What is Discharge? - Screen Print Direct

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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 Discharge 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Cost: Fluorescent inks may be slightly more expensive due to the specialized pigments used to achieve their unique colors.

 How to use Discharge Activator? 

  1. 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. 
  2. 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. 
  3. As mentioned above, when you first print with discharge the color will look muted. When you cure it the color will come to life. 
Discharge Ink measured with scale

Pictured above: Measured ink with activator 

Tips when printing with discharge ink:

  1. Printing on a light-colored garment? Use water-based ink straight from the container, no need to discharge the ink 
  2. 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

RichardSmest

kraken маркетплейс зеркало

Geraldwat

Geraldwat

4 Fantastic Fish Gigablox играть в ГетИкс

Geraldwat

Geraldwat

Казино 1win

DavidEmomE

DavidEmomE

https://vagudze.ru

DavidEmomE

DavidEmomE

где поиграть в 3 Carts of Gold Hold and Win

RichardSmest

RichardSmest

kraken ссылка зеркало

Geraldwat

Geraldwat

4 Fantastic Fish Gold Dream Drop Pinco AZ

Geraldwat

Geraldwat

3X3 Hold The Spin

API integration

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

DavidEmomE

Казино Cat слот 3 China Pots

DavidEmomE

DavidEmomE

Казино ПинАп

Jacobenage

Jacobenage

TRAFFIC BOOST – TELEGRAM @‌SEO_ANOMALY

RichardSmest

RichardSmest

кракен даркнет маркет

MyxywsAnner

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

Geraldwat

3 Mermaids casinos TR

Geraldwat

Geraldwat

30 Fruitata Wins Game Turk

DavidEmomE

DavidEmomE

3 China Pots играть в мостбет

DavidEmomE

DavidEmomE

Казино 1xbet

RichardSmest

RichardSmest

сайт kraken darknet

Cygufdfiell

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

Geraldwat

онлайн казино для игры 4 Fantastic Fish Gigablox

Geraldwat

Geraldwat

36В Coins слот

DavidEmomE

DavidEmomE

Казино 1win слот 3 Butterflies

RichardSmest

RichardSmest

kraken онион тор

Nosixmix

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

DavidEmomE

3 Kings Scratch играть в Вавада

Geraldwat

Geraldwat

Казино Ramenbet слот 4 Fantastic Fish Gold Dream Drop

Geraldwat

Geraldwat

3X3 Hold The Spin игра

DavidEmomE

DavidEmomE

3 Lucky Witches играть

RichardSmest

RichardSmest

кракен onion сайт

DavidEmomE

DavidEmomE

топ онлайн казино

Geraldwat

Geraldwat

Казино Pokerdom слот 4 Fantastic Fish Gigablox

DavidEmomE

DavidEmomE

27 Space Fruits демо

Geraldwat

Geraldwat

3 Mermaids casinos TR

DavidEmomE

DavidEmomE

лучшие казино для игры 3 Clown Monty 2

Jacobenage

Jacobenage

TRAFFIC BOOST – TELEGRAM @‌SEO_ANOMALY

Zadazsamern

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

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

Geraldwat

30В Coins casinos KZ

DavidEmomE

DavidEmomE

Казино Riobet слот 3 Lucky Hippos

Geraldwat

Geraldwat

3X3 Hell Spin играть в Покердом

DavidEmomE

DavidEmomE

Казино Champion слот 3 Lucky Hippos

GytaqHig

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

Marvinmup

https://shkidy.ru

MichaelUnusy

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

Brentchect

https://zarainternet.ru

Brentchect

Brentchect

best online casinos for 1942 Sky Warrior

Marvinmup

Marvinmup

рейтинг онлайн слотов

Marvinmup

Marvinmup

Казино ПинАп

yivecbounk

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!

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published