CCI D-Base Discharge Ink | EnviroLine® Clear Water-Based Discharge Mixing Base for Custom Color Discharge Printing on Dark Cotton — Mix with CCI CMS Pigments for Pantone-Matched Discharge Colors
CCI
CCI EnviroLine® D-Base is a premium clear water-based discharge mixing base designed for achieving ultra-soft discharge prints on dark 100% cotton garments. The discharge counterpart to CCI W-Base — where W-Base handles light garments as a standard water-based base, D-Base handles dark garments as a discharge base. Same CCI CMS Pigment Concentrates, same CCI Color Management Software formulas, same Pantone-matched results — just on dark cotton instead of light. Use D-Base as a clear color-stripping “bleaching” underbase to return dark fabric to its natural base color, OR mix with CCI CMS Pigment Concentrates to create vivid custom discharge colors that replace the garment dye. Requires CCI D-Powder Discharge Activator (3-6%). Prints through mesh 160-305 for fine detail with a soft finish. Extended open time — slower drying in the screen for longer runs. 8-hour pot life once activated. Thin with up to 10% water if needed. Low odor. PVC-free. Phthalate-free. Can be dry cleaned and ironed.
Price range: $24.99 through $1,535.60
Description
CCI D-Base — The Dark Garment Side of the CCI Color System
If you already use CCI W-Base for water-based printing on light garments, D-Base completes your color system for dark garments.
W-Base deposits color ON TOP of light fabric. D-Base chemically REMOVES the dark garment dye and replaces it with CCI CMS pigment color INSIDE the fabric. The same 14 CCI CMS Pigment Concentrates work with both bases. The same CCI Color Management Software calculates the same Pantone formulas. The only difference: W-Base for lights, D-Base + activator for darks.
One pigment system. Two bases. Every cotton garment covered.
Three Modes — Custom Color Discharge, Color Stripping, Discharged Underbase
Mode 1: Custom Color Discharge. Mix D-Base with CCI CMS Pigment Concentrates + D-Powder Discharge Activator (3-6%). Print on dark cotton. During curing, the activator strips the garment dye and the CMS pigment color replaces it — embedded in the cotton fibers with zero hand feel. Use CCI Color Management Software for precise Pantone formulas.
Mode 2: Color Stripping / “Bleaching.” Mix D-Base with activator only — no pigment. The garment dye is stripped, returning the fabric to its natural cotton base color (off-white/cream). A clean slate for overprinting with other inks, or a standalone natural-on-dark tone-on-tone effect.
Mode 3: Discharged Underbase. Print activated D-Base (with or without pigment) as the first layer. Flash or cure. The discharged area is now lightened — creating a softer, brighter foundation for overprinting with W-Base colors, CCI Spot Black, or other compatible ink systems.
D-Base vs. D-White — Clear Discharge Base vs. Premixed Discharge White
CCI makes two discharge products. They serve different roles.
| Spec | D-Base (This Product) | D-White |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Clear discharge MIXING BASE — no color, no pigment | Premixed discharge WHITE — white pigment pre-loaded |
| Primary Use | Mix with CCI CMS Pigments for custom Pantone-matched discharge COLORS. Also color stripping and underbase. | Ready-to-activate discharge WHITE. Opaque white, highlight white, underbase white, or mix with pigments for pastels. |
| Color Out of Container | Clear — you supply color through CMS Pigment Concentrates | White — premixed, ready to activate and print white immediately |
| CMS Pigment Mixing | YES — the primary color-mixing discharge base for the CCI CMS system | YES — mix with pigments for custom pastel or tinted discharge colors |
| Without Pigment | Strips garment dye → natural cotton base color (clear discharge / “bleaching”) | Strips garment dye → replaces with bright opaque WHITE |
| Mesh | 160-305 | 160-305 |
| Activator | D-Powder 3-6% | D-Powder 3-6% |
| Pot Life | 8 hours | 8 hours |
| W-Base Counterpart | Both pair with CCI W-Base — W-Base for light garments, D-Base/D-White for dark garments. Same CMS Pigments across all three. | |
| Stock Strategy | Stock both. D-Base for custom discharge COLORS. D-White for discharge WHITE. Same activator (D-Powder) works with both. | |
The simple decision: Need custom discharge COLORS on dark cotton → D-Base + CMS Pigments. Need discharge WHITE on dark cotton → D-White.
⚠️ The Discharge Rules
- 100% cotton with dischargeable (reactive) dyes. Does not discharge polyester or synthetic fibers. On blends, only cotton threads discharge. Not all fabrics are dyed with dischargeable dyes — test first.
- CCI D-Powder Discharge Activator REQUIRED (3-6%). Does not discharge without activator. Adjust percentage for desired discharge effect.
- 8-hour pot life once activated. Mix only what you need for the day.
- Cure at 320°F (160°C). Extended dwell time for discharge chemistry.
- Ventilation recommended. Discharge produces fumes during curing.
- Some pigments may not discharge properly. Test specific pigment + base + garment combinations before production.
- Pre-test everything. Discharge effectiveness varies by garment brand, dye lot, and cotton type.
Recommended Modifiers & Additives for D-Base Production
| Modifier | Dosage | Production Problem It Solves |
|---|---|---|
| CCI D-Powder Discharge Activator | 3-6% | ⚠️ REQUIRED — enables discharge chemistry that removes garment dye. Without activator, no discharge occurs. 8-hour pot life once added. Adjust percentage for desired discharge effect — more activator = stronger discharge. |
| CCI EnviroLine® Retarder (WB-Retarder) | Up to 5% | Ink drying in the screen during long runs or hot/dry environments — extends wet ink open time. Formaldehyde-free. |
| Water | Up to 10% | Ink too thick for your mesh or setup — reduces viscosity. The primary thinner for CCI EnviroLine® inks. |
| Water mist (spray bottle) | As needed | Ink starting to skin over during production pauses — a light mist on the screen rehydrates the ink surface. |
Cleanup: Water for wet ink. CCI EnviroSolv® for on-press cleaning. CCI WB-1 for dried ink and haze stains.
Recommended Emulsions: Water-resistant emulsions. Post-harden the stencil for long print runs.
Production best practices: Heavy squeegee pressure. Print wet-on-wet without flash curing. Keep ample ink in the screen. Lid containers when not in use.
Why Screen Printers Choose CCI D-Base
“I already use CCI W-Base on light garments and need the same system for dark cotton.”
D-Base extends the CCI CMS system to dark garments. Same CMS Pigment Concentrates, same Color Management Software, same Pantone formulas. W-Base for lights. D-Base for darks.
“I want vivid custom discharge colors on dark tees — not just white.”
Mix D-Base + CMS Pigments + activator. The garment dye is removed and your CMS pigment color replaces it. Pantone-matched discharge colors with zero hand feel.
“I need a clear discharge underbase for overprinting.”
Print activated D-Base (no pigment) to strip the garment dye. The lightened area becomes a clean foundation for overprinting with W-Base colors, Spot Black, or other systems.
“I want the softest possible prints on dark cotton.”
Discharge printing embeds color INTO the cotton fibers. Zero surface ink layer. The hand feel is identical to the fabric itself — softer than any water-based or plastisol surface print.
“My discharge ink dries in the screen too fast.”
D-Base features extended screen life — slower drying than many discharge inks. Add CCI EnviroLine® Retarder (up to 5%) and mist screens during pauses.
Key Features
- Clear Discharge Mixing Base: The color-mixing discharge base for the CCI CMS system — mix with CCI CMS Pigment Concentrates for custom Pantone-matched discharge colors.
- Three Functions: Custom color discharge, clear color-stripping/”bleaching” underbase, and discharged foundation for overprinting.
- Pairs with CCI W-Base: W-Base for lights, D-Base for darks — one pigment system covers every cotton garment.
- Extended Screen Life: Slower drying for longer production runs.
- High Mesh Capability (160-305): Fine detail and soft finish through high mesh counts.
- Low Odor: More pleasant shop environment than many discharge inks.
- Ultra-Soft Hand Feel: Discharge embeds color into fibers — zero surface buildup.
- Superior Color/Wash Fastness: Durable, long-lasting discharge prints.
- Can Be Dry Cleaned and Ironed.
- PVC-Free, Phthalate-Free.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Name | CCI EnviroLine® D-Base Discharge Ink |
| Type | Clear water-based discharge mixing base |
| Ink System | CCI EnviroLine® discharge system / CCI CMS Color Mixing System |
| Appearance | Clear |
| Viscosity | Low — easy to use. Thin with up to 10% water if needed. |
| Pigment System | CCI CMS Pigment Concentrates. Also compatible with other water-based pigments. |
| Color Matching | CCI Color Management Software — free online Pantone formula tool |
| ⚠️ Activator | CCI D-Powder Discharge Activator — 3-6%. REQUIRED. 8-hour pot life once added. |
| Mesh | 160-305 |
| Squeegee | Heavy pressure. Adjust based on mesh count. |
| Printing Method | Wet-on-wet without flash curing |
| Cure | 320°F (160°C). Always wash test before production. |
| Substrates | ⚠️ 100% cotton with dischargeable (reactive) dyes. Test fabric before production. |
| Companion White | CCI D-White — premixed discharge white in the same system |
| Water-Based Counterpart | CCI W-Base — standard water-based clear mixing base for light garments |
| Retarder | CCI EnviroLine® Retarder / WB-Retarder (up to 5%) |
| Thinner | Water (up to 10%) |
| Emulsions | Water-resistant. Post-harden for long runs. |
| Cleanup (Wet) | Water |
| Cleanup (On-Press) | CCI EnviroSolv® |
| Cleanup (Dried/Haze) | CCI WB-1 |
| Dry Cleaning/Ironing | Safe for both |
| Formulation | PVC-free, phthalate-free, low odor |
| Available Sizes | Quart, Gallon |
Benefits at a Glance
- Clear discharge mixing base for the CCI CMS color system — custom Pantone-matched discharge colors on dark cotton
- Three functions: custom color discharge, color stripping/”bleaching” underbase, discharged overprint foundation
- Pairs with CCI W-Base — one pigment system covers light garments (W-Base) and dark garments (D-Base)
- Extended screen life — slower drying for longer production runs
- High mesh (160-305) for fine detail and soft finish
- Ultra-soft hand feel — discharge embeds color into fibers, zero surface buildup
- Low odor formulation
- ⚠️ D-Powder activator required (3-6%). 8-hour pot life. 100% cotton dischargeable dyes only.
- PVC-free, phthalate-free. Can be dry cleaned and ironed.
Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between D-Base and D-White?
D-Base is a CLEAR discharge mixing base — no color, no pigment. You add CCI CMS Pigments for custom colors, or use it clear for color stripping. D-White is a premixed discharge WHITE — white pigment is pre-loaded, ready to activate for bright white prints. D-Base = custom colors. D-White = white.
What is the difference between D-Base and W-Base?
W-Base is a standard water-based clear base for LIGHT garments — deposits color on the fabric surface. D-Base is a discharge clear base for DARK garments — removes garment dye and replaces it with pigment color inside the fibers. Same CMS Pigments and Pantone formulas work with both.
What activator do I use?
CCI D-Powder Discharge Activator at 3-6% by weight. Mix well. 8-hour pot life once activated.
What mesh should I use?
160-305. Higher mesh for finer detail and softer hand. D-Base’s rheology flows smoothly through high mesh.
What fabrics work?
⚠️ 100% cotton with dischargeable (reactive) dyes. Not all fabrics are dyed with dischargeable dyes. Some pigments may not discharge properly. Always pre-test.
Can I use D-Base with other ink systems?
Yes — D-Base can be used in conjunction with other ink systems to produce multiple effects. Use as a discharged underbase for overprinting with W-Base colors, Spot Black, or other compatible systems.
How do I clean up D-Base?
Water for wet ink. CCI EnviroSolv® for on-press cleaning. CCI WB-1 for dried ink and haze.
Is D-Base eco-friendly?
Yes. PVC-free, phthalate-free, low odor. Part of the CCI EnviroLine® system.
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