If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your freshly baked DTF print, confused by mysterious white “snowflake” dots on a vibrant area — you’re not alone. It’s one of those unexpected annoyances that often leave even experienced users scratching their heads.
But don’t worry — you’re just a few adjustments away from smooth, clean prints again.
What’s the Story Behind These Dots?
They usually show up right after baking and tend to appear most obviously on solid color areas, gradients, or dark zones. While they might look like printing flaws, the cause is often related to material compatibility or equipment conditions — not your technique.
The 3 Main Reasons Snowflake Dots Appear:
- Ink and Film Mismatch
Not all DTF inks are created equal — and they definitely don’t all play nice with every film. If the ink doesn’t bind properly to the film’s coating during baking, micro-separations can cause those tiny white speckles. - Dusty or Dirty Pinch Rollers
Even a small buildup of dust or dried ink on your printer rollers can scratch the film coating during feeding. These marks might seem invisible at first but will reveal themselves as white blemishes after baking. - Coating Behavior
Some dots appear during printing, not baking — and in certain cases, they fade on their own. This is often related to coating material settling or reacting temporarily to moisture and temperature.
How to Fix (and Prevent) It
- Use Ink & Film from the Same Supplier
This avoids chemical mismatches. Consumables designed to work together are tested to minimize issues like this. It’s not just branding — it’s science. - Let Prints Rest
Before panicking, give the film some breathing room. Let it sit for 12–24 hours after printing (in a clean, dust-free area). In many cases, the dots fade naturally. - Clean Your Printer Rollers Regularly
A quick wipe-down goes a long way. Use the recommended cleaning solution and soft cloths to avoid buildup on rollers that might otherwise scratch your media.
Pro Tip: Whenever switching to a new batch of DTF film or ink, print a small test strip first — it takes 2 minutes and can prevent hours of troubleshooting.
Final Thoughts:
Snowflake dots are annoying, sure — but they’re also one of the easiest DTF print problems to fix once you know what to look for. With a good match between your film and ink, a little patience, and a clean machine, you’ll be back to flawless prints in no time.
Need help choosing the right materials? Just reach out — we’re happy to help.
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