Waterbase Discharge Printing
Waterbase Discharge
Discharge Inks, like all water-based systems are designed to penetrate the garment. The print in essence becomes part of the garment, eliminating such problems as heavy hand and fibrillation. In addition, you can dry clean or iron the garment without distorting or damaging the image. Designs printed with Plastisol would melt and distort with the heat or break down and lose adhesion. Most importantly, Waterbase Discharge Inks give you the ability to print dark garments without the use of an under-base white. The best result is a print with a softer hand.
The garment is the most important factor, since not all garments are dischargeable. The fabric must be 100% COTTON. Second, the garment must be dyed with dischargeable dyes and the results can differ from dye lot to dye lot. Polyester or Poly Blends will not discharge. The color of the garment can affect the results and some Colors discharge better than others. That is why is recommended to always test before you start production.
Here are some additional details; Waterbase inks do have a particular smell that takes some getting used to. The Discharge Agent is the source of the odor or bad smell. Always work in a ventilated area when handling these products, refer to the products’ MSDS for recommendations regarding proper use. With proper dryer ventilation, this odor can be controlled. After the curing process is completed most f the smell will diminish from the garment.
The garment is the most important factor, since not all garments are dischargeable. The fabric must be 100% COTTON. Second, the garment must be dyed with dischargeable dyes and the results can differ from dye lot to dye lot. Polyester or Poly Blends will not discharge. The color of the garment can affect the results and some Colors discharge better than others. That is why is recommended to always test before you start production.
Here are some additional details; Waterbase inks do have a particular smell that takes some getting used to. The Discharge Agent is the source of the odor or bad smell. Always work in a ventilated area when handling these products, refer to the products’ MSDS for recommendations regarding proper use. With proper dryer ventilation, this odor can be controlled. After the curing process is completed most f the smell will diminish from the garment.
Discharge Products
- Discharge Brite Base
- Discharge White
- Discharge Activator
Discharge Formula
Brite Discharge Base (conventional)
Matsui Dscharge Base
All the components are liquid with the exception of the Discharge Agent, which is a crystallized powder. Using a stainless metal spatula mix the Discharge Base and Pigment concentrates first and add the activator last. Continue to homogenize until all of the components are thoroughly blended, when mixing larger quantities we recommend to homogenize with a high-speed mixer.
Never activate more than can be used within a few hours. Unactivated discharge (no powder added) can last an indefinite time with proper storage in a dry, cool environment. Unlike Plastisol inks, Waterbase inks require a properly closed lid when they’re not in use; this will prevent the ink from air-drying.
Discharge Base available in: 16oz Pint, 32oz Quart, 1gallon & 5gallon Pail
Never activate more than can be used within a few hours. Unactivated discharge (no powder added) can last an indefinite time with proper storage in a dry, cool environment. Unlike Plastisol inks, Waterbase inks require a properly closed lid when they’re not in use; this will prevent the ink from air-drying.
Discharge Base available in: 16oz Pint, 32oz Quart, 1gallon & 5gallon Pail
Discharge PLUS (no powder required)
The smell of the conventional Discharge inks have always been an issue for users, with the introduction of the Discharge Plus Base customers can now eliminate the use of a Formaldehyde-based product. This product does not require activation with Discharge Powder and it exhibits a pleasant smell. Storage requirements: Keep product closed in a airtight container while not being used. Use Discharge PLUS Base directly on 100% cotton to remove the dye color of the fabric or add waterbase pigments to achieve a desired color tone. Addition level of Pigment Concentrates is the same as any other waterbase product. Refer to the Printing Parameters for the proper use of this product.
Discharge PLUS is available in: 16oz Pint, 32oz Quart, 1gallon & 5gallon Pail
Discharge PLUS is available in: 16oz Pint, 32oz Quart, 1gallon & 5gallon Pail
Printing parameters are the same for conventional Discharge and Discharge Plus
Printing Parameters:
Recommended Substrates: Cotton 100% (Treated with dischargeable dyes)
NOT RECOMMENDED for Polyester or Poly blends
Mesh: 86-110 t/in (34-43 t/cm) for better discharge.
Mesh: 110-195 t/in (43-77 t/cm) for finer lines.
Flash Temp: N/A
Curing Temp: 300°F for 2-3 min.
(Waterbase inks require longer exposure to heat to completely evaporate the water content, a dryer with a recirculation blower would be more efficient)
Stencil: Water-Resistant Emulsion
Stencil Hardener is recommended when emulsions are not sufficiently resistant to Discharge inks.
Recommended Substrates: Cotton 100% (Treated with dischargeable dyes)
NOT RECOMMENDED for Polyester or Poly blends
Mesh: 86-110 t/in (34-43 t/cm) for better discharge.
Mesh: 110-195 t/in (43-77 t/cm) for finer lines.
Flash Temp: N/A
Curing Temp: 300°F for 2-3 min.
(Waterbase inks require longer exposure to heat to completely evaporate the water content, a dryer with a recirculation blower would be more efficient)
Stencil: Water-Resistant Emulsion
Stencil Hardener is recommended when emulsions are not sufficiently resistant to Discharge inks.