Discharge printing. A lot of printers have heard the term but don’t know what it is or understand exactly what it does. In this post we will discuss what discharge printing is, why printers love it, the differences between standard and fluorescent discharge inks and how to use it.
What is Discharge Printing?
Discharge screen printing is a specialized method of screen printing used in the textile and apparel industry to create designs on fabric. Unlike traditional screen printing, which involves applying ink on top of the fabric, discharge printing removes or discharges the dye from the fabric to create a design. This results in a soft and breathable print that is often preferred for high-quality, long-lasting designs on garments. This process is done with water-based ink and requires the addition of a discharge activator. Screen Print Direct offers standard water-based discharge ink and fluorescent colors.
Why use water-based discharge ink compared to normal water-based ink?
When you are silk screening with water-based inks there are a few things to know.
- Softer Feel: Discharge printing results in a much softer and more breathable print. Traditional screen printing typically involves a thicker layer of ink that can feel heavy and stiff on the fabric, especially when multiple colors are applied.
- No Additional Layers: In traditional screen printing, multiple layers of ink may be required to achieve the desired color opacity, which can make the print feel thicker and less comfortable. Discharge printing removes the existing fabric dye to create the design, so there's no additional layer of ink on top of the fabric.
- Vintage or Faded Look: Discharge printing often produces a slightly faded or vintage appearance, which is popular for creating retro or distressed designs. This can be challenging to achieve with traditional screen printing.
- Color Matching: Discharge printing is ideal for printing on dark-colored fabrics because it removes the original color and replaces it with the desired print color. Traditional screen printing on dark fabrics often requires an additional layer of white ink as a base, which can affect color accuracy and feel.
- Longevity: Discharge prints tend to be more durable than traditional screen prints because the design becomes part of the fabric, rather than sitting on top of it. This means the print is less likely to crack, peel, or fade over time.
- Detailed Designs: Discharge printing is well-suited for intricate and detailed designs, as it allows for fine lines and small details to be printed accurately.
Similarities and Differences between Standard Water-based Discharge Inks and Fluorescent Colored Ink
Fluorescent Ink Under Black Light
Standard Water-based and Fluorescent Discharge Inks share most of the same properties as they are both water-based inks that can be activated with discharge. However there are a few differences worth noting.
- Color Mixing System: Screen Print Direct offers a color mixing system for standard water-based ink colors. With these inks you can create 1000’s of different colors found in the Pantone book. Fluorescent inks do not have this ability and are not inks included within this color mixing system.
- Opacity: Fluorescent inks are more opaque than standard inks. There is more pigment in these inks giving them the bright vibrant color desired when printing.
- UV Reactivity: Fluorescent inks contain pigments that respond to UV light by emitting visible light, resulting in a glowing effect under blacklight or UV light. Standard water-based discharge ink does not have these properties.
- Compatibility with Additives: Fluorescent water-based inks can be mixed with additives to achieve specific effects or adjust ink characteristics. However, the fluorescent pigments themselves are less amenable to modification compared to standard water-based inks.
- Cost: Fluorescent inks may be slightly more expensive due to the specialized pigments used to achieve their unique colors.
How to use Discharge Activator?
- Add 3-5% discharge activatorto your ink. For example, if you have 8oz of ink you will want to add .24-.40 ounces (6.8-11.4 grams) of discharge to your ink.
- When using as a discharge ink, add enough discharge powder to the amount of ink you need for the print run. Mix thoroughly to make sure no chunks or grains are visible. Once the activator is mixed in, the product has an eight hour lifespan. Therefore we suggest only mixing enough for the print run on hand, wasted ink is wasted money.
- As mentioned above, when you first print with discharge the color will look muted. When you cure it the color will come to life.
Pictured above: Measured ink with activator
Tips when printing with discharge ink:
- Printing on a light-colored garment? Use water-based ink straight from the container, no need to discharge the ink
- Printing on a dark colored garment? Mix your discharge ink with its discharge activator so it can bleach the shirt back to its original color and dye the fabric with the colored ink chosen.
Above is an excellent demonstration of how the ink comes to life after it is cured.
Let's Talk
Remember, we are here to help! Drop a comment below or email our support team at info@screenprintdirect.com
3679 comments
RichardSmest
kraken маркетплейс зеркало
Geraldwat
4 Fantastic Fish Gigablox играть в ГетИкс
Geraldwat
Казино 1win
DavidEmomE
https://vagudze.ru
DavidEmomE
где поиграть в 3 Carts of Gold Hold and Win
RichardSmest
kraken ссылка зеркало
Geraldwat
4 Fantastic Fish Gold Dream Drop Pinco AZ
Geraldwat
3X3 Hold The Spin
API integration
Apps integrations
Build AI Agents and Integrate with Apps & APIs
AI agents are revolutionizing business automation by creating intelligent systems that think, decide, and act independently. Modern platforms offer unprecedented capabilities for building autonomous AI teams without complex development.
Key Platform Advantages
Unified AI Access
Single subscription provides access to leading models like OpenAI, Claude, Deepseek, and LLaMA—no API keys required for 400+ AI models.
Flexible Development
Visual no-code builders let anyone create AI workflows quickly, with code customization available for advanced needs.
Seamless Integration
Connect any application with AI nodes to build autonomous workers that interact with existing business systems.
Autonomous AI Teams
Modern platforms enable creation of complete AI departments:
- AI CEOs for strategic oversight
- AI Analysts for data insights
- AI Operators for task execution
These teams orchestrate end-to-end processes, handling everything from data analysis to continuous optimization.
Cost-Effective Scaling
Combine multiple LLMs for optimal results while minimizing costs. Direct vendor pricing and unified subscriptions simplify budgeting while scaling from single agents to full departments.
Start today—launch your AI agent team in minutes with just one click.
Transform business operations with intelligent AI systems that integrate seamlessly with your applications and APIs.
DavidEmomE
Казино Cat слот 3 China Pots
DavidEmomE
Казино ПинАп
Jacobenage
TRAFFIC BOOST – TELEGRAM @‌SEO_ANOMALY
RichardSmest
кракен даркнет маркет
MyxywsAnner
Ищете идеальный букет для признания в чувствах или нежного комплимента? В салоне «Флорион» вы найдете авторские композиции на любой вкус и бюджет: от воздушных пионов и тюльпанов до классических роз. Быстрая доставка по Москве и области, внимательные флористы и накопительные скидки делают выбор простым и приятным. Перейдите на страницу https://www.florion.ru/catalog/buket-devushke и подберите букет, который скажет больше любых слов.
Geraldwat
3 Mermaids casinos TR
Geraldwat
30 Fruitata Wins Game Turk
DavidEmomE
3 China Pots играть в мостбет
DavidEmomE
Казино 1xbet
RichardSmest
сайт kraken darknet
Cygufdfiell
Студия Tribal Tattoo — место, где татуировка становится продуманным арт-объектом. Мы работаем в стилях трайбл, графика, орнаментал и нео-трайбл, разрабатывая эскизы под вашу идею и анатомию. Используем сертифицированные пигменты, стерильные одноразовые расходники и бережные техники заживления. Консультация поможет выбрать размер, место и стиль. Запишитесь на сеанс на сайте http://www.tribal-tattoo.ru и воплотите замысел в точной линии.
Geraldwat
онлайн казино для игры 4 Fantastic Fish Gigablox
Geraldwat
36В Coins слот
DavidEmomE
Казино 1win слот 3 Butterflies
RichardSmest
kraken онион тор
Nosixmix
Chemsale.ru — онлайн-журнал о строительстве, архитектуре и недвижимости. Здесь вы найдете актуальные новости рынка, обзоры проектов, советы для частных застройщиков и профессионалов, а также аналитические материалы и интервью с экспертами. Удобная навигация по разделам помогает быстро находить нужное. Следите за трендами, технологиями и ценами на жилье вместе с нами. Посетите https://chemsale.ru/ и оставайтесь в курсе главного каждый день.
DavidEmomE
3 Kings Scratch играть в Вавада
Geraldwat
Казино Ramenbet слот 4 Fantastic Fish Gold Dream Drop
Geraldwat
3X3 Hold The Spin игра
DavidEmomE
3 Lucky Witches играть
RichardSmest
кракен onion сайт
DavidEmomE
топ онлайн казино
Geraldwat
Казино Pokerdom слот 4 Fantastic Fish Gigablox
DavidEmomE
27 Space Fruits демо
Geraldwat
3 Mermaids casinos TR
DavidEmomE
лучшие казино для игры 3 Clown Monty 2
Jacobenage
TRAFFIC BOOST – TELEGRAM @‌SEO_ANOMALY
Zadazsamern
Вас интересует поставщик парфюмерных масел оптом? Заходите на наш сайт! На https://floralodor.ru/ — более 1000 ароматов, флаконы и этикетки под ключ. Гарантированное качество и оперативная логистика. Запускайте продажи уже сегодня!
hugovGox
КиноБухта предоставляет возможность смотреть лучшие фильмы и сериалы онлайн абсолютно в HD качестве. Наслаждайтесь увлекательными сюжетами и заряжайтесь позитивными эмоциями. https://kinobuhta.online – тут есть поиск, советуем воспользоваться им. На сайте собрана огромная коллекция контента. У нас есть: драмы и мелодрамы, захватывающие приключения и фантастика, убойные комедии, интересные документальные фильмы, а также мультфильмы для детей. Ежедневно библиотеку пополняем, чтобы вас свежими релизами радовать.
Geraldwat
30В Coins casinos KZ
DavidEmomE
Казино Riobet слот 3 Lucky Hippos
Geraldwat
3X3 Hell Spin играть в Покердом
DavidEmomE
Казино Champion слот 3 Lucky Hippos
GytaqHig
Семейный портал «adaptsportpenza» — ваш практичный гид по здоровью, отношениям, финансовой грамотности и путешествиям. Здесь вы найдете понятные разборы про восстановление после запоя, капельницы, реабилитацию, а также полезные советы для родителей и тех, кто планирует отдых или оптимизирует бюджет. Читайте свежие материалы, следите за обновлениями и сохраняйте полезное в закладки. Подробности на https://adaptsportpenza.ru — заходите и узнавайте больше.
Marvinmup
https://shkidy.ru
MichaelUnusy
Всех приветствую! Хотите узнать больше о продвижении? Тут вы можете ознакомиться с ответом на вопрос: https://riekl.com/equations-in-poetry-exploring-experimental-verse/
Brentchect
https://zarainternet.ru
Brentchect
best online casinos for 1942 Sky Warrior
Marvinmup
рейтинг онлайн слотов
Marvinmup
Казино ПинАп
yivecbounk
Looking for betandreas casino? Betandreasx.com, here you will find games that you will love: exciting games like Aviator, live dealer casino, table games and slots. We offer convenient withdrawals and deposits, as well as promotions and bonuses for players from Bangladesh! Check out the advantages of the portal right now!