Allureglow DC Series Discharge Glow in the Dark Screen Printing Ink – Water-Based Photoluminescent Ink for 100% Cotton
Allureglow
The Allureglow DC Series Discharge Glow in the Dark Screen Printing Ink is the only discharge-based photoluminescent ink on the market — a water-based ink that removes the dye from 100% cotton garments while depositing a bold, long-lasting glow. Prints look like standard daytime colors in normal light and explode with vibrant photoluminescent glow in the dark. Activate with 4–5% Allureglow Discharge Agent and you’re ready to print on dark garments with a truly soft hand.
Price range: $79.95 through $1,090.00
Description
What Makes the DC Series Different?
Most glow-in-the-dark inks require a white underbase to deliver a bright glow on dark garments. The Allureglow DC Series flips the script entirely. This is a water-based discharge ink — meaning it chemically removes the existing dye from the fabric before depositing ink — giving you a vivid, soft-hand print directly on 100% dischargeable cotton with no plastisol underbase required.
The result is a print that looks like a bold, opaque standard color in daylight and transforms into a glowing, photoluminescent design the moment the lights go out. No underbase halo. No heavy ink hand. Just clean discharge printing with a killer glow — something no other ink system on the market delivers.
Whether you’re running streetwear, event merch, concert tees, Halloween gear, promotional apparel, or rave wear, the DC Series gives your prints a dimension that nobody else can match.
What Is Discharge Printing & Why Does It Matter for Glow?
Discharge printing uses a chemical activator — in this case the Allureglow Discharge Agent — mixed into the ink before printing. When the activated ink hits a dyed cotton garment and is cured with heat, the discharge agent bleaches out the garment’s dye while leaving the ink’s pigment in place. On dark shirts this creates an extremely soft-hand print with excellent opacity — without stacking layers of plastisol.
For glow-in-the-dark applications, this matters enormously. Because you’re printing directly into the fabric fiber (not on top of an opaque underbase), the photoluminescent pigments bond more intimately with the garment. The print is both softer to the touch and more durable through washings than a comparable glow plastisol stack. You also eliminate the risk of a visible white underbase edge bleeding around your glow artwork.
Key Benefits for Screen Printers
| Feature | What It Means for Your Shop |
|---|---|
| Discharge-Based Formula | No underbase needed on dark cotton — fewer screens, faster setups, lower cost per print |
| Photoluminescent Glow | Brilliant glow in the dark after a brief charge — stands out at events, concerts, festivals, and retail |
| Standard Daytime Appearance | Prints look like normal vibrant colors under regular lighting — the glow is a hidden feature customers love to discover |
| Incredibly Soft Hand | Water-based discharge chemistry leaves a print you can barely feel — perfect for premium fashion and retail garments |
| Multiple Daytime Colors + Glow Bases | Available in multiple SKUs — pair daytime color with the glow base that fits your design |
| Long-Lasting Photoluminescent Performance | Thousands of hours of outdoor use — glow intensity holds up through repeated washing cycles |
| Water-Based Cleanup | Clean screens with soap and warm water — no harsh solvents required |
Ideal Applications
The DC Series is built for screen printers chasing a competitive edge in specialty apparel. It shines in:
| Market Segment | Why DC Series Works |
|---|---|
| Streetwear & Fashion Brands | Soft hand + hidden glow effect creates premium, high-perceived-value garments |
| Concert & Tour Merch | Lights-out glow effect is a showstopper under stage lighting and in darkened venues |
| Rave & Festival Apparel | Photoluminescent glow charges quickly under UV and blacklights for a continuous effect all night |
| Halloween & Seasonal Specialty | High-margin seasonal product with obvious consumer demand for glow |
| Promotional & Brand Activations | Memorable, interactive giveaway tees that attendees will actually wear |
| Athletic & Outdoor Safety Apparel | Glow adds a practical visibility element to running, cycling, and outdoor gear |
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Ink Type | Water-Based Discharge with Photoluminescent Pigment |
| Fabric Compatibility | 100% Dischargeable Cotton only (reactive-dyed garments). Not suitable for polyester, blends, or non-dischargeable dyes. |
| Required Activator | Allureglow Discharge Agent — 4–5% by weight |
| Pot Life After Activation | 8 hours maximum — only mix what you will use within the same session |
| Rest Time After Activation | 20–30 minutes before printing |
| Mixing Method | High-speed drill or drill press with a Type 2 Dispersion Blade — hand mixing is NOT adequate |
| Recommended Mesh Count | 110–180 mesh (lower mesh = heavier ink deposit = stronger glow intensity) |
| Squeegee Durometer | 70–80 durometer at 45° angle |
| Printing Method | Heavy flood coat with double squeegee pass for maximum ink deposit and glow intensity |
| Cure Temperature | 340°F (170°C) — forced-air conveyor dryer required |
| Cure Time | 2–3 minutes (varies with ink deposit thickness and garment color) |
| Pre-Cure Tip | Lightly mist the garment with water before curing for better discharge quality and to prevent scorching on lighter garments |
| Emulsion Type | Water-resistant (SBQ or dual-cure recommended) |
| Glow Charge Time | ~10 minutes in direct sunlight or ~30 minutes under standard artificial light |
| Outdoor Durability | Suitable for thousands of hours of outdoor use |
| Storage Temperature | 65°F–95°F (18°C–35°C); add a small amount of water to the surface before resealing to prevent evaporation and surface drying |
| Shelf Life (Unactivated) | Up to 12 months when stored below 100°F (38°C) in sealed container |
| Cleanup | Soap and warm water — no solvents required |
| Wash Care (Finished Garment) | Cold water, delicate cycle, inside out — no bleach, no ironing on print, line or hang dry |
| Manufacturer | Allureglow USA Inc. — (888) 493-4569 | [email protected] |
| Shipping Note | Drop ships from manufacturer — please allow 2–3 additional business days for processing beyond standard delivery |
Instructions for Use
Step 1 — Garment Selection
Use 100% reactive-dyed dischargeable cotton only. Black, navy, and other dark colors work best. Polyester, cotton/poly blends, and pigment-dyed garments will not discharge properly — always run a test print before committing to a production run. Brands like Bella+Canvas 3001, Next Level 3600, and similar premium cotton blanks typically discharge well.
Step 2 — Screen Preparation
Use a water-resistant emulsion (SBQ-based or dual-cure). Standard diazo-only emulsions can break down when exposed to water-based inks during long runs. Burn your screen at the appropriate exposure for your emulsion type. Use a 110–180 mesh — lower mesh counts (110–140) will deposit more ink and produce a stronger glow. Finer meshes (160+) are suitable for detailed work but will yield lower glow intensity.
Step 3 — Activate the Ink
Weigh out the Allureglow Discharge Agent at 4–5% by weight of the total ink volume. Add it to the ink and mix thoroughly using a high-speed drill with a Type 2 Dispersion Blade — hand-stirring is not adequate and will result in uneven activation and inconsistent glow. Only activate enough ink for an 8-hour working window.
Step 4 — Rest Period
After mixing, allow the activated ink to rest for 20–30 minutes before printing. This allows the discharge chemistry to fully integrate with the ink base. Keep the container covered to prevent evaporation. Stir the ink briefly again immediately before loading the screen.
Step 5 — Printing
Load the ink onto the screen and use a heavy flood coat followed by a double squeegee pass at moderate-to-heavy pressure using a 70–80 durometer squeegee angled at 45°. A thick, even ink deposit is critical for maximum glow intensity. Keep the screen flooded during any extended production pauses. For breaks longer than a few minutes, mist the screen with water from a spray bottle to maintain ink moisture.
Step 6 — Pre-Cure Misting
Before placing the garment in the dryer, lightly mist the printed area with water. This helps the discharge agent react fully during curing, improves dye removal quality, and reduces the risk of scorching on lighter-colored garments.
Step 7 — Curing
Cure in a forced-air conveyor dryer at 340°F (170°C) for 2–3 minutes. Belt dryers with forced air are required — flash dryers or heat guns alone are not sufficient to fully cure discharge inks. Always test dryer temperatures with a donut probe or temperature strips before production. Perform a wash test on cured samples before running a full production batch.
Step 8 — Testing Glow Performance
Charge the finished print under direct sunlight for approximately 10 minutes or under standard artificial light for approximately 30 minutes. Then view in a dark room — allow your eyes to adjust for a minute or two. Glow will be most intense immediately after charging and gradually fade over 30–60 minutes depending on ink deposit thickness and ambient conditions.
Step 9 — Screen Cleanup
Clean screens immediately after printing with soap and warm water. Do not allow activated ink to dry on the mesh. Dispose of dry ink residue in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. Do not pour wet ink down drains — allow water to fully evaporate before disposing of dry material.
Color Customization with Color Concentrates
The DC Series can be used as-is or combined with Allureglow Color Concentrates to shift the daytime appearance to a wide range of custom colors. Consult the Color Concentrate Technical Data Sheet for recommended addition percentages. Note that adding Color Concentrates may affect glow intensity — test prior to production.
Ink TypeWater-Based Discharge with Photoluminescent Pigment
Fabric Compatibility100% Dischargeable Cotton only (reactive-dyed garments). Not suitable for polyester, blends, or non-dischargeable dyes.Required ActivatorAllureglow Discharge Agent — 4–5% by weightPot Life After Activation8 hours maximum — only mix what you will use within the same sessionRest Time After Activation20–30 minutes before printingMixing MethodHigh-speed drill or drill press with a Type 2 Dispersion Blade — hand mixing is NOT adequateRecommended Mesh Count110–180 mesh (lower mesh = heavier ink deposit = stronger glow intensity)Squeegee Durometer70–80 durometer at 45° anglePrinting MethodHeavy flood coat with double squeegee pass for maximum ink deposit and glow intensityCure Temperature340°F (170°C) — forced-air conveyor dryer requiredCure Time2–3 minutes (varies with ink deposit thickness and garment color)Pre-Cure TipLightly mist the garment with water before curing for better discharge quality and to prevent scorching on lighter garmentsEmulsion TypeWater-resistant (SBQ or dual-cure recommended)Glow Charge Time~10 minutes in direct sunlight or ~30 minutes under standard artificial lightOutdoor DurabilitySuitable for thousands of hours of outdoor useStorage Temperature65°F–95°F (18°C–35°C); add a small amount of water to the surface before resealing to prevent evaporation and surface dryingShelf Life (Unactivated)Up to 12 months when stored below 100°F (38°C) in sealed containerCleanupSoap and warm water — no solvents requiredWash Care (Finished Garment)Cold water, delicate cycle, inside out — no bleach, no ironing on print, line or hang dryManufacturerAllureglow USA Inc. — (888) 493-4569 | [email protected]
ParameterSpecificationInk TypeWater-Based Discharge with Photoluminescent PigmentFabric Compatibility100% Dischargeable Cotton only (reactive-dyed garments). Not suitable for polyester, blends, or non-dischargeable dyes.Required ActivatorAllureglow Discharge Agent — 4–5% by weightPot Life After Activation8 hours maximum — only mix what you will use within the same sessionRest Time After Activation20–30 minutes before printingMixing MethodHigh-speed drill or drill press with a Type 2 Dispersion Blade — hand mixing is NOT adequateRecommended Mesh Count110–180 mesh (lower mesh = heavier ink deposit = stronger glow intensity)Squeegee Durometer70–80 durometer at 45° anglePrinting MethodHeavy flood coat with double squeegee pass for maximum ink deposit and glow intensityCure Temperature340°F (170°C) — forced-air conveyor dryer requiredCure Time2–3 minutes (varies with ink deposit thickness and garment color)Pre-Cure TipLightly mist the garment with water before curing for better discharge quality and to prevent scorching on lighter garmentsEmulsion TypeWater-resistant (SBQ or dual-cure recommended)Glow Charge Time~10 minutes in direct sunlight or ~30 minutes under standard artificial lightOutdoor DurabilitySuitable for thousands of hours of outdoor useStorage Temperature65°F–95°F (18°C–35°C); add a small amount of water to the surface before resealing to prevent evaporation and surface dryingShelf Life (Unactivated)Up to 12 months when stored below 100°F (38°C) in sealed containerCleanupSoap and warm water — no solvents requiredWash Care (Finished Garment)Cold water, delicate cycle, inside out — no bleach, no ironing on print, line or hang dryManufacturerAllureglow USA Inc. — (888) 493-4569 | [email protected] NoteDrop ships from manufacturer — please allow 2–3 additional business days for processing beyond standard delivery
Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What makes the DC Series different from plastisol glow-in-the-dark inks?
The DC Series is a water-based discharge ink — it chemically removes the garment’s dye during the curing process rather than printing on top of the fabric. This gives you a dramatically softer hand, eliminates the need for a white underbase on dark garments, and allows the photoluminescent pigments to bond more directly with the cotton fiber. Plastisol glow inks sit on top of the fabric surface and generally require a white underbase on darks to achieve acceptable glow brightness.
Do I have to use a white underbase with the DC Series?
No — and that’s one of the biggest advantages of this ink. Because the discharge chemistry removes the garment dye and replaces it with the ink’s own pigment, you achieve full opacity and brilliant glow on dark garments without any underbase. This saves you a screen, a stroke, and significant setup time on dark garment jobs.
What fabrics can I print with DC Series ink?
The DC Series works exclusively on 100% reactive-dyed dischargeable cotton. Polyester, cotton/poly blends, pigment-dyed fabrics, and garments dyed with discharge-resistant dyes will not yield proper results. When in doubt, always run a test swatch before committing to a full run. Popular blanks like Bella+Canvas 3001, Next Level 3600, and American Apparel 2001 are generally dischargeable — but dye lots can vary, so test every new batch.
Do I need a special activator, or can I use any discharge agent?
You must use the Allureglow Discharge Agent specifically designed for the DC Series. Generic discharge activators may not be chemically compatible with Allureglow’s photoluminescent pigment system and could affect glow performance, color accuracy, or ink stability. Add at 4–5% by weight and mix with a high-speed dispersion blade.
How long does the activated ink last?
Once activated with the Discharge Agent, the ink has a working pot life of approximately 8 hours. Only mix the quantity you expect to use within a single shift. Discard any remaining activated ink after 8 hours — do not store activated ink for future jobs.
What mesh count should I use for maximum glow?
Lower mesh counts deposit more ink and produce more intense, longer-lasting glow. Start with a 110–140 mesh for maximum glow performance. Finer meshes (160–180) work for more detailed artwork but will reduce ink deposit and glow brightness accordingly. Avoid meshes finer than 180 — the reduction in glow intensity will be significant.
Can I cure DC Series with a flash dryer or heat gun?
No. Discharge inks require a forced-air conveyor dryer to fully cure. Flash dryers and heat guns cannot maintain the sustained, even heat needed to complete the discharge chemistry throughout the ink layer. Undercured discharge prints will wash out quickly and won’t achieve full glow potential. Always use a proper belt dryer at 340°F with 2–3 minutes dwell time.
How do I test if a garment will discharge before a production run?
Print a single test shirt using activated DC Series ink on a scrap from your production garment lot and run it through the dryer. The print should show a clean, opaque color in daylight and glow clearly in the dark. If the print looks muddy, off-color, or fails to discharge, the garment dye is likely resistant. Try a fresh garment from a different dye lot or switch to a known-good blank brand.
How bright is the glow, and how long does it last after charging?
Glow intensity and duration depend on several factors: ink deposit thickness (heavier is brighter), charge time (sunlight charges faster than artificial light), and ambient darkness. After a full 10-minute sunlight charge, a properly cured DC Series print will glow brightly and remain visible for 30–60+ minutes in complete darkness. The photoluminescent pigments are rated for thousands of hours of outdoor use.
Can I mix colors to customize the daytime appearance?
Yes. The DC Series base inks are available in multiple daytime colors and glow base options. You can also incorporate Allureglow Color Concentrates to shift the daytime color further. Be aware that adding color concentrates can affect glow intensity — always test your custom mix before production and consult the Color Concentrate TDS for recommended addition rates.
Does this ink work on white garments?
The DC Series is designed primarily for dark cotton garments where discharge printing has the most visual impact. It can technically be printed on white or light garments, but the discharge effect is essentially invisible on undyed fabric. On whites, the glow pigment still functions normally — you’ll just lose the dramatic daytime color shift that makes dark garment discharge printing so powerful.
Why is this a drop-ship item, and how long will it take?
Allureglow DC Series inks ship directly from the Allureglow USA manufacturer. Please allow an additional 2–3 business days beyond standard shipping time for manufacturer processing. Contact us at [email protected] or (512) 454-0505 if you have questions about availability or timing.
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