Components of The Dye Discharge System

Components: DC 1012 Discharge Base, DC 1015 White Discharge Base, DC 1018 Super Opaque White Discharge Base, DC 294 Discharge Agent, WA 392 Wetting Agent, TH 100 Thickener, AQT 2594 Retarder, Color Tone Concentrate Pigments.

Technical Information for The Dye Discharge System

Screen Mesh: 60-120/inch (24T-48T cm) The coarser meshes allow greater ink deposits which in turn penetrate deeper into the fabric giving a greater discharge effect.

Squeegee: 60-70 durometer squeegee is recommended.

Stencil: Direct water resistant stencil systems are recommended. Dye Discharge is very aggressive on emulsions and may cause premature breakdown. Chemical hardening may be necessary on longer runs.

Curing: 300°F-350°F (149°C-177°C) for 2-3 minutes. Cure prints immediately after printing. Water is necessary to begin the discharge process so DO NOT let prints air dry first before curing. For shops not equipped with hot air dryers cure with a heat transfer machine. Set machine at 350°F (177°C) and cure for 25 seconds.

Additives and Reducers: If the ink is drying too quickly in the screen add up to 10% AQT 2594 Retarder. If ink viscosity is too thin it may be thickened by adding .5 - 1% of TH 100 Thickener. Mix well and let sit for 10 minutes. If the ink needs to be reduced, small amounts of water may be added.

Mixing Instructions: The following guide is somewhat flexible and may be altered to suit your specific requirements. Example:

DC 1012 Discharge Base (less container): 100g

DC 294 Formaldehyde Free Discharge Agent - 5% base weight: 5g

WA 392 Wetting Agent - 10% of base weight: 10g

Colour Tone Pigment - 5-20% of base weight: 5 - 20g

Retarder or Thickener: as required

Understanding Underbasing: Dye Discharge may be used as a 'first down' on dark shirts and then overprinted with plastisol. This will create garments with a 'soft hand' feel with the ease of plastisol printing for the balance of the colors. Dye Discharge may be run first then flashed until discharge takes effect and then printed wet on wet with plastisol. In many cases the Dye Discharge Ink can be printed and then over printed immediately with plastisol. In these cases the discharge effect will take place in the dryer, providing the dryer has a long enough tunnel and adequate heat and hot air movement. Always test first to make sure the shirts are properly discharging before beginning production run. The DC 1015 White or DC 1012 Base can make an ideal first down choice.