Printer’s Choice Discharge Activator – Perfect for Allureglow, Matsui & CCI Discharge Inks

Printers Choice

Printers Choice Discharge Activator

Printers Choice Discharge Activator is the essential additive that triggers the discharge reaction in Matsui, CCI, and Allureglow discharge inks. Without it, discharge inks print as standard water-based ink with no dye removal. Add 3–8% by weight, dissolve in warm water first for best dispersion, stir into your discharge ink, and print. Activated ink has a 12-hour pot life. Available in multiple sizes for any production volume.

✔ Compatible with Matsui, CCI & Allureglow Discharge Inks
✔ 3–8% by Weight — Precise & Consistent
✔ 12-Hour Pot Life Once Activated
✔ Dissolve in Warm Water First for Even Dispersion
✔ Minimum Cure: 90 Sec at 320°F
✔ Re-Cure to Eliminate Activator Odor
✔ Multiple Sizes Available
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Price range: $39.99 through $489.99

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SKU: Discharge Activator Categories: , , Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Description

The Chemical That Makes Discharge Work

Printers Choice Discharge Activator is the trigger for every discharge print in your shop. Without it, Matsui, CCI, and Allureglow discharge inks simply print as water-based inks — no dye removal, no soft-hand discharge effect. Add at 3–8%, mix well, and you have 12 hours to print.

Universal Discharge Compatibility

Works with all discharge inks stocked at River City Supply: Matsui Brite Discharge Base, Brite Discharge White, HM Discharge Base, HM Discharge White, Super 75, 301DM, Alpha Trans White, CCI D-Base, CCI D-White, and Allureglow discharge inks.

Precise Activation Rate

Add 3–8% by weight using a gram scale. Higher percentages within this range produce more complete discharge and brighter results. Start at 3–5% and adjust up based on your garment and desired result.

12-Hour Working Window

Once activated, the discharge chemistry begins and cannot be stopped. Plan your batch to match one shift’s production. Only activate what you’ll realistically use — leftover activated ink cannot be returned to stock.

Dissolve First for Best Results

For most even dispersion, dissolve the activator in a small amount of warm water before stirring into the discharge ink. This prevents pockets of undissolved activator that can cause uneven discharge results on press.

Minimum 90-Second Cure at 320°F

For complete discharge, the garment must reach 320°F (160°C) throughout the print for a minimum of 90 seconds. Optimal cure is 2–3 minutes at 340–350°F with high-volume forced air. Re-cure to eliminate residual odor if needed.

Multiple Sizes Available

From small-batch testing jars through large production containers — order the size that matches your production volume.

Complete Discharge System — Everything You Need

REQUIRED
RECOMMENDED
OPTIONAL
Required
Any Matsui, CCI, or Allureglow discharge base or white ink.
Required
This product — add 3–8% by weight.
Required
Water-Resistant Emulsion
See emulsion chart below ↓
Recommended
Mesh lubricant: 30%+70% water spray before printing.
Recommended
Add 1–5% to activated batch for wash fastness.
Recommended
Add 1–5% to extend screen open time in warm shops.
Optional
Spray 50/50 with water on mesh during long hot-weather runs.
Optional
Thin-thread mesh optimized for water-based & discharge printing.

How Discharge Activation Works

The Chemistry

Discharge inks contain a reducing agent that, when activated, chemically strips reactive dyes from cotton fiber during the cure cycle. This activator — the reducing agent — is what triggers the reaction. Without it, the ink prints as standard water-based with no dye removal.

Why 3–8%?

The activator percentage controls discharge intensity. At 3–5%, discharge is moderate — some dye removal, softer hand. At 6–8%, discharge is more complete — brighter result, slightly firmer feel. The optimal percentage varies by garment brand, dye lot, and ink type. Always test on your specific shirt.

Odor & Re-Curing

The sulfur-based odor during curing is normal and expected — it means the chemistry is working. If odor persists on the finished garment, run it through the dryer again. Most shops include wash-before-wearing instructions on the packing slip.

Compatible Discharge Inks

Clear base for custom Neo Pigment discharge colors. Add activator + Neo Pigments.

Maximum opacity discharge white. Add activator for spot white on dark cotton.

Pre-blended 75/25 economical discharge white. Just add activator and print.

High-mesh discharge base for halftone and simulated process at up to 305 mesh.

Dual-purpose base — use with activator on dark cotton for discharge mode.

EnviroLine® CCI discharge products. Compatible at 3–6% activator rate.

Pro Tips & Critical Notes

Dissolve in Warm Water First

For the most consistent results, dissolve the activator in a small amount of warm water before adding to the discharge ink. Stir continuously as you add the pre-dissolved activator for even chemical distribution.

12-Hour Hard Limit

Once the activator is in the ink, the clock starts. Do not assume unused activated ink will work the next day. Discharge performance after 12 hours is unreliable. Mix a fresh batch each shift.

Weigh It — Don’t Guess

Use a gram scale for accuracy. 3–8% of 1,000g of ink = 30–80g of activator. Eyeballing the ratio leads to inconsistent discharge results across jobs and operators.

Fabric Must Stay Moist

For best discharge results, ensure the fabric is still slightly damp when it enters the dryer. Do not allow printed garments to fully air-dry before curing — the discharge reaction requires both heat and moisture to complete properly.

Odor Is Normal

The sulfur-based smell during curing means the chemistry is working. Re-cure if odor persists after curing. Wash garments before packaging on compliance-sensitive jobs.

Test Every New Shirt Lot

Discharge results vary significantly by garment brand, dye lot, and even shirt color. Discharge-friendly brands: Gildan 64000, Comfort Colors 1717, Bella+Canvas 3001. Always test before production.

Ready to Activate Your Discharge System?
Questions? Call (512) 454-0505 or email [email protected]

Technical Specifications

Printers Choice Discharge Activator — Technical Specifications

Specification Value / Detail
Product Type Discharge Ink Activator / Reducing Agent
Compatible Inks Matsui, CCI, and Allureglow discharge inks
Addition Rate 3–8% by weight (3–6% for CCI products). Use a gram scale.
Best Practice Dissolve in small amount of warm water before adding to ink for even dispersion
Pot Life After Activation 12 hours maximum
Minimum Cure 90 seconds at 320°F (160°C)
Optimal Cure 2–3 minutes at 340–350°F (171–177°C) with high-volume forced air
Recommended Mesh 125–355/in (49–140 t/cm)
Fabric Compatibility 100% Cotton with reactive dyes
Odor Sulfur-based odor during curing — normal. Re-cure to eliminate residual odor.
Recommended Emulsion Hydro-X Blue, Hydro-X Red, or CP-Tex (no hardener needed). Murakami: Photocure Pro, T9 Pink, T9 Violet — use with MS Hardener.
Recommended Mesh Type Saati Hydro thin-thread mesh for best discharge ink flow

Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much activator do I add?

Add 3–8% by weight using a gram scale. Higher percentages produce more complete discharge — brighter results — but may slightly reduce softness. Start at 3–5% and adjust up if discharge isn’t bright enough. For CCI discharge inks, use 3–6%.

Do I need to do anything special before mixing it in?

Yes — dissolve the activator in a small amount of warm water before stirring it into the discharge ink. This ensures even chemical distribution and prevents pockets of undissolved activator that cause uneven results.

Can I save activated ink for tomorrow?

No. Once the activator is mixed in, the chemical reaction begins and cannot be reversed. Activated discharge ink has a 12-hour working life regardless of storage. Only activate what you’ll use in a single shift.

The garment smells after printing. Is something wrong?

No — the sulfur-based odor during and after curing is completely normal. It means the discharge chemistry worked. If odor persists on the finished garment, simply re-cure by running it through the conveyor dryer again.

Does this work with CCI discharge inks?

Yes. Printers Choice Discharge Activator is compatible with CCI discharge inks including CCI D-Base and CCI D-White — use at 3–6% for CCI products. Also compatible with Allureglow HSA discharge inks.

What’s the minimum cure time?

Minimum 90 seconds at 320°F. For best results, cure 2–3 minutes at 340–350°F with high-volume forced air. The garment should still be slightly moist when entering the dryer — the discharge reaction requires both heat and moisture.

Still have questions? We’re here to help.

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