creating a solid colour layer behind an image

[Stephanie31644716blvr]

Hi All, 

looking for a little help please. 

Weve recently invested into a roldand DTF printer but are struggling with learning illustrator and how to apply a solid white layer behind images. 

text appears to be easy to do and think weve sorted that but we cannot figure out how to duplicate an image layer and turn it solid to print white 
we have gaps in the image where theres no white colour in the image i.e eyes etc... 

is there anyone who can help with creating a second solid white colour layer behind the outline of an image? 

thanks in advance andy  

[Monika Gause]

Draw a rectangle, send it to the back and color it white.

[Stephanie31644716blvr]

its not a rectangle im looking for behind the image - its the outline of the image i need directly behind the same image to allow me to print white sorry if im not explaining it very well. 

in this image for example the smoke and eyes do not print so i need a shillouette of the same image directly behind in a solid white colour 

[Stephanie31644716blvr]

this may help explain a little better, the eyes & smoke have not printed white because the image itsself has a 'hole' in it - we need to be able to trace the image outline and create a solid white outline directly behind the image 

[Monika Gause]

OK. Maybe this helps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y9e_CzJAMc&list=PLVqhHu3CSohUnAxPKPJ-d8APuAYLKZr5u&index=14