If you're considering branded uniforms, promotional items, or other customised products, you may have noticed the multitude of printing options available and wondered which one is best suited to your needs. In this article, we'll break down each technique, explaining the methods and benefits of each to help you make an informed decision.
1. Screen Printing: Screen printing is a popular method for customising apparel. This printing technique uses a mesh screen to transfer ink onto fabric, with a blocking stencil preventing ink flow in specific areas. It is perfect for personalising large volumes of clothing due to its excellent quality-to-price ratio and its ability to work effectively on the majority of textiles.
2. Embroidery: Embroidery involves recreating a design using needle and thread. From simple single-coloured fonts to intricate multicoloured images, embroidery offers durability and a professional finish. However, it may not be suitable for lightweight or elastic fabrics as it adds weight and restricts movement. Fabrics with a weight of at least 150gsm, such as standard t-shirts, scarves, and hats, are best suited for embroidery.
3. Sublimation Print: Sublimation is a process of customisation that involves printing your design onto a special type of paper, then fusing the design into the fabric using pressure and heat. It is the most durable and highest-quality method of printing designs onto apparel, as there's no fading or peeling as with other methods. Sublimation printing offers endless design possibilities when it comes to customising clothing.
4. Digital Printing: Digital printing is a method of printing from a digital-based image directly onto a product, similar to a conventional printer but with fabric instead of paper. It is perfect for transferring multicoloured and detailed designs onto apparel with accuracy and precision.
5. Laser Engraving: Laser engraving is the practice of using lasers to engrave designs onto objects. It is best suited for products with hard surfaces, such as glass, wood, or metal items. Laser engraving creates a high-quality and professional look for your customised products.
6. Embossing: Embossing is the process of creating raised images and designs on materials such as paper, glass, metal, and fabrics. This technique adds texture and a new dimension to products, giving them a premium and sophisticated appearance.
7. Pad Printing: Pad printing is an indirect offset printing process that can transfer a two-dimensional image onto a three-dimensional shape, such as glassware, pens, or golf balls. This method involves an image being etched onto a flat printing plate, filled with ink, and then transferred onto the product using a silicone pad. Pad printing is great for achieving high-quality and detailed customisation on objects with curved and uneven surfaces.
8. Supacolour: Supacolour uses a hybrid of water-based and digital inks to transfer an image with high-quality vibrancy and intricate detail. The end design has a softer feel than standard digital and vinyl transfer techniques, and it has the ability to render photorealistic images onto products. Supacolour is a great choice for achieving visually stunning customisations.
9. Supasub: Supasub is a technology that creates an "embroidery lookalike" badge that is then sewn onto the product. This method can recreate more detailed images than traditional embroidery, is lightweight, which allows for more versatility, and can be used for products where supacolour isn't suitable, such as beanies and scarves. Supasub elevates your customisation with the prestige feel of embroidered designs.
10. Supaetch: Supaetch is a decoration method where a design is laser-etched onto a suede patch, laser-cut, and overlocked onto a product, such as headwear, bags, blankets, beanies, and scarves. The stylish finish is subtle yet effective, showcasing both the product and your brand in a professional manner with a high perceived value and retail look.
11. Supaflex: Supaflex is a branding option that prints high-detail logos in either a matte or gloss finish, which are then attached to the apparel or promotional product using embroidery along the edge for a high-quality end result. It offers a versatile and visually appealing way to customise your products.
Ready to get your custom apparel and promotional items started? Browse through our catalogue of options to find the perfect product for your needs, then get in touch with us to start customising! We require logos and artworks to be supplied in vector/EPS format, but don't worry if you don't have them – our in-house graphic design team can assist in reformatting or even creating something completely new just for you.
At Rosalie Promotions, we guarantee high-quality customisation throughout our range of products to ensure we exceed your expectations. Get in touch with our team today and let us bring your brand to life with our premium printing methods.