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Decoration Innovations


DECORATION METHOD

THE LOOK

THE PROCESS

IDEAL MATERIALS

BENEFITS

RESTRICTIONS

FILE FORMAT & COLOUR SYSTEMS


Embroidery

Threads stitched through material, flat or 3D

Multi-head computerized embroidery machines stitching up to 16 colours of thread per design

Most apparel and bag fabrics

Traditional premium look Very durable

Not recommended over most seams (other than headwear)
Area required to be hooped which requires reasonable size opening.

File Format: Any (vector preferred). Output file is a “.dst” file. Colour System: Embroidery threads from ISACORD, MADEIRA, Robison Anton


Silkscreen, Screenprint (“Imprint”)

Flat ink design printed on surface with plastisol (rubbery) feel

Ink pushed through a mesh screen (manual or automatic) onto item. May require drying, flash cure, and/or specialty inks.

Most casual garments and, flat materials with smooth finishes, including cotton, cotton-blends, and various hard surfaces

Cost-effective for large runs. Vibrant output. Ability to use inks pre-mixed to specified Pantone (PMS) colour references.

Limited colour count per location Not ideal for or textured materials Does not present fine details well Each colour imprint requires a unique screen

File Format: Pantone Solid Coated colours, or four colour process (CMYK)

Colour System: Vector (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG)


Pad Printing

Small, detailed printed image on hard surfaces

Silicone pad transfers ink from an etched plate onto product

Pens, drinkware, golf balls, tech accessories

Details show reasonably well. Works on rounded and uneven surfaces. Ability to use inks pre-mixed to specified Pantone (PMS) colour references.

Limited imprint size. May require a custom jig. Challenging to register multiple colours.

File Format: Pantone Solid Coated colours

Colour System: Vector (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG)


Laser Engraving – Hard Goods

Tonal effect OR exposes material below engraved surface

Laser burns or etches surface

Metal, wood, glass, leather

Very durable High perceived value

Bulky and items that need to be rotated while engraved (drinkware) need to be engraved one at a time

File Format: N/A

Colour System: Vector (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG)


Laser Engraving – Apparel

Logoing etched on fabric leaving slightly darker tone than the fabric

Laser creates slight burning effect on garment

Fleece, polyester blends

Subtle tone-on-tone branding Durable Can cross most seams

Material should be tested to ensure desired look Limited to flat surfaces Inability to add colours

File Format: N/A

Colour System: Vector (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG)


Heat Transfers

Full colour print

Printed transfer paper is heat pressed onto fabric surface

Polyester, cotton, performance fabrics

Usually via full-colour digital imprint Efficient for small quantities

Paper feel that can crack or fade with washing and wear over time Cost partially based on size

File Format: Usually CMYK

Colour System: PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF, Vector (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG)


Sublimation

Full-colour, photo-quality imprint embedded into fabric

Special inks applied with heat and pressure are absorbed into the fibers the fabric.

Polyester or polyester-blend, light-coloured fabrics

Very durable, long-lasting Full colour Relatively high resolution Feels very smooth

Only works on light polyester-based materials No white or metallic inks

File Format: CMYK

Colour System: JPG, PNG, TIFF, Vector (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG)


DTF (Direct to Film)

Modern process: soft-touch, full-colour with clean images

Specialty inks printed full colour, heat pressed onto garment with thin eco-friendly silicone backing.

Cotton, poly-cotton, most fabrics

Full colour, vibrant imprint Flexible Small batch friendly (no screen charges)

Not recommended for dry-cleaning Cost partially based on size Not ideal for high abrasion areas

File Format: CMYK

Colour System: PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF, Vector (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG)


DTG (Direct to Garment)

Ink directly printed onto garment, more subtle feel than silk-screening

Digital printer jets ink directly onto fabric, heat pressed

100% cotton preferred

Full-colour No minimums Soft-hand feel

Works best on light garments No white or metallic inks

File Format: CMYK

Colour System: Photoshop or Vector (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG)


Deboss/ Emboss

Recessed (debossed) or raised (embossed ) logo on material

Custom die presses logo into surface with heat and pressure

Leather, vegan leather, polyurethane, bonded leather

Sophisticated, subtle look High-end look

Tonal effect with no colouring Surface must handle pressure without tearing

File Format: N/A

Colour System: Vector (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG)


Brand Patch

Sewn-on badge with printed or embroidered branding

Pre-made patch attached by sewing and/or heat press application

Leather, vegan leather, polyurethane

Unique upscale look Flexible Durable

Not suitable for hard surfaces

File Format: Depends on patch type

Colour System: Vector (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG)


Debossed Brand Patch

Patch with debossed logo (tone-on-tone)

Logo debossed into synthetic or leather patch, sewn or heat applied

Leather, vegan leather, polyurethane

Subtle, upscale look Flexible Durable

No colour application Size limitations

File Format: N/A

Colour System: Vector (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG)


HXD

Raised textured logo/material with crisp edges. Emblem may have flat, glossy or metallic finish

High-density polyurethane emblem pressed with 3D die and adhered to garment with heat and pressure

Polyester and poly-cotton garments, bags, uniforms

Higher end presentation Durable, lasting impression

No halftones or gradations in artwork Not idea for thin fabrics

File Format: HXD Colour Pallet

Colour System: Vector (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG)


Leather, Suede, Synthetic Patch

Patch made of premium materials with tone-on-tone logo

Patch debossed or laser etched and sewn to item

Outerwear, workwear, headwear, blankets

Premium branding Durable

Restricted to material colours available. No halftones or gradation in artwork

File Format: N/A

Colour System: Vector (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG)


Woven Labels

Fabric label with woven logo

Threads woven to build logo directly into the label, and sewn to garment or fabric with walk stitch or merrowed edge

Apparel, headwear and other textiles

Retail-style branding Ideal for inside labels Durable

Small detail may be hard to capture Minimums apply

File Format: Woven thread chart

Colour System: Vector preferred (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG)


Printed Labels

Printed material label

Label printed and sewn or applied into garment

Apparel, outerwear

Cost-effective

May fade over time Limited colour matchin

File Format: CMYK or Pantone

Colour System: JPG, PNG, TIFF, Vector (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG)


Applique

Cut fabric shapes sewn and/or heat-applied to garments

Die-cut fabric stitched or fused onto apparel

Sweatshirts, varsity jackets, and sports team jerseys

Vintage athletic look Durable

Not inexpensive May pucker if not properly applied Colours limited to existing fabric pallet

File Format: Fabric-dependent

Colour System: Vector (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG)


Cresting

Embroidered and/or woven, crest with merrowed edge

Pre-made crest stitched and/or heat pressed onto product

Outerwear, uniforms, headwear

On-trend branding method Crests can be produced in advance and applied over time

Higher cost per piece Longer production times

File Format: Embroidery and woven thread colours

Colour System: Vector preferred (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG)


Chenille Cresting

Fuzzy textured logo, vintage varsity style

Loop stitching with thick yarn on pre-made applique or crest

Jackets, hats, letterman apparel

Textural and bold Eye-catching

Thick texture adds bulk No halftones or gradation in artwork

File Format: Yarn colour chart

Colour System: Vector preferred (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG)


Mixed Media/ Combining Methods

Combination of 2+ decoration techniques

Methods such as embroidery, heat transfer and/or laser engraving combined on one design/application

Various (mostly garments and textiles)

Elevated branding Creative flexibility

May increase production time and costs Restrictions particular to each of the decoration methods used

File Format: Based on methods used

Colour System: Vector preferred (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG), depending on decorations processes used


Domed Decals

Full colour decal with clear, domed resin cover

Full colour printed decal (on white or metallic substrate) is sealed under a clear dome

Flat smooth plastics, and metals, including name badges

3D appearance Durable UV resistant

Not suitable for fabrics Size and shape limitations Epoxy dome material can scratch or haze over time

File Format: CMYK

Colour System: JPG, PNG, TIFF, Vector (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG)

FAQ

The ideal method depends on your product type, artwork complexity, budget, and desired effect.

  • For apparel, caps, and textiles, popular methods include embroidery and screen printing, direct to film, cresting, appliqué and sublimation.

  • For hard goods such as pens, mugs, and tech accessories, pad printing, digital printing, or laser engraving may be more suitable.
    Our team can guide you in selecting the best option for your needs.

Setup fees vary depending on the method:

  • Embroidery requires digitizing your design.

  • Screen printing and pad printing require screens or plates.

  • Laser engraving and digital printing often have minimal setup costs.

Yes.

  • On metal and wood, laser engraving creates a permanent, elegant finish.

  • On select fabrics like fleece or softshell, laser etching can produce a subtle, tonal logo effect without ink or thread.

Laser engraving and embroidery are among the most eco-friendly options:

  • They produce minimal waste

  • They don’t use harsh chemicals or solvents
    Ask us about sustainable decoration options for your brand.

Yes.
Multi-location decoration is available on most items. In many cases we can do a a full colour wrap imprint for impact. Let us know the impression you would like to make and our team will design to impress.

Yes. While we use the highest quality equipment & materials available, screen printing and digital imprint may fade slightly over time, especially with frequent washing or UV exposure.

  • Lower-impact methods: Laser engraving and embroidery

  • Higher-impact methods: Traditional screen printing (due to chemical-based inks)
    However, we offer eco-friendly alternatives like water-based inks and sustainable production processes.