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Controlled Bleaching with Discharge Paste

by Ed Lewis

Type(s): Art Supply, Raw Material
Tags: bleach stencil discharge+paste art


http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/1574-AA.shtml
$7 (US, estimated)

Tool photo.

Yes, the name is terrible and the stuff is white and gooey, which makes it even more wrong. But it's pretty damn cool, so you just accept it and move on towards greatness.

Where bleach is incredibly thin and can destroy natural fibers if you're not careful, discharge paste is the opposite. It's gooey so it doesn't spill easily and can be used with silkscreens. It's also nice to natural fibers, which is good as well. It removes most fiber reactives, direct dyes and acid dyes and typically leaves a light golden color when it's done.

Everything you need to know about this is printed right on the label. To use it, you just apply it to a fabric, let it dry, and then iron it on the lowest steam setting for a few minutes to activate it. To make sure it works on a new fabric, test it by putting a small spot in a hidden area of the target material (assuming you're using a shirt) and see how well it works before spreading it everywhere.

Available from the fine, fine folks at Dharma Trading Co.