Print Methods Explained: Which Branding Suits Which Product?
“1 colour print”, “engraving”, “full colour” – the branding method changes how your logo looks, what it costs and which artwork we need. Here is what the terms mean.
Screen printing
Ink is pressed through a fine mesh stencil, one colour at a time. It gives solid, bright colours on flat or gently curved surfaces: bags, T-shirts, notebooks, bottles. Each colour needs its own screen, so the set-up cost rises with the number of colours – which is why one or two colours are the economical choice for larger runs.
Pad printing
A soft silicone pad picks up the ink and transfers it to the product. Because the pad adapts to the shape, it is the standard method for small and curved items such as pens, keyrings and USB sticks. The print area is small, so simple logos work best.
Laser engraving
A laser removes the top layer of the material and reveals what lies beneath. On metal, wood, bamboo and glass this gives a permanent, elegant mark that cannot wear off. There is no ink colour to choose: the result depends on the material. Engraving suits metal pens, drinkware, awards and leather goods.
Embroidery
Your logo is stitched into the fabric with thread. It looks premium, survives years of washing and is the usual choice for polo shirts, caps, towels and jackets. The logo first has to be converted into a stitch file (digitising), a one-off charge. Very small text and fine gradients do not translate well into thread.
Sublimation
The design is printed on transfer paper and bonded into the surface with heat. It allows photographic, edge-to-edge prints on specially coated mugs, polyester textiles, lanyards and mouse pads – ideal when the artwork has many colours or gradients.
Digital and transfer printing
Digital methods print all colours in one pass, directly on the product or via a transfer. There are no screens to prepare, which makes them attractive for multi-colour logos and smaller quantities.
Why are there set-up charges?
Screens, printing plates, embroidery files and laser programmes have to be prepared before the first piece is produced. That preparation is charged once per design and method, independent of the quantity – so the cost per piece drops as the order grows.
What artwork do we need?
For most methods a vector file (AI, EPS, SVG or a vector PDF) gives the sharpest result, and Pantone numbers make sure the colours match your brand. If you only have a PNG or JPG, send it anyway – it is enough for a quote and a proof. More on this in our artwork information.
Which method should I choose?
Usually the product decides: each item is offered with the methods that work on its material and shape. Tell us where the product will be used and how your logo looks, and we recommend the option with the best result for your budget. You always see a proof before anything is produced.