What’s an Underbase (and Why It Matters for Your Screen Printing Order)

If you’ve ever sent us artwork for dark shirts and we mentioned adding an underbase, you might’ve wondered… What is that, and do I really need it?

At Monday Morning Merch, we believe your prints should look exactly how you imagined — bold, vibrant, and true to your brand. That’s where the underbase comes in.

Understanding Underbase

What Is an Underbase?

An underbase is like primer before you paint a wall — it’s a solid foundation, usually white, printed first so your colors stay bright and accurate.

Without it, dark fabrics can dull your design, making colors look muted or “off.” With it, your print pops exactly the way you planned.

Why It Matters

• Brighter, Bolder Colors – Keeps your design vibrant, even on the darkest fabrics.

• Accurate Color Matching – Helps us nail your Pantone colors without interference from the shirt color.

• Professional Finish – Elevates your brand with sharp, clean, high-quality prints.

The Cost Factor

Because an underbase is an extra screen setup, it’s priced like adding another print color. It’s an extra step in production — but for most dark-garment designs, it’s worth every penny.

When You Might Skip It

• Printing on light-colored garments (white, light gray, pale pastels)

• Going for a vintage or “worn-in” look with softer, faded colors

💡 Our Promise: We’ll always let you know when an underbase will make your design shine — and when you don’t need it. Our job is to make sure your brand looks its best without adding unnecessary costs.

📩 Have a project in mind? Send us your artwork and we’ll guide you through the setup, cost, and options so you can make the best decision for your brand.

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