DAGuide

Almost every direct-to-garment (dtg) manufacturer and distributor inform their customers to make sure that the room where the dtg printer is located remains within a 40% to 70% relative humidity for optimal printing.  However, very few of them will explain why this is important.  That is what this post is all about, but it is important to understand what humidity is.  www.Dictionary.com defines relative humidity as the amount of water vapor in the air, expressed as a percentage of the maximum amount that the air could hold at the given temperature.

Almost of the dtg printers on the market rely on a piezo print head (which is used in all Epson printers) to fire the ink on to the garment.  This type of print head uses electrical pulses to fire the ink through a thin metal plate at the bottom of the print head.  When a clog occurs, it happens in one of three places: 1) in the print head (usually right at the metal plate), 2) at the filter in the damper / cartridge and 3) in the ink line. 

When you have the printer in a room that has low humidity, it will increase the speed of the ink drying right at the metal plate and will lead to ink clogging.  This is just one of the reasons for ink starvation and banding for incurring.  Thus, it is highly recommended to keep the room where the printer is located between the recommended ranges of humidity to prevent the clogging from occurring.  Here is a picture of one type of hygrometer.

In order to monitor the humidity in the room, it is recommended that you get a hygrometer – an instrument used for measuring relative humidity.   However, I recommend that you find one that will allow you to recall the high / low readings so you can determine if the room remains at the same level of humidity at night.  You can purchase a hygrometer at several online stores and local home improvement / garden stores.

If the humidity level drops below the recommended minimum level, then you should purchase a humidifier that will add moisture in the air.  My recommendation is to purchase a humidifier that has a large enough reservoir (i.e. the water tank) that will allow you to keep the humidity in the recommended ranges for a period of three days.  This will allow you to set the humidifier at the end of business on Friday and last till you come back from the weekend on Monday.  Otherwise, the reservoir can run out before the end of the weekend and the humidity can drop below the recommended minimum range.

We hope this document answered the question thoroughly for you.  Feel free to continue a discussion about this question by clicking on the link(s) below.
a) http://www.t-shirtforums.com/fast-t-jet/t66578.html
b) http://www.t-shirtforums.com/anajet/t66884.html
c) http://www.t-shirtforums.com/direct-garment-dtg-inkjet-printing/t70345.html
d) http://www.t-shirtforums.com/direct-garment-dtg-inkjet-printing/t75177.html
e) http://www.t-shirtforums.com/anajet/t65763.html

When using a direct-to-garment printer, you are printing ink directly on to a garment or substrate.  This means that you don’t have the benefit of having a transfer paper with a polymer adhesive on it to help with the washfastness of the ink.  So the ink that you use in your dtg printer must have special binders in it to allow the ink to remain vibrant on the shirt after it has been washed.  Although traditional pigment inks are less prone to clogging, they don’t have the washfastness needed to commercially sell garments in most cases.  So you do want to verify that the inks you are using in your dtg printer are designed for printing on to fabrics directly.  In addition, the viscosity of the dtg inks must match the print head in your dtg printer or you can have either ink leaking from the print head or clogs.  There are a couple of different viscosities of dtg ink being sold currently, so please make sure that you verify you have the correct viscosity for your printer.

Should you decide that you want to try a different type of ink in your dtg printer, you are strongly encouraged to flush the ink delivery system using the appropriate type of Cleaning Fluid (ask your manufacturer / distributor for the one to use) and you should consider replacing the ink cartridges / dampers.  There is a strong chance that if you mix two different types of ink in your printer that the two inks will begin to coagulate (i.e. bond together) and clog the ink delivery system.  It is very difficult to remove all the ink from some of the ink cartridges and dampers – thus the recommendation to change these out.  All though these recommendations do take additional time and money, it is well worth it to prevent the ink from clogging in these items and the print head (which is one of the most expensive consumable part to replace).

We hope this document answered the question thoroughly for you.  Feel free to continue a discussion about this question by clicking on the link(s) below.

• http://www.t-shirtforums.com/diy-dtg/t32499-78.html#post394129
• http://www.t-shirtforums.com/direct-garment-dtg-inkjet-printing/t70153.html

 One of the most popular questions when people are considering whether to purchase a CMYK Ink or a CMYK + White Ink printer is “What colored garments can I print only CMYK ink on?”.  Most prospective owners are just concerned that if they buy a CMYK only printer that they will be stuck to printing on just white garments.  However, this is not the case – in fact, it is far from that depending on the graphic you are printing. The key principle to understand when you are just printing CMYK is the inks are transparent.  In order to allow you to print a spectrum of colors, we have to use a multiple colors of ink layed on top of each other to create the desired color(s).  The CMYK model is the basic foundation for almost all types of printers.  This picture  illustrates how this process works.
                                  

However, the CMYK model works when you are printing on a white substrate (i.e. garment, paper, banner,…).  When you change the color of the substrate, you may start to change how the colors of the graphic will look.  In order to keep the accuracy of colors, the general rule is “The lightest color in your graphic must be darker than the color of your garment.”  Below are a series of graphics that will show design simulated on a white, yellow and blue garments.  The examples of yellow and blue garments are shown printed with just CMYK Ink and also with CMYK + White Ink to show the differences.
                                  
                                            
                                                  CMYK Ink on a White Garment
 
                            
     CMYK Ink on a Yellow Garment                 CMYK + White Ink on a Yellow Garment
 
                           
    CMYK Ink on a Blue Garment                        CMYK + White Ink on a Blue Garment

So the answer to the question of “What colored garments can I print only CMYK ink on?”  is really based off of the graphic you are printed and the desired finished garment.  Technically, if your graphic is all black – then you can print on any colored garment except a black garment.  In addition, some graphics may look good on dark garments depending on the desired look.  See the example below.
                                 
                                           

We hope this document answered the question thoroughly for you.  Feel free to continue a discussion about this question by clicking on the link(s) below.

•  http://www.t-shirtforums.com/brother/t66412.html

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Special thanks to Great Dane Graphics (www.greatdanegraphics.com) for the rights to use its graphics above in this technical support document.

When you use a dtg printer to decorate a dark garment, you will want to create a white underbase first and then print the CMYK colors directly over the white underbase.  The white underbase will block the color of the garment from altering the CMYK colors of the graphic.  However, we need to make sure that the white underbase remains on top of the shirt fibers to properly block the dark garment color from coming through the underbase.  To do this, we will spray or coat the shirt with an adhesive-like substance called pretreatment.  The pretreatment allows the white ink to remain on the top of the garment fibers and also helps bind the white ink to the garment’s fabric.  Think about pretreating a shirt in a similar fashion as you would put primer on the walls in your house before you paint them.  In fact, water-based primers like Killz at your local paint store is an IRC coating that was discussed above and can be used for printing on to hard substrates.

Most of the challenges for a new dtg owner is knowing how to properly apply the pretreatment to the garment.  A lot of these problems arise because there is no single best way to pretreat a shirt.  You can go to different dtg manufacturers and get completely different processes.  In addition, the pretreatment process will change depending on the type of fabric (i.e. cotton, 50/50, polyester,…) and the color of the fabric (black, red, white,…).  I believe the best approach for new owners is to try several different methods and perform their own wash tests to see which process works the best for them.  Most dtg manufacturers and distributors are recommending to new owners to expect to practice on approximately 72 shirts before they become proficient in the process.  Ask your dtg manufacturer what pretreatment steps they recommend and below are some links to other dtg owners methods:
-  YoDan’s Method - http://www.inkjetgarmentprinters.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1846
-  PinkFreud’s Method - http://www.screenprintinguniversity.com/forums/viewtopic.php?highlight=pretreatment&t=2433
- Sunnydays’ Method - http://www.t-shirtforums.com/direct-garment-dtg-inkjet-printing/t52278.html#post309438 

PRINTING TIP:  When conducting your own pretreating and wash tests, I recommend you keep a log of all the settings used on that sample, including, but not limited to:  % of pretreatment, % of distilled water, time / temperature / pressure for curing the pretreatment, settings for both the white underbase and CMYK layers of ink and the time / temperature / pressure for curing the ink.  Identify each shirt in your log by putting a mark on the tag of the shirt or write on the shirt with a permanent marker.  You will want to use both sides of the shirt as well.  This way you can refer back to the log to determine what the exact settings gave you the best results.  You will also want to do these tests on different types of fabric and different colors.

In addition, some dtg owners are now using either a special type of pretreatment or water-down pretreatment on light colored garments or substrates to get brighter colors and better wash fastness.   For more information about this, click on this link - http://www.t-shirtforums.com/direct-garment-dtg-inkjet-printing/t40611.html or http://www.t-shirtforums.com/direct-garment-dtg-inkjet-printing/t45909.html.   Recently, some of the dtg manufacturers have begun developing and selling of automatic pretreatment machines to make the process of pretreating more of a science, rather than an art.  These machines are rather new and probably need to have more production-type testing done to them.  However if you would like more information on them, click on the links below:
- http://www.t-shirtforums.com/direct-garment-dtg-inkjet-printing/t54322.html
- http://boards.screenprinters.net/viewthread/90/329770
- http://www.screenprintinguniversity.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4006
- http://www.screenprintinguniversity.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4350

The most controversial part to dtg printing is the chemistry involved with the ink and pretreatment.  Over the past couple of years, the advancements in the ink and pretreatment have occurred at a rapid pace.  Additionally, the ink manufacturers are continuing to work on improving the color, maximizing the wash fastness and making it easier to work with the inks. 

dtg inks are transparent in nature like most regular desktop inks, heat transfer inks, sublimation inks and solvent inks.  This means that if you want accurate color reproduction, you will want to print on to a white substrate or background.  Otherwise, the color of the garment or substrate will show through the transparent inks and alter the colors of the graphic or artwork.  The only exception to this is the white ink used by dtg printers.  The white ink contains titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles that reflect light and will allow you to print an opaque white underbase layer on to dark garments or substrates.   TiO2 is a chemical compound that is used in several things like white icing for cakes.  For more weird, but fun information on TiO2, check this link out - http://www.screenprintinguniversity.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3926.   For more information as to when you will want to print a white underbase layer, check this link out - http://www.inkjetgarmentprinters.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3123.

BUSINESS TIP:  You will want to check with your local government agency to see what rules apply to your business.  One of these rules is most likely to keep Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on hand for all chemicals (i.e. ink, pretreatment,…) used in the shop.  The MSDS sheet will note several key things like any potentially hazardous chemicals, what to do in case the chemical is inhaled or digested, the contact information for the manufacturer and so on.  You can get these MSDS sheets from your distributor or dtg manufacturer.  I recommend you keep the MSDS sheets in a 3-ring binder that is stored in a visible location.  Here is a link to a post on more information about MSDS sheets - http://www.screenprintinguniversity.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4336.

What can dtg Inks be Printed On?
If you walk a trade show or go into a show room, you are bound to see non-garment items that have been decorated using a dtg printer.  So, the question of what types of items can I use dtg inks on always comes up and the answer is – it depends on what the item is and what it’s going to be used for.  dtg inks are specifically manufactured to bind with natural fabrics (i.e. cotton, bamboo,…).  However, you can print on to synthetic fabrics (i.e. 50/50, polyester,…) and hard substrates (ceramic tile, wood,…) with some additional steps.  However, knowing what the item is going to be used for will help to determine whether dtg ink is appropriate.  If the item is not going to be cleaned (whether by a washing machine, by hand or by nature – i.e. rain), then there is a higher chance that the ink will remain on it for a limited time.

PRINTING TIP:  Some non-natural fabrics will require you to lay down either pretreatment or an inkjet receptive coating (IRC) before you print on them to prevent the ink from bleeding.  You might also want to adjust the ink density levels as well.

Below are some links to posts that talk about printing on to synthetic fabric and hard substrates using dtg inks:
- Polyester Golf Flags - http://www.screenprintinguniversity.com/forums/viewtopic.php?highlight=flag&t=3420  
   and http://www.screenprintinguniversity.com/forums/viewtopic.php?highlight=flag&t=1795.
-  Ceramic Tiles for Photo Collage - http://www.screenprintinguniversity.com/forums/viewtopic.php?highlight=tile&t=2239.
- Safety Reflective Vests (Not Washable) - http://www.screenprintinguniversity.com/forums/viewtopic.php?highlight=safety+vest&t=4327.
- Polyester Fabric (with no pretreatment) - http://www.t-shirtforums.com/direct-garment-dtg-inkjet-printing/t51220.html
- 65 Poly / 35 Cotton Fabric - http://www.t-shirtforums.com/direct-garment-dtg-inkjet-printing/t33262.html

One of the most overlooked factors when looking at which dtg printer to buy are the Technical Support and Warranty Programs.  Make sure that you get a written copy, whether on paper or in an email, of the Support and Warranty programs that each printer offers.  Please do not just rely on a verbal conversation with a sales person.

Almost every dtg owner that I have talked to has needed some type of technical support at one point or another.  Just like some people learn in school differently, people need to have a different level of technical support.  dtg Manufacturers can provide support in any one of the following ways: email, telephone, online user forum, videos and onsite services.  You will need to determine what methods are the best methods for providing technical support for your business and find a dtg manufacturer that offers that type of support. 

BUSINESS TIP:  Every dtg owner should understand that there are times when a technical support person can’t immediately be reached by phone and in some cases are in a different time zone.  Having either the dtg manufacturer or distributor close to you can definitely be a benefit.   Otherwise, network with other dtg owners in your area or via an online user forum that might be able to assist you.

Some of the dtg manufacturers either offer training at their facilities or a distributor’s facility for new customers.  I recommend to any company that is going to purchase a dtg printer to go to this training – whether it cost money or is free.  The information that you can learn at this type of training can save you hours of headaches and potential prevent you from having to spend additional money replacing parts on your printer.  If no training is offered at a central location or a place convenient for you, ask to see how much it would cost to have someone do the training at your place of business.  Here are some posts about training classes:
- Brother - http://www.screenprintinguniversity.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4354
- DTG - http://www.inkjetgarmentprinters.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1638
- Flexi-Jet - http://www.screenprintinguniversity.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1835  
- US Screen - http://www.inkjetgarmentprinters.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2826

There are some key things that you should be aware of when looking at the warranty programs for the different dtg printers.  Most dtg manufacturers will warranty most of the parts of the printer for some period of time.  Some manufacturers will even offer an exchange program that will allow you to switch out a non-working dtg printer with one from the manufacturer.  Whatever the warranty program is, make sure you thoroughly understand what is covered under the warranty and for how long.  In addition, know what if any events could cause your warranty to be voided.

MAINTENANCE WARNING:  Don’t be surprised if the print head(s) are excluded from the warranty.  The print heads are a consumable part that needs to be handled with care.  A head strike or failure to perform the appropriate maintenance can cause damage to a print head that would require it to be replaced. 

First and foremost, don’t ever purchase a dtg printer without first seeing how it works in detail first hand - whether you go to a trade show, a distributor’s show room or to another dtg owner’s shop.   The main purpose of seeing the dtg printer in person is to see all the necessary steps needed to print a shirt.  Contrary to some rumors, running a dtg printer is not as simple as pressing the print button.  Ask to see how to do the following:
- Steps need to prepare the machine for printing and the necessary maintenance procedures.
- All the necessary steps to prepare and send the graphic to the dtg printer.
- The steps to pretreating a garment if necessary.
- How to load a garment on the platen.
- How to cure the garment for the best wash capability.

Don’t be satisfied with having a manufacturer or distributor send you a sample print.  Make sure that you know each step of the process and have seen them done in person before investing in a dtg printer if at all possible.

Whether you go to a trade show or a show room, make sure you bring a couple of your graphics on a USB memory stick or on a CD-ROM disk.  This way you can see exactly how the operator will adjust your graphic to get the best looking print.  Have your graphics saved in multiple formats (PSD, CDR, TIFF,…) just in case the computer that is running the dtg printer does not have the same graphic software program.  The best graphic is one that contains a lot of different colors and that is symmetrical in design.  This way you can cut the design in half to wash one side and keep the other side as a control sample to compare the colors.

NOTE:  If you plan on going to a trade show to get your designs printed, I strongly recommend you setting up appointments with the different exhibitors that you are interested in purchasing a machine from.   Let the exhibitors know upfront that you are planning on bringing your own graphics to print so there are no surprises.  This will also allow the exhibitor to plan their booth schedule around to adequately provide you with the time needed to print your design and answer your questions.

For those people that don’t have their own designs yet, here are links to a couple of files that can be used:
-  http://www.inkjetgarmentprinters.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1421
- http://www.greatdanegraphics.com/store/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5&Itemid=14
- http://www.belquette.com/coolitemsprinted.html

Not all dtg machines will be right for your business.  Do your homework to find the best dtg printer that fits the needs of your business plan.  Don’t believe any sales or marketing figures – do the tests yourself and speak to current owners.

One of the first questions that should come to your mind is “what dtg printer is going to be right for my business”.  The key to this question is the “my business” phrase.  Not all dtg printers are necessarily a good fit for your business.  Thus, it is important that you create a list of dtg printers that match up with the business plan you created.  If you have not created your business plan, STOP and do it now.  Otherwise, a dtg printer might not be best of your company.  Once you determine that a dtg printer would be beneficial for your business, then you need to decide which one will work best for you.  Below are some of questions that will help you begin this process. 

1. What is the typical size of the graphics you are currently printing or want to print?
The size of the prints you want to do can dictate the size of the dtg printer you need.  Based on my research, the average print is 12” wide or less.  But, there are some businesses and target markets that need a larger print size.  So, make sure that the dtg printers you are looking at give you the printable width of your designs and that your target market wants.

BUSINESS TIP:  If you are new to the business of printing t-shirts, you should go to the mall or a retail store that will sell shirts to the same target market you have identified in your business plan.  Take a small, retractable measuring tape with you and measure the size of the designs printed.  Based on my research, the average dtg owner prints the majority of its designs 12″ and smaller. 

2. Who is going to run the printer?  What level of experience do they have with graphic software?  How much time are they willing to put into learning?
The skill level of the operator (or the willingness to learn) is going to be the key to getting high quality prints on almost every dtg printer.  However, some printers are easier to use than others.  Don’t be fooled… no dtg printer is as simple as click one button and the print comes out awesome every time.  Find a printer and software program that matches the skill sets of the operator - which might not always be you!  If you plan to have a retail shop and employ teenagers, you should make sure that the printing process is something your employees can understand and master.

3. Do you have to print on to dark garments?
You can breakdown all the dtg printers into three different categories: CMYK only printing, White Ink Ready and CMYK +White Ink printing.  The CMYK only printers will only allow you print on garments that are lighter than the colors in your design to keep your colors accurate.  Most CMYK only printers are not designed to print white ink or will require some type of an upgrade.  The White Ink Ready printers have the capability of printing white ink, but currently are not for one reason or another.  A CMYK+White Ink printer means that the printer is currently printing white ink.  Remember, most CMYK+White Ink printers can be figured into a Dual CMYK mode as well for those that don’t want to print white ink at the current time.  A CMYK + White Ink printer can also be configured with just CMYK ink and cleaning cartridges. 
Determine what type of printer you need based on what colors of garments your target market wants and the colors in your designs.  Here are two good posts that talks about how other people made their decision on what type
-    http://www.t-shirtforums.com/direct-garment-dtg-inkjet-printing/t50963.html
-    http://www.t-shirtforums.com/direct-garment-dtg-inkjet-printing/t41520.html

4. What is more important to you – lower cost per print (bulk ink systems) vs. less maintenance (closed ink systems)?
There are two types of ink delivery systems for dtg printers: bulk ink (i.e. open system) and cartridge ink (i.e. closed ink).  The bulk ink systems provide you bottles of ink (usually ranging from 100 ML to 1 Liter in size) that are used to fill up either a reservoir or refillable cartridges.  The bulk ink system tends to have a cheaper cost per print (because it is cheaper to put ink just into a bottle), but opens the door to allowing air, dust or other containments into the ink delivery system.  A closed ink system uses sealed cartridges that remove the potential of containments from getting into the ink delivery system.  Running a closed ink system has proven in several different types of printing (large format, sublimation, dtg,…) to have less maintenance issues with the printer.  However, the cost per a print is more expensive because of the cost associated with the process of cartridging the ink.  Here is a post that talks specifically about the challenges with a bulk ink system and air bubbles - http://www.inkjetgarmentprinters.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3032.  If you would like to figure out the differences in cost, check this link out - http://www.inkjetgarmentprinters.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1398.  

5. Is the Printer going to be stationary or will it need to be portable?
If you plan on taking your printer to do onsite event production, you will want to have a printer that is portable and easy to move.  Make sure you know the steps necessary to take in order to make the printer movable.  Some printers will require you to lock down the print head or remove the inks from the ink lines.  Figure out how long it takes to do this process and what the cost is associated with this.  You may also find out it is easier to move a dtg printer that uses a closed ink system compared to a bulk ink system.

PRINTING TIP:  Any dtg printer will react to changes in the environment.  Taking a dtg printer to a place that has a lot of dust or dramatic changes in the humidity / temperature will provide you challenges in printing.  You may want to have a digital thermostat (with a humidity gauge) and a small humidifier if you are going to print in an area that has low humidity to prevent the nozzles from clogging up.

Answer these questions and go to the dtg manufacturer’s website or industry forums to begin your research on which dtg printers has the potential of matching up with your business’ needs.  Once you have narrowed down the list to a manageable number, you will need to get in-depth information about all the potential machines.   Here is a link to a checklist that will help you get started in this process - http://www.inkjetgarmentprinters.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1539

What all new dtg owners need to do is install color management policies in your business that will allow you to match the customer’s color expectation with the output of your dtg printer.  One of the first things I would recommend you doing is printing a color chart out on different substrates and colors.  The color charts will help your client understand the colors achievable from your dtg printer and will show how colors can be affected if you don’t use a white ink underbase on a color garment.  Some dtg printers come with a built-in color charts in their printing software, but for those dtg printers that don’t have color charts…click on this link to download these two Color Charts packages – that contain a 510 color chart (size 8.5” x 11”), 2040 color chart (size 11” x 17”), a PDF of RGB Values and a corresponding color swatch / palette - http://www.multirip.com/colormanagement.html. 

PRINTING TIP:  When you print your color charts, make sure that you know exactly what settings you used in your printing software so you can accurately reproduce the same colors when you go to reproduce the customer’s artwork.  It is best to include the settings at the bottom of the color chart so you know what the exact settings were.  You will probably want to get the customer to select the color on your color chart or compare it to a printed sample from the customer.

Almost all graphic software programs allow you to adjust some color settings (i.e. mode, embedded profiles, rendering intent,…).  Some dtg manufacturers will have you turn off the color management engine in you graphic program and allow the printing software program (i.e. the print driver or RIP) to handle the color value conversions.  Please make sure that you speak with your dtg manufacturer or distributor to make sure that you know the appropriate color management settings to get the best colors.

Each dtg manufacturer should be able to provide you with a written list of what items need to be cleaned / maintained on a regular basis.  Usually this information can be found in an Owner’s Manual or on a user forum.  I recommend you create a schedule / signature log that requires the operator to sign off that the scheduled maintenance was done.  This log should have the daily, weekly and monthly maintenance procedures listed out and a place where someone can sign/date showing it was done.  This will help keep your business on track with keeping your machine in top printing shape.  In some cases, you will even find other users have created their own maintenance procedures that go beyond what the manufacturer recommends.  Here is an example of a post like this - http://www.t-shirtforums.com/direct-garment-dtg-inkjet-printing/t32835.html. 

Some dtg manufacturers have started incorporating some features into the dtg printers that help with the maintenance procedures.  For example, some dtg printers now have buttons on the side of the printer that allow you to run a cleaning cycle with the push of one button or where you can set it to run an automatic cleaning cycle every so many of hours / days.  Other printers have added features like an ink agitator to help prevent the ink from settling. 

 
White Ink Agitator from DTG Digital

Just make sure that you understand any cost associated with running these auto features (i.e. ink used during an auto cleaning cycle) and incorporate this into your pricing structure.

Common Maintenance Procedures
Below are some of the common maintenance procedures that are typically done to most dtg printers.  It is important that all dtg owners follow the instructions and recommendations of their dtg manufacturer as each printer might have some unique differences.
       Maintenance To Do List:
- Clean the maintenance station and wiper blade with cleaning solution.
- Use a cleaning swab to wipe around the nozzle plate under the print head.  Do not wipe over the nozzles of the print head.
- Clean both sides of the encoder strip with a lint-free pad
- Make sure that any items (i.e. rails,…) that need to be lubricated are done so on a regular basis.
- Check to make sure that the waste bottle is not full.
- Wipe up any ink splatter on the inside of the printer.

Here is a link to post that goes over some of the things a dtg owner should think about when it comes to maintenance - http://www.t-shirtforums.com/direct-garment-dtg-inkjet-printing/t41796.html.

Advanced Maintenance Procedures
Throughout the internet, you will find information about how some dtg owners have been able to do some unique cleaning methods (i.e. soaking a print head, putting dampers through an ultra sonic cleaning,…) to get their machine working properly.  I strongly encourage you speak with your dtg manufacturer first to make sure that you don’t cause additional harm to your dtg printer before trying any advanced maintenance procedures.  Here is a link to a post that talks about some of these procedures - http://www.t-shirtforums.com/direct-garment-dtg-inkjet-printing/t25918.html.