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Troubleshooting Oily DTF Prints: A Practical Guide

2025-09-26
Oily or greasy spots on DTF transfers are a common frustration for owners of DTF printers and t-shirt printers. These shiny patches are not just a cosmetic issue; they can compromise the adhesion of the final design to the garment. Fortunately, the causes are often identifiable and fixable.
Key Causes of Oily DTF Prints
Excessive Ink Saturation: Over-flooding the PET film with DTF inks is a primary culprit. Too much ink cannot properly cure, leading to a glossy, oily residue.
Incorrect Curing: Improper temperature or time in the curing oven (or heat press) prevents the adhesive powder from melting and binding correctly. Under-curing causes oils in the ink to rise to the surface.
High Humidity: Moisture in the air can be absorbed by the film and powder. During curing, this trapped moisture interacts with the inks, creating greasy patches.
Low-Quality Supplies: Inconsistent adhesive powder or subpar inks can have formulation issues that lead to uneven melting and oily surfaces.
Printer Maintenance: Issues with your DTF printer, especially clogged or misdirected nozzles on printheads like Epson printheads, can cause ink pooling that cures improperly.

How to Fix Existing Oily Prints
Re-cure the Transfer: Often, simply re-heating the transfer at the correct temperature (around 300–320°F) for an additional 10-20 seconds can eliminate the shine by completing the curing process.
Adjust RIP Settings: Reduce the ink saturation or density in your software to prevent over-inking on future prints.
Use a Pre-Dry Step: Before applying powder, use a flash dryer or heat lamp to lightly dry the printed film. This helps the powder adhere more evenly.
Prevention is Key: Best Practices
To avoid oily prints altogether, integrate these habits into your workflow:
Optimize Ink Levels: Calibrate your printer's settings to use the optimal amount of ink for your designs.
Precise Curing: Follow manufacturer guidelines for time and temperature exactly. Don't cut corners.
Control Your Environment: Maintain a stable workshop humidity level (40-60%) to protect your films and powder.
Use Quality Consumables: Invest in reliable DTF inks and adhesive powder from reputable suppliers.
Regular Maintenance: Perform routine cleaning cycles and nozzle checks on your DTF printer to ensure your Epson printheads are firing correctly and evenly.
By understanding these causes and implementing these solutions, you can achieve consistent, high-quality transfers with your DTF or t-shirt printer, free from oily defects.