Discharge ink is a type of ink used primarily on dark colored organic fabrics. The ink contains a chemical called a discharge agent that, when heated, removes the dye in the fabric and creates a bleached surface. The ink also contains pigments that are printed into the fabric and revealed by the discharge agent. The result is similar to water based ink on a white tee, resulting in a vibrant, opaque print but on a dark colored fabric. Discharge ink is often used to achieve a soft, vibrant look on t-shirts. However, it only works on organic materials with certain dyes and does not work on cotton pigment-dyed items. The softness that you would expect with discharge really takes form after the garment is washed. When used on triblends (partially organic, partially synthetic materials), it can result in an appealing vintage look.
