T-shirts (commercially available)
For best results, use a T-shirt that is 100% cotton with thick and tightly-woven (ringspun) material, and
a cotton blend ratio of 100 to 50%. Printing on materials with high polyester content will result in more
subdued colors. Since the print quality cannot always be guaranteed for some types of fabric, perform
a test print first.
Pre-treatment solution (available from Epson)
Pre-treatment solution is necessary for printing White ink (White Edition). If pre-treatment solution is
not applied to the T-shirt, White ink does not image correctly or adhere to the T-shirt. Also, colors that
are printed on the White ink do not develop properly. For best results, use a paint roller or sprayer to
apply pre-treatment solution to the T-shirt.
Note: Pre-treatment solution must be diluted with distilled water at a minimum 1:1 ratio. The amount
of water added can vary depending on the material type and color of the garment.
Distilled water (commercially available)
Distilled or purified water is used to dilute the pre-treatment solution.
Paint roller and tray (commercially available)
A paint roller is used to apply the pre-treatment solution to the T-shirt. The tray is used to allow the
pre-treatment solution to soak into the roller. Choose a paint roller made of short polyester fiber with
excellent liquid absorption. The handle of the roller should be made from aluminum to prevent rusting.
When using a paint roller, make sure to apply the pre-treatment solution evenly, or the whiteness may
not be as bright or printed colors may appear distorted.
Sprayer (commercially available)
A sprayer is used to spray the pre-treatment solution onto the T-shirt. For best results, use a sprayer
that allows you to spray a fine mist (an electric sprayer works best). Using a sprayer is quicker and
easier than using a paint roller; however, more of the pre-treatment solution is used because of
overspray.
Sticky tape or lint roller (commercially available)
Use sticky tape or a lint roller to remove lint from the print surface of the T-shirt. Take care not to pull
fibers up from the T-shirt.
Hard roller (commercially available)
A hard roller is used to press the fibers flat on the print surface of the T-shirt. For best results, use a
hard roller that is different from the one you use to apply pre-treatment solution.
Parent topic: Basic Printing
Related tasks
Pre-treating a T-shirt with a Roller
Pre-treating a T-shirt with a Sprayer
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