I want to print with discharge ink. What do I need and how do I do it?Updated 2 hours ago
Before you even consider discharge printing, there are two things you need to have in place: proper ventilation and a conveyor dryer. Safety is especially important when working with discharge inks because the curing process can release fumes that need to be managed properly.
Discharge inks use a discharge agent that reacts with the dyes in the garment to remove or neutralize their color. Depending on the discharge chemistry, this process can involve sulfur-containing compounds and may release formaldehyde. Not all of these compounds react completely, so excellent ventilation in your workspace and proper exhaust from your conveyor dryer to the outside are essential. Always follow the ink manufacturer's safety data sheet (SDS) and ventilation requirements for the specific products you're using.
Once you have the proper setup, you'll need a water-resistant emulsion that's compatible with discharge printing. You'll also need to decide which type of discharge print you're creating:
Discharge clear: Used to remove the garment's dye without adding an opaque ink color.
Discharge white: Used to create a white print while discharging the garment's dye.
Discharge colors: Created by mixing compatible Green Galaxy pigments into a compatible discharge base, following the manufacturer's instructions.
You'll also need a compatible discharge agent, mixed according to the product's directions.
Keep in mind that having the right equipment and ink is only part of the process. Discharge results depend heavily on the garment itself, including its fiber content, dye type, and dyeing process. Not every shirt will discharge successfully, and results can vary even between garments that appear to be the same color. Testing your blanks before production is the best way to see how well they discharge and what results you can expect.
Want to learn more about when discharge printing works best? Check out our blog on when to use discharge ink and when not to.