Decoration Methods Comparison
Decoration Method
The Look
The Process
Ideal Materials
Benefits
Restorations
File Format & Colour Systems
Embroidery
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”)
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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)
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
How do I choose the right decoration method for my branded merchandise?
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.
What setup fees are involved with decoration?
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.
Can I use laser engraving on both metal and fabric items?
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.
What are the most sustainable decoration methods available?
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.
Can I decorate multiple locations on a single item?
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.
Do certain decoration methods last longer than others?
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.
What are the environmental impacts of each decoration method?
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.