Kornit’s Digital Printing Glossary
Discharge Ink Definition
Discharge Ink Definition
Discharge ink is a water-based ink formula that allows printing on dark fabric without the need of additional ink layers. In the past, when printing on dark fabrics, manufacturers often had to add a layer of ink in order to make sure that the print is visible and accurate. This resulted in a less desirable hand-feel. Thanks to discharge ink, the additional layer is no longer needed and instead, the printing process actually deactivates the color of the fabric itself and replaces it with the chosen print colors. The result is a thin, single layer of ink that is both visibly clear and feels pleasant to the touch.
Discharge ink is able to do so thanks to a dedicated deactivating chemical, which essentially bleaches the fabric and works particularly well on fabrics dyed using reactive ink. Unlike bleach, however, discharge ink does not harm the fabric at all.
To learn more about discharge printing, and other advanced digital textile printing techniques and products, we invite you to explore Kornit’s world of printing applications.
