In a nutshell, white underbase is a layer of white ink printed underneath the actual design to make colors pop on dark or colored garments. Think of it as the primer before you paint a wall—you need a solid base to make those vibrant top colors shine.
Without a white underbase, colors can look dull, faded, or totally off when printed on anything that’s not white. That’s because DTG inks are typically water-based and somewhat transparent, meaning the garment color can show through and distort the design.
So when you’re printing a bright, full-color image on a black T-shirt? Yeah, you’re gonna want that white underbase.
Why is White Underbase Important?
Here’s the deal: DTG printers spray ink directly onto fabric, kind of like your home inkjet printer, but for clothes. On light-colored garments, that’s usually not a problem—colors show up just fine. But the moment you switch to a dark shirt (like navy or black), the game changes.
Without a white underbase:
- Reds turn muddy.
- Yellows vanish.
- Blues look like they’ve had a long day.
But with a proper white underbase, you get:
- Bright, vivid colors
- Sharper details
- Better wash durability
- A more professional-looking print
It’s especially crucial when printing photo-realistic images or vibrant graphics. So, yeah—white underbase isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a must-have for quality prints on dark fabrics.
Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s walk through a quick, behind-the-scenes look at how the white underbase works in DTG printing:
Step 1: Pretreating the Garment
Before printing, you need to apply a pre-treatment solution to the garment. This helps the white ink sit on top of the fabric instead of soaking in. Pre-treatment also prevents bleeding and helps ink adhere better.
Pro Tip: Always use the right amount of pre-treatment—too much or too little can mess with the underbase quality.
Step 2: Curing the Pre-treatment
After pretreating, the garment is usually heat-pressed or cured to dry and set the pretreatment layer.
Step 3: Printing the White Underbase
Now, the DTG printer lays down the white ink exactly where the colored parts of the design will go. It’s not the whole shirt—just where it’s needed under the design.
Step 4: Printing the Color Layers
Once the white underbase is down, the printer immediately follows up with the full-color design on top. The result? Crisp, punchy colors that look amazing—even on black shirts.
Step 5: Final Curing
After printing, the shirt is heat-pressed or cured again to dry and set the inks. And boom—you’ve got a masterpiece.
When Should You Use White Underbase?
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Garment Color | Use White Underbase? |
|---|---|
| White | Nope, you’re good! |
| Light Gray | Usually not necessary |
| Red, Blue | Absolutely |
| Black | 1000% YES |
If your design is all black ink on a dark shirt, you might skip the underbase. But for most full-color designs? It’s essential.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Skipping Pretreatment
This is the #1 mistake. Without it, the white ink won’t sit properly, and you’ll get fuzzy, washed-out prints.
2. Overusing Underbase
Too thick an underbase can cause stiffness or cracking over time. The key is balance.
3. Misaligned Layers
If the white underbase and color layers don’t line up, you’ll see halos or ghosting. Make sure your printer is properly calibrated.
How to Optimize White Underbase in Your DTG Workflow
- Use high-quality pretreatment for the best base adhesion.
- Adjust your RIP software settings to control the thickness and placement of the underbase.
- Test print before running a full batch—always.
- Regularly maintain your printer so ink heads stay clean and accurate.
FAQs
Q: Can I print without white underbase on colored garments?
Technically yes, but expect muted or inaccurate colors. It’s not recommended unless you’re intentionally going for a vintage or faded look.
Q: Does the white underbase affect how the shirt feels?
A little, yes. The more underbase you use, the heavier or stiffer the print may feel. Fine-tuning your RIP settings can help minimize this.
Q: What’s the best fabric for DTG printing with underbase?
100% cotton is ideal—it absorbs the ink well and works perfectly with pretreatment and white ink.
Q: Is white underbase only for DTG, or does it apply to screen printing too?
White underbase is used in both! In screen printing, a white base layer is also common for printing on dark shirts, but the methods differ.
Q: Can I control how thick the white underbase is?
Yes! Most RIP software allows you to adjust the density and coverage of the underbase. Less is more—just enough to get bright colors.
So, what is white underbase? It’s your secret weapon for making colors stand out, especially on dark garments. Like primer before paint, it gives your designs a clean, vibrant canvas to sit on.
Whether you’re a seasoned DTG pro or just starting out, understanding how and when to use white underbase can seriously level up your print game. Keep experimenting, test your settings, and don’t be afraid to get nerdy with it—because a great print starts with a solid base.
