Printing on dark garments can elevate your designs with bold contrasts and premium finishes but it also comes with a unique set of challenges. From ink opacity to fabric choice, every detail matters if you want your prints to look sharp, vibrant, and professional. Here are some practical tips for achieving consistent results when printing on dark colours, along with the best blanks and ink pairings to make the process easier.

Start with the Right Blank

The first step to succe ssful printing on dark colours is choosing the right garment. Your blank sets the foundation for both print quality and durability.

Cotton is King

When it comes to dark-coloured printing, 100% cotton is the most reliable option. Cotton fibres provide a smooth, absorbent surface that holds ink well and ensures a vibrant finish.

• Gildan® Heavy Cotton™ Adult T-Shirt (5000)

◦ 100% U.S. cotton

◦ 180 g/m²

◦ Available in 33 colours

◦ Classic fit with a smooth surface ideal for bold prints.
This is a decorator favourite for everyday printing, offering the perfect balance of weight and printability.

• Gildan® Hammer™ Adult T-Shirt (H000)

◦ 100% ring spun cotton

◦ 203 g/m²

◦ Available in 22 colours

◦ Heavier weight with a soft feel.
The extra density makes it ideal for prints that need to pop on darker shades.

Pre-Treat for Success

On dark blanks, a base layer (often a white underbase) is essential for vibrant colours. Without it, inks can sink into the fibres, resulting in dull or muted prints. Pre-treating and flashing between layers ensure your colours stay crisp.

• Pro tip: Always test your pretreatment amount on a sample garment. Too little can lead to poor opacity, while too much can cause staining or texture issues.

Ink Types That Deliver on Dark Colours

The type of ink you use is just as important as the garment itself.

Plastisol Inks

The go-to choice for decorators working with dark garments. Plastisol sits on top of the fabric, creating a bold, opaque finish. It’s also durable and forgiving for most print shops.

Water-Based Inks with an Underbase

If you prefer a softer hand feel, water-based inks can still work beautifully on dark garment, as long as you lay down a strong white underbase first.

Discharge Printing

Discharge inks remove the dye from cotton fabric and replace it with pigment. The result is a super-soft print that feels like part of the shirt. Keep in mind: this works best on 100% cotton blanks like the Gildan® Heavy Cotton™ or Hammer™ ranges.

Don’t Forget Curing

On dark fabrics, curing is non-negotiable. If inks aren’t fully cured, prints can crack, fade, or wash out. Always check your ink manufacturer’s recommended curing temperatures and run a wash test before moving into full production.

Final Thoughts

Printing on dark colours isn’t complicated when you know the right pairings. Start with a high-quality blank like the Gildan® Heavy Cotton™ or Hammer™ tee, choose the right ink system, and never skip pretreatment or curing. With the right process, you’ll achieve vibrant, long-lasting prints that stand out on even the deepest shades.

Looking for reliable blanks that decorators trust for dark-colour printing? Explore the Gildan® range here.