One ready-to-use DTG pretreatment for garments from white through black. Image Armor PMC1 Universal DTG Pretreatment is designed for white-ink direct-to-garment printing across most garment colors, helping reduce the need to switch between separate light- and dark-shirt formulas. Its UV-resistant chemistry is designed to prevent pretreatment-area yellowing or discoloration before the first wash.
PMC1 is also promoted by Image Armor for DTG printing on 100% polyester. Garment dyes, finishes, construction, ink chemistry and equipment settings can all affect results, so test the exact blank before every production run.
GPI pretreatment shipping: Up to two gallons of pretreatment are included in GPI's free-shipping program. Orders of 2.5 gallons or more are charged ground shipping only on the pretreatment.
Why choose Image Armor PMC1?
- One universal formula: Use one pretreatment for white, light, medium, dark and black garments.
- UV-resistant performance: Helps prevent the visible pre-wash yellowing that can occur when treated light garments are exposed to sunlight.
- Ready to use: No dilution is required. Shake thoroughly before filling a sprayer or pretreatment machine.
- Production-focused results: Image Armor reports that PMC1 can use less pretreatment than some traditional formulas while supporting a softer treated area and durable prints when properly applied and cured.
- Polyester capability: Manufacturer application imagery demonstrates PMC1 on a 100% polyester shirt; always test for dye migration and garment-specific reactions.
- Made in the USA: Designed, formulated and manufactured by Image Armor in Ohio.
Recommended starting settings
| Application area | Approximately 14 in. × 14 in. |
|---|---|
| Starting laydown | Begin within 16–22 grams, applied evenly. Image Armor commonly cites 18–22 grams as a baseline; adjust for garment weight, color, weave and ink system. |
| Heat press | 330°F for 30 seconds. If moisture remains, press again in 10-second intervals until completely dry. |
| Pressure | Start with light-to-medium pressure; increase only when needed to help flatten garment fibers. |
| Cover sheet | Use coated Kraft paper, parchment paper or another suitable nonstick sheet, and remove it promptly after pressing. |
Important: These are starting settings, not a fixed production recipe. Test application amount, curing, appearance and wash performance on the exact garment before production.
Application and handling
- Shake the gallon thoroughly before use.
- Apply PMC1 as evenly as possible. A mechanical pretreatment machine generally provides the most repeatable coverage.
- If returning unused solution from a machine, strain it to keep fibers, dust and other contaminants out of the fluid path.
- Heat-set until the garment is completely dry before printing. Residual moisture can reduce ink-to-pretreatment adhesion.
- Use pretreated garments as soon as practical. Re-press stored garments for 5–10 seconds with light pressure to remove absorbed moisture.
- Avoid excessive folding, bending or handling before printing.
Compatibility
PMC1 is intended for water-based pigment DTG printing with a white-ink underbase. Printer, ink, pretreatment machine and garment variables differ, so confirm compatibility with your equipment and ink supplier before production.
What's included
- One 1-gallon container of Image Armor PMC1 Universal DTG Pretreatment
- Manufacturer part number: IAPMC001G
Safety and documentation
Review the manufacturer's Image Armor PMC1 Safety Data Sheet before use. Follow your facility's handling, storage and disposal procedures.
Explore additional DTG pretreatments from GPI Supplies.
Frequently asked questions
Can PMC1 be used on both white and black shirts?
Yes. PMC1 is designed for white-ink DTG workflows across most garment colors, from white and light shirts through dark and black shirts.
Does PMC1 need to be diluted?
No. PMC1 is supplied ready to use. Shake the gallon before use and test the laydown on each garment style.
How much PMC1 should I apply?
For an approximately 14 in. × 14 in. area, begin within 16–22 grams; 18–22 grams is the manufacturer's commonly cited baseline. Heavier or darker garments may require more, while lighter garments may require less.
What temperature and time should I use?
Start at 330°F for 30 seconds. If the shirt is still damp, continue in 10-second intervals until it is completely dry.
Can PMC1 be used on polyester?
Image Armor demonstrates PMC1 on 100% polyester. Because polyester dyes and finishes vary, test for dye migration, discoloration and wash durability before production.
Will PMC1 eliminate every pretreatment mark?
No pretreatment can overcome every garment dye, finish or manufacturing variable. PMC1 is formulated for UV stability, but testing the exact blank remains essential.