What is discharge printing on fabric? How is it different from regular printing?

Discharge printing is a technique where, instead of applying colour directly onto fabric, a chemical agent (discharge agent) is printed onto a pre-dyed fabric to remove the original colour from specific areas — creating a pattern by subtraction rather than addition.

How it works:

1. Fabric is first dyed to a base colour (e.g., navy blue, black, deep red)
2. Discharge printing paste is applied to the fabric in the desired pattern
3. The discharge agent destroys or removes the dye only where it is applied
4. Result: lighter pattern on dark background — the opposite of regular printing

Types of discharge printing:

• White discharge: Removes colour entirely — white pattern on coloured base
• Illuminating discharge: Removes base colour and simultaneously applies a new colour — creates multicolour effect on dark base

In Indian wholesale: Discharge printing is used for ethnic kurta fabric (particularly menswear shirts and structured kurtis) and some premium saree fabrics. Creates a distinctive soft, slightly aged look that digital print cannot replicate.