Allureglow DC Series Discharge Glow in the Dark Screen Printing Ink – Water-Based Photoluminescent Ink for 100% Cotton

Allureglow Discharge Glow in The Dark Technical Data Sheet

Allureglow Discharge Ink Technical Data Sheet

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.