Underfärg

Underfärg, meaning “under color” in Swedish, denotes a preparatory or base layer of color applied before the final layer in painting or printing. The purpose is to influence tonal structure, brightness, depth, and color reproduction, and to improve adhesion and even drying of subsequent layers.

In painting, underfärg is commonly the first layer that sets the lightness and tonal model of a composition. Artists often choose a neutral or tinted undertone that will show through subsequent glazes or opaque layers. A cool gray undertone can enhance shadows, while an ochre base can warm flesh tones. The practice is central to underpainting (grisaille or tonal underpainting) and can guide the final color mixing. The underfärg may remain partially visible in the finished work or be subdued beneath translucent layers.

In printing and color reproduction, underfärg describes the color layer beneath the final ink pass. It helps establish density, color balance, and tonal range across reproductions. Practitioners manage underfärg in color separations and plate preparation to control ink usage and drying behavior; some workflows use techniques that adjust the mix of base colors to achieve similar neutrals with less ink.

The term is used across disciplines with variations in technique and terminology. Understanding underfärg involves both artistic intention and technical considerations, as the base layer interacts with subsequent color applications.

See also: underpainting, ground (art), color separation, ink management.