Pretreatment is what makes DTG white ink work. Without it, white ink soaks into the fibers instead of sitting on top, and you get a dull, grey print that washes out. The right formula for your garment is the difference between a vibrant print and a reprint.

Choosing a formula

Formula	Use on	Notes
DARK (Black Label)	Dark garments	The standard for printing white underbase on black and colored shirts
LIGHT (White Label)	White and light garments	For CMYK-only prints with no white underbase
ULTRA (Blue Label)	Both — 100% cotton through 100% polyester	Widest application window, less crystallization when heat pressing, better white ink gelling on high-speed printers
PLATINUM	Premium applications	Image Armor's top-tier pretreatment formula
CLEANING SOLUTION (Green Label)	Equipment, not garments	Cleans pretreatment machines to prevent contamination — see note below

Not sure? ULTRA is the safe answer — one formula covering light and dark, cotton and poly, means one bottle to stock instead of two.

ULTRA Blue Label — what's different

Wider application window — more forgiving of spray volume and press variation
Minimized crystallization when heat pressing, for a smoother finish
Better white ink gelling on higher-speed printers
No-stain formula on 100% cotton
Ready to use — pre-mixed, compatible with Epson®, Dupont®, and modified Dupont® white ink sets

Keep your equipment clean

The Cleaning Solution (Green Label) is for flushing pretreatment machines — not for use on garments. Dried pretreatment in the lines and nozzles causes uneven application, which shows up as blotchy white ink. Run it on your maintenance schedule, not just when something goes wrong.

Application

Apply evenly — too little gives dull white, too much leaves a visible box and stiff hand.
Cure the pretreatment before printing. Wet pretreatment ruins prints and can damage the printhead.
Always test on the specific garment. Different blends and dyes take pretreatment differently, and polyester is more prone to dye migration.

Safety & handling

Apply in a well-ventilated area, ideally with a spray booth or extraction — atomized pretreatment should not be breathed in.
Wear eye protection and gloves; a respirator is recommended for high-volume spraying.
Store sealed, cool, and out of direct sunlight. Do not freeze.
Keep out of reach of children.
Consult the Safety Data Sheet before use — the SDS is the authoritative source for hazard and first-aid information.

DTG Pre-Treatment

DTG Pre-Treatment