Discharge Screen Printing
The ink discharges the garment's dye and deposits color directly into the fiber. The result is a print that's part of the fabric itself, with a nearly invisible hand feel.
What is discharge screen printing
During cure, the discharge agent removes the garment's dye and the ink colors the fiber instead of sitting on top of it.
- Print is part of the fabric, not a layer on top of it
- Soft-hand feel, almost imperceptible to the touch
- Vintage, slightly worn-in look
- More breathable than a heavy ink deposit
- Popular in streetwear and brand collections
- Can be used as a base for other inks printed on top
When it's the right choice
A great fit when hand feel and a natural garment look are the priority.
Clothing brands
Collections where garment hand feel is part of the product.
Streetwear
Worn-in, soft-hand finish on dark cotton.
Everyday merch
Frequently worn garments that call for a light hand feel.
Large-format artwork
Big prints without stiffening the garment.
Base for other finishes
A first layer that reduces the overall print thickness.
Dark cotton apparel
Uses the garment's own dye as part of the effect.
Technical considerations
Conditions needed for a good result.
- Requires 100% cotton or fabric blends with high cotton content
- Results depend on the garment's dye — final tone can vary by fabric lot
- Not every garment discharges the same way; a test run is recommended
- Controlled curing is required to activate the discharge reaction
- Not recommended for polyester or synthetic fabrics
- Final tone is confirmed on a sample using the project's actual garment
Production capacity
Scalable production
Automatic, manual and semi-automatic equipment lets us match the process to the artwork, the run size and the characteristics of each garment.
See production capacityOther techniques
Puff Screen Printing
See how the technique works, where it fits and what production requires.
View serviceHigh-Density Printing
See how the technique works, where it fits and what production requires.
View serviceSimulated Process
See how the technique works, where it fits and what production requires.
View serviceFrequently asked questions
Why can the color vary?
Because the technique works on the garment's own dye. Garments from a different lot or supplier can discharge to slightly different tones.
Does it work on polyester?
No. It requires natural fiber. For polyester and technical fabrics we use different inks.
Can you feel the print on the garment?
Barely at all — that's the technique's main advantage over standard plastisol.
Can it be combined with plastisol?
Yes. It's common to use discharge as a base and add plastisol or high-density ink to specific elements.
Do you recommend a test run first?
Yes, especially for projects using customer-supplied garments, to confirm how that fabric discharges.
Quote discharge screen printing
Share quantity, product and artwork so we can review feasibility and quote your run.
Get a quote for discharge screen printing
Send us the artwork and quantity and we'll confirm whether the technique fits your product.