An Underbase is a layer of white ink applied to the full area of the design. This layer ensures your chosen print colour(s) is as close a match as possible to your branding and visible on the finished product.

WHY IS AN UNDERBASE NEEDED?

Inks used to pad or screen print are relatively thin. This allows us to mix and blend colours as well as allowing the ability to produce finer detail.

In most cases when printing onto a dark surface, a white underbase is needed first to ensure the print colour is vibrant and true to colour on the finished product.

DO I NEED AN UNDERBASE?

An underbase is needed any time you’re printing light ink onto a darker coloured item. In most cases, all black items will be affected however this can also be the case for any item where the ink colour is lighter than the product colour.

WHY DOES PRINTING AN UNDERBASE COST MORE?

Adding an underbase means an additional screen or plate needs creating for the base print. In addition to the extra time setting up the order, this process also adds more labour to the print process as well as extra ink being used. This all adds to the cost of the final product