← All symptomsSafety stop: Stop the process if there is smoke, an electrical fault, a strong unfamiliar odor, melting, cracked glass, or evidence that the material is not heat-rated. Follow the equipment and blank manufacturer’s safety instructions.
Prioritized checks
Starting order
Confirm or weaken each cause before changing the next variable.
1
Excess time or temperature is degrading dark dye
Evidence that supports it
- Paper browns, the blank yellows, or black improves with a supported lower-energy test.
Evidence against it
- The transfer is simultaneously pale and incomplete.
Safe next actions
- Return to the exact product starting setting.
- Reduce one variable at a time within documented guidance.
2
Color-management workflow is building an unstable neutral
Evidence that supports it
- Only neutral ramps shift while saturated colors are plausible.
Evidence against it
- A known control target produces correct neutrals.
Safe next actions
- Confirm the documented output profile and application color settings.
- Use a labeled neutral-ramp control for comparison.