Discharge paste and you! (or how I learned to love bleach)

[Load3r]

I love discharge paste. It is so versatile and easy to use.

For those that don't know, discharge paste is basically screen printing bleach. You apply it in your chosen fashion, let dry and then iron (w/ steam) and be amazed as the colour changes before your eyes. Awesome design screened in with no change in texture (and even looks neato turned inside out). Send it through the wash and it's good to go.
Synthetic fibers need not apply.

Instructable with better info on discharge paste. (http://www.instructables.com/id/E4P8NGNMNXEQ6T2C6M/)

Three main advantages to using discharge paste instead of bleach(pens) is that it easier to control the level of bleaching, doesn't bleed and is fabric safe (hydrogen peroxide). Oh and if you are a klutz then you have a much larger window in which to clean a spill off clothes you are wearing, just avoid sunlight!

The possibilities, as with so much DIY, are endless. You never know exactly what colour the fabric which bleach into until you test it out. My black shirt went purple, but I am searching for ones that turn yellow-ish.

Here are some examples of what I have done so far.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a209/Load3r/shirt_johngalt.jpg

My first attempt. Reverse stenciled w/ masking tape and freehanded using an art brush.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a209/Load3r/shirt_jackolantern.jpg

Paper & Duct tape stencil on a ralph lauren shirt a school friend gave to me cause he didnt wear it. Did it at a friend's house at 1am-3am (ironed it when I got home).

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a209/Load3r/shirt_gemini.jpg

Unfinished astrological shirt I made for my own birthday. Repeated mylar stencils and masking tape for the stripes. The shirt is actually a nice brown colour.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a209/Load3r/shirt_sonicyouth_lo.jpg

Poster card stencil for text, freehand embellished. Design done freehand with art brush and a folded piece of card. Note the flower has 13 petals.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Soon to come: Bleaching and possible screening on a thrift store jacket I just got.

[pinoyblaze]

oooh this looks neat. I love the pumpkin faced one. Always love the orange <3

[Jelfish]

I've always wanted to try discharge paste, especially when I came across that instructables page. Have you found discharge paste in any stores? I've only seen it available online.

I really like your striped shirt, by the way.

Jel

[Load3r]

thanks, I appreciate it.

i was lucky enough to find a screen printing supply store that carried it. might be the only place in toronto to get it too.
I found it by googling toronto discharge paste.

[Number09]

Where abouts in TO is it? I'm gonna be there in a month or so.

[TEo]

The color depends of how much bleach you apply....so: if you apply a concentrated amount of bleach then the black will become white...if you diluate the bleach in water and apply it just for just a few minutes will become purple or orange. If the t-shirt is red then the mediate colour will be pink...orange> yellow and so on...

[Load3r]

G&S Dye Canada (http://www.gsdye.com/Canada/reach_us_maps.html) : Dundas just west of Univeristy Ave. Almost across the street from OCAD.
$10CDN for 250ml, $30 for 1L

[barnes]

I love the striped shirt. The way you but the other little things in the gaps of t he stripes looks awesome. By the way, nice sig. More and more of the world is turning out to be Douglas Adams fans.

[rawrwar]

I like your designs!!!
however, having no access to discharge paste, I grabbed bleach that we use to clean tiles.... basic bathroom cleaning stuff haha
you can mix that with water if you want to dillute it, and i read on one of those bleaching isntructables that to stop the bleach from workign you can wash things in vinegar haha
i think it even said that you could use the vinegar ( i think...) to wash vintage jeans so that the bleach left over in the fabric gets neutralized...
and i dont think that my grammar was up to par on this one......

[Load3r]

hmm vinegar. i wonder if the acidity neutralizes how basic the bleach is.
have you tried adding a thickening agent? cornstarch or powdered soap (possibly with its own bleach in it, interesting) to help prevent bleeding.

@ Number09 : You don't happen to know where to get concentrated hydrogen peroxide do you? there is like 20 expensive household products you never have to buy again if you get your hands on some.

[Number09]

G&S Dye Canada (http://www.gsdye.com/Canada/reach_us_maps.html) : Dundas just west of Univeristy Ave. Almost across the street from OCAD.
$10CDN for 250ml, $30 for 1L


Sweet! I was afraid that it would be waaaay out somewhere in the GTA.

By the way, I love the pumpkin shirt and the one under it. :)


@ Number09 : You don't happen to know where to get concentrated hydrogen peroxide do you? there is like 20 expensive household products you never have to buy again if you get your hands on some.
Nope, sorry...

[sewittogether]

i love the orange one.

[ryanmoore]

where do you buy discharge paste???