What Is A Base Cloth?

“What is a base cloth?” is often asked by architects, designers and specifiers not familiar with the digital printing process. It is not uncommon for a print design to be requested without the base cloth. But we always need to know the substrate that the design is being printed onto.

Here we help clarify the terminology and what you should consider when ordering a print.

So, what is a base cloth?

A base cloth, or a base substrate, is the plain base material that we use to print our library of over 3,500 digital designs onto. They fall into two types:

1. BASE CLOTH – textiles.
2. BASE SUBSTRATE – wall covering, roller blind, window film.

The printing process uses digital print technology with direct to substrate or dye sublimation printing. The beauty of this type of printing means we can print on demand onto a base that suits your application, budget and aesthetic.   

All of our base cloth and substrate options are tested to ensure that they are of the highest quality, prepared for printing, and suitable for their intended end use.

With over 40 base cloth / substrate options to choose from here is some useful information to help with the correct selection.    

1. What is the intended application?

Our website has a search function that can help narrow down the correct end use. Our products are used in contract furnishing projects for applications such as furniture upholstery, curtain fabric, roller blinds, wall covering and shower curtains. You will find specifications together with flame retardant certification under each base cloth.

2. What is your aesthetic?

There are base cloth options that have a very natural linen look through to luxe velvets. And wall covering base substrates from smooth to textured. Each base will print differently. Some of the fabrics are optical white while other are more crème or shades of grey. When printing onto more luxe base cloths the colour can be more vibrant. We always recommend that you order your specific design and colour onto your nominated base.

3. What is your budget?

Pricing is based on the base cloth you select. We have a wide range of options to suit your budget. Having the option to use different bases can often help value engineer your project without compromising the design.  

4. Do you need any sustainable attributes?

Our website can help you filter to your specific needs such as Greenguard certified, OEKO-TEX certified, recycled content etc.

So to answer the question “what is a base cloth?” It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Select a design and colour from our print range.
2. What is your application, aesthetic and budget? Think about how your design will be used and browse the base categories.
3. The same print can look quite different depending on the chosen substrate, so it is vital to see a sample. Contact your Project Sales Manager, our Sampling Team or shop online for samples.

Handy links

• Textile base cloths: All fabric bases including upholstery, waterproof upholstery and top of bed.
• Window covering base substrates: All curtain bases, roller blinds and window film.
• Wall covering base substrates: Wall vinyl and wall covering.

Our Sales and Customer Service team are here to help you with your selections if needed.

About the Author: Catherine McGowan

Catherine McGowan is an experienced content writer specialising in the interior and architectural design industry since 2010. With a deep understanding of design trends, materials, and spatial aesthetics, Catherine has crafted engaging and insightful content for a variety of platforms, from blogs and articles to product descriptions and marketing materials. Her work reflects a strong passion for design, helping readers stay informed about the latest innovations in the field.