Matsui Brite Discharge Base | Water-Based Discharge Mixing Base for Vivid Custom Colors on Dark Cotton — Mix with Neo Pigments for Pantone-Matched Discharge Prints

Benefits at a Glance

• The BRIGHTEST custom color discharge results in the Matsui system — vivid, saturated Pantone-matched colors on dark cotton
• Neutral/clear base — you control color entirely through Neo Pigments (up to 15%)
• Zero hand feel — discharge embeds color INTO the fabric, no surface ink layer
• Prints through mesh up to 305/inch for fine detail spot color discharge
• Blend 50/50 with HM Discharge Base for brighter prints at up to 230 mesh
• Also functions as clear discharge (no pigment) to strip garment to natural base color
• Soft-hand underbase for water-based or plastisol overprinting on discharged fabric
• Production-optimized with Matsui additives including the mesh lubricant technique (30% Softener MG + 70% water)
• Quick Additive (6-9%) provides all-in-one production enhancement
• ⚠️ Discharge activator required (3-8%). 12-hour pot life once activated. 100% cotton with reactive dyes only.
• PVC-free
• Ideal for fashion brands, merch lines, custom apparel, and retail-quality discharge prints

Matsui Brite Discharge Base Safety Data Sheet

Matsui Brite Discharge Base Technical Data Sheet

What is Matsui Brite Discharge Base?

It is a neutral, clear water-based discharge mixing base. It contains no color or pigment. Add Neo Pigments at up to 15% for custom Pantone-matched colors, then add discharge activator at 3–8% to enable the discharge chemistry. The garment dye is chemically removed and your custom color replaces it, embedding directly into the cotton fibers.

Do I need discharge activator?

Yes. Brite Discharge Base does not discharge on its own. You must add 3–8% Matsui or Printers Choice Discharge Activator. Without activator, the base behaves like a standard water-based binder and will not remove garment dye.

What is the pot life after adding activator?

Approximately 12 hours. Mix only what you need for the day’s production. Do not store activated ink overnight, because the discharge chemistry continues working and the ink loses effectiveness.

What fabrics work with discharge printing?

Use 100% cotton with reactive, dischargeable dyes only. Discharge chemistry does not work on polyester, nylon, or other synthetic fibers. On 50/50 blends, only the cotton threads discharge, while the polyester threads keep their original color and create a heathered look. Always test the exact garment brand and batch before production.

What is the difference between Brite Discharge Base and HM Discharge Base?

Both are discharge mixing bases that take Neo Pigments. Brite Discharge Base delivers the brightest color results and is optimized for vivid spot color discharge. HM Discharge Base is optimized for halftone and simulated process discharge at high mesh. Blend them 50/50 when you want brighter prints at up to 230 mesh.

What is the difference between Brite Discharge Base and 301DM?

301DM is a dual-purpose base. It works as a standard water-based ink on light garments without activator, or as a discharge base on dark cotton with activator. Brite Discharge Base is a dedicated discharge base only. It requires activator and is designed to produce brighter discharge colors on dark garments than 301DM.

How long do I cure discharge prints?

Cure at 320°F (160°C) for 2–3 minutes. Discharge printing requires longer cure times than standard water-based printing. If the print appears darker in some areas, the garment needs more time in the dryer. The discharge chemistry needs full dwell time to completely break down the garment dye.

Why do discharge prints smell during curing?

The discharge activator chemically breaks down the garment dye during curing, and that chemical reaction produces fumes. Make sure your dryer has proper ventilation. The odor fades after curing is complete.

Can I print Brite Discharge Base without Neo Pigments?

Yes. Printing with activator but without Neo Pigments creates a clear discharge effect. The garment dye is removed, revealing the natural cotton base color, usually off-white or cream. This can be used as a standalone effect or as a soft-hand underbase for overprinting.

What additives should I use?

For most jobs, use Quick Additive at 6–9%, since it combines Retarder MG, Fixer WF-N, and Softener MG. For more control, use Retarder MG at 1–5%, Fixer WF-N at 1–5%, and Softener MG at 1–4%. You can also try a mesh lubricant made from 30% Softener MG and 70% water, wiped on the ink side of the mesh.

What mesh count should I use?

Use up to 305/inch (120/cm) for fine spot detail. For brighter prints at higher mesh counts, blend 50/50 with HM Discharge Base for prints up to 230/inch.

Can I use Neo Pigments in discharge the same way I use them in standard water-based bases?

Yes. It is the same Neo Pigment system, the same mixing ratios up to 15%, and the same Matsui CMS Color Matching Software formulas. The only difference is that you are using a discharge base instead of a standard water-based base.

Is Brite Discharge Base safe?

It is PVC-free. During curing, discharge printing produces fumes, so proper ventilation is required. The ink itself is safe for normal handling and is compliant with industry standards.