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The Subtle Art of Black-on-Black Screen Printing | Deep Dive with Colin

The Subtle Art of Black-on-Black Screen Printing | Deep Dive with Colin  | Screenprinting.com

Josh Valencia |

In this new episode of Deep Dive with Colin, we’re exploring one of the most intriguing techniques in screen printing: black-on-black. Black-on-black screen printing isn’t about loud colors or flashy designs—it’s about crafting intrigue. It’s a technique that transforms a plain black shirt into a canvas of texture and depth, inviting closer inspection. The secret? Playing with contrasts that are felt as much as they’re seen.

 

Here’s the fun part: black isn’t a one-size-fits-all color. Depending on the fabric, some black shirts lean toward a red or blue tint, while others are a true, neutral black. This means every shirt offers a slightly different backdrop for your designs.

MAKING BLACK STAND OUT

Printing black-on-black is all about texture and sheen. It’s about taking a flat, matte garment and disrupting it in ways that draw the eye—without ever adding color.

GLOSSY FINISHES

A simple way to achieve this is by using a clear ink that adds a shiny finish. When printed thick and cured properly, clear ink deepens the black of the shirt, creating a reflective effect.

One popular option for this kind of effect is a stretchable clear ink that cures with a slight doming effect. It doesn’t just look great; it feels premium, especially when the light catches it.

RELATED: HOW TO PRINT BLACK PLASTISOL INK ON WHITE GARMENTS

DIMENSIONAL DETAILS

If gloss isn’t enough, adding texture takes things to the next level. A puff additive mixed into black ink creates a raised design with a velvety, dimensional feel.

The result? A tactile contrast that makes your design impossible to ignore—even in monochrome.

EXPERIMENTATION IS KEY

One of the best things about black-on-black printing is how versatile it is. You can layer techniques, like combining flat black ink with glossy highlights or mixing puff effects into part of the design.

You don’t have to stick to one method—your creativity is the only limit.

RELATED: HOW TO PRINT WHITE PLASTISOL INK ON BLACK GARMENTS

BEHIND THE SCENES

Some techniques stand out for how easily they elevate black-on-black printing:

  • Flat Black Ink for clean, smooth prints that blend seamlessly with the shirt.
  • Clear Gloss for adding shine and depth to specific areas.
  • Raised Puff Effects for designs that pop off the surface and beg to be touched.

The key is to experiment and find what works best for your design, garment, and audience.

RELATED: FOUR WAYS TO PRINT BLACK PLASTISOL INK ON A BLACK SHIRT

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Black-on-black printing is about more than just ink on fabric. It’s a way to play with light, texture, and perception, creating designs that feel as bold as they are subtle. Whether you’re into sleek gloss finishes, dimensional textures, or both, this technique lets your creativity shine in the most understated way possible.

Have a question you want Colin to Dive Deep on? Submit it here!