Custom hoodies are a popular item for both personal and professional use. They are comfortable, stylish, and can be customized to showcase a variety of designs. However, one issue that can arise with custom hoodies is dye migration. Dye migration occurs when the dye from the garment’s fabric spreads into the ink used for printing, resulting in a blurry or distorted design. This can be frustrating and disappointing, but there are steps you can take to prevent it from happening. Here are some ways to prevent dye migration on custom hoodies:

Use a high-quality hoodie

The type of hoodie you choose can have a significant impact on the outcome of your custom design. It’s important to select a high-quality hoodie made from a material that is known to resist dye migration. Choose a hoodie that is made of cotton or a cotton/polyester blend, as these materials tend to have less dye migration than other fabrics.

Use the right ink

Another important factor in preventing dye migration is the type of ink you use. Water-based inks tend to bleed more easily than plastisol inks, so it’s best to use plastisol inks when printing on hoodies. Plastisol inks sit on top of the fabric and do not seep into the fibers, making them less likely to bleed.

Use a low-bleed under-base

A low-bleed underbase is a layer of ink that is printed on the garment before the actual design is printed. This layer helps to prevent the dye in the fabric from bleeding into the ink of the design. Make sure you use a low-bleed underbase that is specifically designed for hoodies.

Keep the temperature low

Dye migration can occur when the garment is exposed to high temperatures during the printing process. To prevent this, keep the temperature of your press or dryer low. Use a temperature of 320-330 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-30 seconds to cure the ink.

Test your design

Before printing a large batch of hoodies, it’s important to test your design first. This will allow you to see if there are any issues with dye migration and make any necessary adjustments before printing the full order. Use a scrap piece of fabric or an old hoodie to test your design before printing on the actual hoodies.

In conclusion, dye migration can be a frustrating issue when customizing hoodies, but by using high-quality hoodies, the right ink, a low-bleed underbase, keeping the temperature low, and testing your design beforehand, you can prevent it from happening. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your custom hoodies look great and last a long time.