Discharge printing is a go-to method for achieving soft, vibrant prints on dark garments, but what happens when you push it further? In this deep dive, Colin explores multicolor discharge printing, covering ink mixing, screen setup, and wet-on-wet printing. Plus, he tests a unique experiment that could change the way discharge prints are done.
What Is Discharge Printing?
Discharge printing uses a water-based ink that removes the dye from a shirt’s fabric, leaving a soft, ink-free feel. Unlike plastisol, which sits on top of the fabric, discharge ink chemically reacts with the material, producing bright colors without a thick ink deposit.
Previous topics we’ve covered:
- Straight discharge printing – Removing dye for a natural, vintage effect
- Discharge underbase for plastisol – Achieving bright plastisol prints on dark garments
Now, we’re exploring full-color discharge—a technique that allows multiple colors while maintaining a soft-hand feel.
Explore our discharge ink options here: Discharge Inks
RELATED: HOW TO PRINT WITH AQUARIUS DISCHARGE INKS
The Multicolor Discharge Process
Step 1: Choosing the Right Pigments
There are two main types of pigments used in discharge printing:
- Pure Pigments – Highly concentrated, offering precise color mixing but drying out quickly.
- Fusion Pigments – More user-friendly, pre-mixed into a base with one-third pigment and two-thirds clear core base, allowing for a wider mixing range (10–20% pigment load).
For this project, Colin used Fusion Pigments to create a three-color design—two shades of green and discharge white.
👉 Shop Fusion Pigments here: Fusion Pigments
Step 2: Mixing Discharge Ink
Getting the right pigment-to-base ratios ensures strong, accurate colors. Here’s a quick guide:
- Max pigment load for Fusion Pigments: 20%
- Ideal working range: 10–15% (Colin’s preference for control)
Colin’s mix:
- 300g of discharge base
- 40g of pigment (approximately 11–12% by weight)
- 5% activator added before printing
After mixing, let the ink sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the activator to fully dissolve.
👉 Shop Discharge Inks here: Discharge Inks
Step 3: Setting Up the Press & Registration
Discharge inks dry faster than plastisol, so registration and workflow efficiency are critical. Some best practices include:
- Using plastisol ink for initial registration – Prevents premature drying during alignment.
- Keeping inks covered and hydrated – A light water spritz can help.
- Moving quickly – The faster the printing process, the better the ink flow.
On an automatic press, registration is more precise and consistent. On a manual press, extra care is needed to ensure alignment without inks drying out.
Step 4: Wet-on-Wet Printing With Discharge Ink
Unlike plastisol, which requires flashing between colors, discharge inks work best when printed wet-on-wet.
Key considerations:
- Minimal pressure – Just enough to clear the screen without overloading ink.
- High-tension screens – Essential for maintaining fine detail.
- Proper exposure & post-exposure – Ensures screens withstand aggressive water-based inks.
RELATED: DISCHARGE PRINTING DONE RIGHT
The Experiment: Can an Underlay Change the Print?
One of the drawbacks of discharge printing is that it won’t work on pre-treated or stained areas. Colin tested whether a non-dischargeable ink underlay could create a unique effect.
The test:
- Printed a base layer of navy ink (non-dischargeable)
- Flashed it to set the ink
- Printed the discharge colors on top
The result: The navy ink blocked the discharge reaction, tinting the final colors by about 20%. This technique could be used for textured effects, tonal shading, or soft gradients without extra screens.
Final Results & Takeaways
- The three-color discharge print came out smooth and vibrant.
- The underlay experiment altered the final print, offering creative potential.
- Fusion Pigments allowed for easier mixing with flexible pigment loads.
- Hydration and speed were key for maintaining ink performance.
What’s Next?
Colin is preparing to explore poster printing, working with halftones and fine detail designs. He’s inviting viewers to share their poster printing tips in the comments.
Watch the full video for a step-by-step walkthrough, and subscribe for more screen printing insights.
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