Missing jet detection for precoat solution in ink jet printing systems and methods thereof

A method for detecting missing jets in a precoat solution application system of an ink jet printing system, comprising:

• providing print media into a path of a printer comprising a precoat application system;
• passing the print media past the precoat application system comprising a printhead configured to jet individual drops of precoat solution onto print media;
• passing the print media in proximity to an ink jet printhead;
• jetting a plurality of drops of a first ink onto the print media to form a solid patch of the first ink on a first surface of the print media;
• passing the print media through a dryer to dry the solid patch of the first ink on the first surface of the print media;
• passing the print media in proximity to the precoat application system;
• applying a colorless precoat solution onto the dried solid patch of ink on the first surface of the print media in a predetermined target pattern, wherein the colorless precoat solution provides a change in color as a contrast of a wet solution on a previously dried inked image;
• and
• analyzing the print media to determine a presence of a defect in the application of the colorless precoat solution based on an absence of the contrast of the wet solution on the previously dried inked image in the predetermined target pattern.