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ATTENTION:

Charles M Jessup Inc / Screen & Digital Supply

HAS PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Thank you to all of our customers over the last 75 years

Please email with any questions or comments: [email protected]

Discharge FAQ

Following is reprinted from Matsui for DISCHARGE: 

What are the recommended curing conditions?
Ideal curing conditions are 320∘for 3 minutes, unless Fixer F is used. If Fixer F is used then the ideal curing conditions are 285∘F for 3 minutes.

Should I use Fixer N or Fixer F?
For discharge inks Fixer F should be used. Inks with Fixer F can be cured at a temperature of 285∘F for 3 minutes. However, Fixer F has not been certified as an Eco-Friendly product. Also, any ink that has Fixer F in it has a pot life of about eight hours. Inks with Fixer WF-N must be cured at 320∘for 3 minutes, but it does not require special handling.

How do I color match a Pantone color?
You can match a Pantone color by using our Matsui Color Matching Software at https://app.matsui-color.com/#/

How do I use the Matsui Color Matching Software?
The Matsui Color Matching Software must first be downloaded from https://app.matsui-color.com/#/ It can be downloaded to a variety of operating systems; Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7, and can be also used with Mac, Linux, and mobile devices.
In the color matching software there is a box that says, “Start Here”. Under “Select Type” in that box you choose what type of ink and application.
The NEO Colors are the most commonly used series of ink formulations. Use the RC NEO Color option if you are mixing inks to be used on white garments. You use the OW NEO Color option if you are mixing inks to be used on designs that require a white under base.
The RC colors are premixed pigments and bases that only need to be mixed with each other to color match.
The PC colors are premixed pigment that must still be mixed into a base.
OW Colors are premixed pigments and bases that are intended to be printed over a white under base.

Can I use the Matsui Color Matching Software for discharge inks?
Yes, but you will have to substitute Clear Bases with HM Discharge Brite Base and Mat Bases with Discharge Brite "Super 75" White. The pigment formulation will have to be modified depending on the color of the garment. You can also mix the two Discharge Bases together to vary the amount of clarity in the base.

How can I achieve a soft hand feel on the final print?
A smooth print with just enough thickness to be opaque should yield a soft hand feel. If a softer feel is desired, either the printing method or the ink formula can be modified. You can decrease your off-contact and speed up your squeegee movement to reduce the amount of ink being deposited. Also, the ink formula can be modified by adding up to 3% Softener MG.

How can I achieve a thicker ink deposit?
The easiest way to achieve a thicker deposit is to increase the squeegee angle. Increasing the off-contact of the screen as well as the height of the squeegee yields even more ink deposit. Another option is slowing down the speed of the squeegee. If using an automatic printer, the flood bar can be replaced with another squeegee, which can be lowered to the point where the screen mesh is loaded with ink, creating more deposit when printed. This effect may vary depending on the ink’s viscosity. Screen mesh and emulsion are factors as well. Screen mesh with more open area, and thick emulsion help create a thicker ink deposit.

How can I achieve a thinner ink deposit?
You can achieve a thinner ink deposit by decreasing the squeegee angle and/or increasing the squeegee speed. Decreasing the amount of screen off-contact and squeegee height both help to reduce ink deposit as well. If it is an option, using a screen with a high mesh count and thin emulsion will make a significant difference.

How do I achieve a more opaque print?
A more opaque print can be achieved by increasing the amount of ink deposited, or by using other methods. For example, if printing on a dark garment you can print a white or tinted under base. If the garment is dischargeable you can discharge an under base. Another option is to print, flash, then print the same layer again.

How do I improve the printability of the ink?
To improve the flow of ink through the screen mesh, add the additive Softener MGSoftener MG also helps keep the ink from drying in the screen.

How do I keep the ink from drying in the screen?
To keep the ink from drying in the screen it helps to add the additive, Retarder MG, which also functions to promote the flow of ink through the screen mesh.

What is the difference between Softener MG and Retarder/Printgen MG?
Functionally they are very similar but their names reveal their primary purpose. Physically, Softener MG is a white, oily paste that dries clear. Retarder/Printgen MG is a clear, oily, liquid.

How can I eliminate ink from dripping through the screen mesh?
You can prevent ink from dripping through the screen mesh by using a higher mesh screen and/or by reducing the height of the flood bar. Another option is to increase the viscosity by using the additive, Thickener B. (Thickener B is special order product)

How can I eliminate ink bleeding under the screen while printing?
Ink bleeding could be the result of a number of factors: the screen off-contact may be too low, the squeegee may be too low, the pressure the squeegee exerts may be too high, the ink’s viscosity may be too low, or the screen mesh may be too open.

How do I print on polyester, lycra, or other high-stretch fabric?
If the material is undyed, the stretch series of bases can be printed directly on to high-stretch, synthetic material. However, to print on dyed, synthetic fabric, Under Base Blocker 301 must first be printed.

How do I print on tri-blend fabric?
Tri-blend fabric typically requires the use of Under Base Blocker 301 prior to printing any other ink as sublimation is common with tri-blend fabric.

Can I discharge tri-blend fabric?
No, but sometimes yes, but usually no. Depending on which fabric in the tri-blend is dyed, and with what dyes, the fabric may discharge as normal, not completely, or may turn the garment into a different color. Different batches of shirts from the same supplier may show different effects as well.

Discharge and Foil Front