A retransfer printing process that prevents dust and other contaminants from becoming statically or otherwise attached to the transfer layer of the retransfer film and/or to the print ribbon used to print on the retransfer film. In the described process, some or all of the unused retransfer film is rewound back onto the retransfer film supply and/or some or all of the unused print ribbon is rewound onto the print ribbon supply, for example until the next print job is submitted.