If you’re planning to print custom T-shirts, you might wonder:
Can screen printing be done on colored T-shirts—or just white ones?
✅ The answer is: Yes, you can absolutely screen print on colored T-shirts—but it requires the right technique, materials, and preparation.
In this article, we’ll explain how screen printing works on dark or colored fabrics, and how Guoya Company ensures your designs look just as bold on navy, red, black, or any of our 26 available shirt colors.
Why Printing on Colored T-Shirts Is Different
When printing on white T-shirts, colors show up easily because the fabric doesn’t interfere with the ink.
However, with colored or dark shirts:
- Ink may soak into the shirt and lose brightness
- Lighter ink colors (like yellow or pink) may not show up well
- Design clarity can be affected without proper technique
That’s where underbase printing and ink choice come into play.
What Is an Underbase, and Why Does It Matter?
An underbase is a layer of white ink printed first, beneath the actual design. It acts like a primer—blocking out the shirt color so the ink on top remains true and vibrant.
For example:
- A light blue design on a black shirt needs a white underbase
- Bold logos on a red tee will look better with a solid white foundation
At Guoya, our screen printing process includes professional underbase printing when needed—so your design pops, no matter the shirt color.
Choosing the Right Ink Colors for Colored Shirts
Not all colors work equally well on every shirt. Here’s a general guide:
| Shirt Color | Recommended Print Colors |
|---|---|
| White | Any color (no base needed) |
| Black | White, light blue, red, neon inks (with underbase) |
| Navy | Bright yellow, orange, white |
| Gray | Black, red, royal blue |
| Red | White, black, gold |
Need help choosing? Guoya offers free design assistance to ensure the best color pairing for your artwork and shirt color.
The Role of Fabric and Weight
Colored shirts, especially darker ones, need stronger ink adhesion to hold color properly.
That’s why we use:
- 100% cotton T-shirts for excellent ink absorption
- Fabric weights from 180gsm to 300gsm, which provide a sturdy base for thick ink layers
Thicker shirts like 220–300gsm are particularly great for colorful screen printing—they reduce bleed-through and ensure cleaner edges.
Why Screen Printing Works So Well on Colored Shirts
Unlike digital printing, screen printing:
- Uses opaque inks that layer well on dark surfaces
- Supports underbase techniques
- Provides vivid, long-lasting color, especially when properly cured
This makes it the preferred method for printing on colored T-shirts, especially in bulk.
How Guoya Makes Colored Shirt Printing Easy
At Guoya Company, we’ve printed thousands of colorful T-shirts for brands, events, and merch lines.
Here’s how we make it simple and effective:
- 🎨 26 shirt colors available, from neutrals to bold tones
- 👕 100% cotton shirts, optimized for ink adhesion
- 📏 Sizes from S to 6XL
- 🔁 Expert underbase printing included as needed
- 🎁 Free design support & samples
- ⏱️ 3-day proofing, 5-day production for fast turnaround
Whether you want to print a bold yellow logo on black or soft pastel art on navy, we’ve got the tools and expertise to make it look great.
Summary
Yes, you can screen print on colored T-shirts—beautifully and effectively.
The key is using the right techniques, like underbase printing, and working with experts who understand how color, fabric, and ink interact.
With Guoya’s premium materials, wide color selection, and professional screen printing setup, your designs will shine—no matter what T-shirt color you choose.
📩 Contact us today to request a free sample or start your order!