A Tip Before Using Water Based Or Discharge Inks

Water Based and Discharge Inks are technically the same.

Discharge inks are commonly used when printing on dark garments. It's still water-based, but it contains a few more pigments that allow the color to "pop" on dark garments. Discharge Inks use an activator additive to soften the dye in the shirt. This activator, or discharging agent, brings the shirt back to its natural bone color so the inks, when cured, appear more vibrant.

If you use discharged inks without the activator, the print result will mimic traditional water based inks. You can use discharge inks with or without the activator on light garments.

Like plastisol inks, we recommend mixing water based inks to the point where its consistency is even in texture. To mix water based ink, simply use a wooden stir stick. For smaller amounts (pints, quarts) a stir stick or knife will be fine. Larger buckets of ink will require the use of a hand drill and mixing tool attachment- especially if you're adding the activator.