high-quality, long-lasting, and professionally executed. By properly preparing your fabric, using the right inks and papers, curing your prints correctly, maintaining your machine, and knowing your equipment's limits, you'll be able to produce top-notch custom shirts with ease. Whether you're printing for personal use or running a business, taking care of these details will improve your overall results and minimize costly errors.