Branding methods compared
Same logo. Seven machines.
Which method suits your job depends on the item, the artwork and how many you need. This page puts them side by side, and each one has a page of its own with real rates.
The seven methods
Embroidery
Stitched thread on caps, golf shirts and jackets. Hard wearing and the expected look on corporate clothing.
Embroidery →
Screen printing
Ink through a screen, one per colour. The cheapest way to print one design on a lot of cotton.
Screen printing →
DTF printing
Full colour transfers from a single unit, with photographs and gradients included.
DTF printing →
Laser engraving
A permanent mark in metal, wood, glass or leather. One tone, no ink.
Laser engraving →
Pad printing
The method for pens, mugs and curved surfaces, in one or two solid colours.
Pad printing →
Sublimation
Printed into the surface of mugs, puzzles and polyester kit, edge to edge.
Sublimation printing →
Digital printing
Paper: business cards, flyers, brochures, posters and certificates, often same day.
Digital printing →Side by side
Typical minimums and lead times. Your product page shows the real numbers for the item you are looking at.
| Method | Best for | From | Priced by | Setup | Standard turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embroidery | Caps, golf shirts, jackets | 10+ | Stitch count band | Digitising, per position | 5 – 7 days |
| Screen printing | T-shirts, hoodies in quantity | 25+ | Per colour per position | Screen, per colour | 7 – 10 days |
| DTF printing | Any garment, any artwork | 1+ | Print size | None | 3 – 5 days |
| Laser engraving | Metal, wood, glass, leather | 10+ | Mark size | Setup, per position | 4 – 6 days |
| Pad printing | Pens, mugs, small curves | 50+ | Per colour per position | Plate, per colour | 5 – 8 days |
| Sublimation | Mugs, puzzles, polyester | 1+ | Item type | None | 3 – 5 days |
| Digital printing | Paper and card | 1+ | Size, stock, quantity | None | 1 – 3 days |
Turnaround runs from proof approval, not from the order. Express shortens most of these.
Choosing a method
The honest short version: the item decides more than the budget does. A cap wants embroidery, a mug wants pad printing or sublimation, a metal pen wants engraving, and a run of 200 t-shirts in one colour wants a screen. Where two methods both work, the quantity decides, because setup fees spread out over the run while unit prices do not.
Common questions
Which method is cheapest?
For fewer than 25 garments, DTF. For 100 or more of one design, screen printing. On hard goods it comes down to the item: engraving on metal, pad printing on plastic. A quote will compare them for your exact job.
Can one order use more than one method?
Yes, and most do. A staff kit might be embroidered caps, screen printed tees and engraved flasks. Each item is priced with its own branding line.
Which method lasts the longest?
Laser engraving, because there is nothing on the surface to come off. On clothing, a cured screen print and a good embroidery both outlast the garment.
Can you match my brand colours exactly?
On printed methods we mix to a Pantone reference and get very close. On embroidery we match to the nearest thread. Send your Pantone codes with the artwork and we will confirm before production.
Not sure which way to brand it?
Send us the item and the logo and we will tell you what works, what it costs and how fast it can be done. WhatsApp 070 393 3504.