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      Pretreating Light T-shirts With Image Armor LIGHT Formula

      Discover the key steps and techniques for pretreating light t-shirts in preparation for DTG printing with RICOH garment printers

      APPLICATION AND INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MANUFACTURER, IMAGE ARMOR

      Recommended starting point, depending on the weight of the shirt, would be 16-22 grams for a 14"x14" area. Heat Set 330F for 30 seconds, additional 10 second intervals until dry.

      BEFORE USE

      • You DO NOT need to mix down Image Armor. It is ready to use (RTU) right out of the container.
      • Always SHAKE the container before using or pouring into your pretreatment machine container.
      • It is advisable to use a separate sprayer for each pretreatment to prevent contamination.

      APPLICATION

      • When applying pretreatment to the garment, make sure to apply it as evenly as possible
      • Depending on the shirt being pretreated there are some variables to consider on how much to apply.
      • A good starting point is 15-18 grams per 14"x14" area.
      • NOTE: 18-26 grams may provide you with better washability and white optical brightness. This is opposite of what other manufacturers recommend. Test to find your best laydown for the garment you are pretreating.
      • The heavier the garment, the higher the amount of pretreatment needed.
      • The darker the color, the more pretreatment is required.
      • The lighter the weight of the shirt, the less fluid is needed to apply to the garment.
      • The lighter the color of the shirt, less pretreatment is usually required.
      • DO NOT USE on white or natural colored shirts.
      • Always use a high-quality garment that is ring-spun with a tight knit weave. The smoother and tighter the weave, the better your final DTG print.

      CURING

      • Set your heat press to 330F
      • Cure time: 30 seconds. If after 30 seconds there is still moisture on the shirt, re-press in 10-second intervals to ensure garment is completely dry
      • Pressure setting: You don't need a lot of pressure. Use light to medium pressure to start. Heavier pressure can be used if required.
      • Use brown KRAFT paper for best results. Teflon can result in a glossy sheen. Kraft paper should be easily removed and not stick to the shirt when peeling. Sticking will result in fibers sticking up resulting in non-smooth white prints.
      • DO NOT allow cover sheet to remain on garment after pressing or crystallization can occur as pretreatment vapors cool.

      STORAGE OF GARMENTS

      • Pre-pretreated shirts can be done ahead of time. Try to use them as soon as possible. It is not recommended to go more than two weeks after pretreating before using.
      • Always re-press the garment for 5-10 seconds with light pressure if they've been stored for more than a day. The shirts will collect moisture, and moisture is the enemy of good pretreated shirts. ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOUR SHIRTS ARE MOISTURE FREE BEFORE PRINTING.
      • DO NOT OVERHANDLE the shirts. Touching, bending, folding, throwing shirts around will damage and break the pretreatment down on the shirt. For best results, try not to "manhandle" the garments prior to printing.