How to Avoid Ghosting and Double Imaging in Digital Print

These issues don’t just affect visual quality — they damage your brand’s reputation and lead to reprints, waste, and lost time.

Here’s what causes ghosting in digital printing, how it shows up on different substrates, and what you can do to stop it before your next run.

What Is Ghosting in Print?

Ghosting appears as a faint or misaligned duplicate of the original image. It can be:

• A shadow offset slightly to one side

• A duplicate color pass from a previous print step

• A residual image caused by static or misregistration

• A blurred edge or overlapping contour due to feed drift

It’s most noticeable on solid colors, gradients, and text, and especially problematic when printing on smooth, static-prone substrates like polypropylene, PET, vinyl, or magnetic media.

What Causes Ghosting and Double Imaging?

1. Static Electricity on the Substrate

Electrostatic buildup pulls or deflects ink particles during spraying — especially in UV and solvent printing.

Solution:

• Use anti-static brushes, ionizers, or humidifiers in dry environments

• Wipe substrates with an anti-static cloth before printing

• Store and print in 45–55% relative humidity

2. Substrate Not Flat or Not Held Down Properly

Inconsistent height causes the print head to misfire or overspray.

Solution:

• Ensure even vacuum suction on the bed (for flatbeds)

• Check for warped boards or curled edges

• Use masking tape or edge guides to hold thin materials in place

3. Mechanical Misregistration or Carriage Drift

If your printer’s carriage isn’t perfectly calibrated, or if the feed system is slipping, ghosting may occur.

Solution:

• Run printhead alignment and feed calibration tests

• Tighten pinch rollers or media guides

• Lubricate rails and check for belt slippage (especially in older machines)

4. Incorrect RIP or Print Settings

Overprinting, wrong pass count, or outdated ICC profiles can create shadows or unintended overlays.

Solution:

• Re-export artwork with flattened transparencies

• Double-check RIP settings (number of passes, ink limits, color layering)

• Update or re-profile your ICC settings for the substrate you’re using

5. Substrate Properties That Interfere with Ink Laydown

Materials that reflect light, resist ink, or have uneven coatings can cause double imaging due to poor dot placement.

Solution:

• Choose substrates certified for your printer and ink type

• Avoid printing on glossy or reflective surfaces without adhesion promoter or primer

• Consult Substrate Bank for print behavior notes on specialty media

Pro Tips to Avoid Ghosting

• Always print a test swatch on new or unfamiliar substrates

• Control your shop’s temperature and humidity to reduce static

• Inspect printed results under proper lighting — ghosting often hides under gloss

• Schedule routine printer maintenance to prevent slippage and carriage lag

Conclusion: A Clean Print Starts With Control

Ghosting isn’t just an equipment issue — it’s the result of substrate handling, environment, and mechanical precision. By dialing in each part of your print setup, you can eliminate double images and keep every output sharp and professional.

Because in digital print, there should be no such thing as a second shadow.