1. Working With Water Base and Discharge Inks
Charlie Taublieb

2. Introduction
Water Base and Discharge inks have been around for a long time but were not popular in the USA until now.
The difference between water base ink and discharge ink is the base, plus, discharge requires an activator.
Following are step by step directions for using discharge.
Water base would use similar steps except using a different base and no activator.

3. Garments Discharge can be used on light and dark colored garments.
Water base is only used on light colored garments.
Discharge works best on 100% reactive dyed cotton.
Water base works on almost all light colored fabrics including 100% cotton, poly-cotton, polyester and others using special additives.

4. Documentation
It is critical that all weights be recorded so duplication will be possible.
On press, all procedures also need to be recorder, such as number of strokes, squeegee durometer, mesh count, etc.

5. Weigh Container

6. Record weight-Tare

7. Chose the base

8. Add to container

9. Record weight-Tare

10. Chose the activator

11. Add 3%-8% activator

12. Record weight-Tare

13. Add wetting agent, up to 10%

14. Lubricant-5%

15. Penetrant, softener (silicone)

16. Add 5%-10%

17. Record weight-Tare

18. Add pigment, up to 10%

19. Load garment

20. Print first color then flood

21. Print second color then flood

22. Color order does not matter

23. Flash or send through a dryer

24. Partially Dried

25. Completed print