Images Magazine Digital Edition May 2018

STEP-BY-STEP: PRINTING WITH DISCHARGE INK Clean up: Scoop the excess ink out of the screen. As it’s a water-based product it can be cleaned with just water and mopped up with a cloth. Always remember to dispose of inks in an environmentally responsible manner 9 www.images-magazine.com MAY 2018 images 29 TIPS & TECHNIQUES Mix the ink: Ingredients: 87% discharge base, 8% discharge activator and 5% pigment. Once mixed, the activator will last a maximum of six hours, so only mix what you need Curing: The print looks light and dull at this point, but this will change once the print is cured. For best results use a dryer at 160°C for at least 45 seconds – two to three minutes is recommended. If it’s a smaller oven then two passes might be needed 1 6 2 7 3 8 4 5 Pre-checks: A coarse mesh count of around 43T (110) will work well; 77T is the maximum. Check the registration and ensure the screen is washed out in order to see the detail. Check the final print: Once it has been through the dryer, you’ll see the colour change. Make sure there are no mistakes or pinholes before printing the full run Garment choice: The garment needs to be 100% cotton for best results The finished print: Note the vibrant colours (and soft hand-feel) post-curing Set-up: Check the off-contact distance between shirt and screen; it needs to be lower for water-based inks Printing: Use a medium-soft squeegee blade at an angle of 45° and print twice for an even coverage