Reference Guide

Decoration Methods Explained

A complete reference for 12 decoration methods used in promotional products. What each method does, which products it works on, file requirements, production times, and when to use it.

Last updated: April 2026 · 12 methods · Comparison table + decision matrix

DTG DTF Embroidery Screen Printing Sublimation UV Printing Engraving Heat Transfer Pad Printing Laser Etching Debossing Vinyl Comparison Table Decision Matrix

DTG (Direct to Garment)

Best for: Full-color designs, photographic prints, small runs (1-50 units)

DTG printers spray water-based ink directly onto fabric, similar to an inkjet printer. This allows unlimited colors and photographic-quality prints without screen setup costs. DTG is the most common method for on-demand single-unit production.

Min. run

1 unit

Colors

Unlimited (CMYK process)

Durability

Good — 30-50 washes with proper care

Turnaround

2-5 business days

Best materials

100% cotton (works best); poly blends possible

File format

PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers

Pros

+No setup fees
+Full-color photographic prints
+Cost-effective at single-unit quantities

Limitations

–Works best on 100% cotton
–Less durable than screen printing at high wash counts
–Dark garments require white underbase (adds cost)

DTF (Direct to Film)

Best for: Versatile decoration on polyester, nylon, cotton blends, and performance wear

DTF prints a design onto a special transfer film using inkjet technology, then heat-presses it onto the product. DTF works on fabrics that DTG can’t handle well — including polyester, nylon, and blends — making it popular for performance wear and synthetic fabrics.

Min. run

1 unit

Colors

Unlimited (CMYK process)

Durability

Very good — comparable to screen printing

Turnaround

2-5 business days

Best materials

Cotton, polyester, nylon, blends, leather

File format

PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers

Pros

+Works on almost any fabric
+Vibrant colors on dark garments without quality loss
+No weeding required (unlike vinyl)

Limitations

–Slightly raised texture (the transfer film sits on the fabric)
–Newer technology — fewer providers than DTG

Embroidery

Best for: Corporate apparel, polos, caps, jackets — premium, professional look

Embroidery stitches thread directly into the fabric to create a design. It produces a raised, textured finish that conveys quality and durability. Embroidered logos don’t fade, crack, or peel — the stitching typically outlasts the garment.

Min. run

1 unit

Colors

Unlimited thread colors

Durability

Excellent — outlasts the garment

Turnaround

3-7 business days

Best materials

Polos, fleece, caps, bags, towels, jackets

File format

PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers

Pros

+Premium professional finish
+Extremely durable
+Works on thick and textured fabrics

Limitations

–Not suitable for photographic or highly detailed designs
–Cost increases with design complexity (stitch count)
–Small text can be difficult to read

Screen Printing

Best for: Large runs (50+ units) with simple, bold designs using 1-6 colors

Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh stencil onto the product. Each color requires a separate screen. Setup costs are higher for multi-color designs, but per-unit cost drops significantly at volume. Screen printing is the most widely used decoration method for bulk promotional products.

Min. run

24+ units (traditional); 1 unit (on-demand providers)

Colors

1-6 (cost increases per color)

Durability

Excellent — withstands 50+ washes

Turnaround

5-10 business days

Best materials

Cotton, cotton-poly blends

File format

EPS

Pros

+Lowest per-unit cost at volume
+Extremely durable prints
+Vibrant, opaque colors on dark fabrics

Limitations

–Setup fees per screen (per color)
–Not cost-effective for small runs
–Limited to spot colors (no photographic/gradient prints)

Sublimation

Best for: All-over prints, vibrant full-color designs on white or light polyester

Sublimation uses heat to convert dye into gas, which permanently bonds with polyester fibers. The result is a vivid, all-over print that won’t crack, fade, or peel — because the dye becomes part of the fabric rather than sitting on top of it.

Min. run

1 unit

Colors

Unlimited (CMYK process)

Durability

Excellent — the dye is part of the fabric

Turnaround

3-5 business days

Best materials

White or light-colored polyester only; polymer-coated hard goods

File format

PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers

Pros

+All-over edge-to-edge printing
+No texture or hand feel — the print is part of the fabric
+Extremely durable — won’t crack, peel, or fade

Limitations

–Only works on polyester or polymer-coated surfaces
–Only works on white or very light-colored products
–Cannot produce opaque white

UV Printing

Best for: Hard goods, drinkware, phone cases, awards, signage — any flat or slightly curved surface

UV printing applies ink to a surface and instantly cures it using ultraviolet light. It works on virtually any material — metal, glass, wood, acrylic, leather, plastic — making it the go-to method for hard goods and promotional items.

Min. run

1 unit

Colors

Unlimited (CMYK process)

Durability

Very good — strong adhesion, scratch-resistant

Turnaround

3-5 business days

Best materials

Metal, glass, wood, acrylic, leather, plastic

File format

PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers

Pros

+Works on almost any material
+Full-color with fine detail
+Instant curing — fast production

Limitations

–Not suitable for flexible fabrics
–Adhesion varies by surface preparation
–Limited to flat or slightly curved surfaces

Engraving

Best for: Awards, trophies, tumblers, pens, corporate gifts — permanent marking

Engraving cuts or etches a design into a hard surface using a rotating cutting tool or laser. The mark is permanent and will not fade, peel, or wear off. Engraving is the standard for awards, recognition items, and high-end corporate gifts.

Min. run

1 unit

Colors

Single color (material’s natural contrast)

Durability

Permanent — the design is part of the material

Turnaround

3-7 business days

Best materials

Metal, glass, wood, acrylic, leather

File format

PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers

Pros

+Permanent and indestructible
+Elegant, professional finish
+Works on premium materials

Limitations

–Single color only (no full-color)
–Limited to hard surfaces
–Complex designs increase production time

Heat Transfer / Vinyl (HTV)

Best for: Names, numbers, personalization — sports uniforms, workwear, event merchandise

Heat transfer vinyl is cut into a design shape using a plotter or laser cutter, then heat-pressed onto the product. It’s ideal for individualized items: player names on jerseys, employee names on workwear, or numbered event shirts.

Min. run

1 unit

Colors

Per-color layers (1-3 typical)

Durability

Good — 25-40 washes

Turnaround

2-5 business days

Best materials

Cotton, polyester, nylon

File format

PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers

Pros

+Ideal for personalization (names and numbers)
+Fast turnaround
+Available in metallic, reflective, and specialty finishes

Limitations

–Limited to 1-3 colors per design
–Not suitable for photographic or gradient designs
–Less durable than screen printing or embroidery

Pad Printing

Best for: Pens, golf balls, USB drives, irregularly shaped promotional items

Pad printing transfers ink from an etched plate to a product using a soft silicone pad. The pad’s flexibility allows it to conform to curved, uneven, or recessed surfaces — making it the standard for promotional items that can’t lie flat.

Min. run

1 unit

Colors

1-4 spot colors

Durability

Good — varies by surface preparation and ink type

Turnaround

3-7 business days

Best materials

Plastic, metal, ceramic, glass, rubber

File format

PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers

Pros

+Works on curved and irregular surfaces
+Fine detail reproduction
+Works on virtually any material

Limitations

–Limited to 1-4 colors
–Small print area on most items
–Not suitable for large or full-color designs

Laser Etching

Best for: Serialized items, tech accessories, drinkware, precision marking

Laser etching uses a focused laser beam to vaporize a thin layer of material, creating a permanent, high-precision mark. It’s fast, consistent, and requires no consumables (ink, thread, or film) — making it efficient for high-volume production.

Min. run

1 unit

Colors

Single color (material contrast)

Durability

Permanent — etched into the surface

Turnaround

2-5 business days

Best materials

Metal, wood, glass, acrylic, leather, anodized aluminum

File format

PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers

Pros

+Extremely precise — fine detail and small text
+No consumables (ink-free, thread-free)
+Permanent and tamper-proof

Limitations

–Single color only
–Limited to hard materials
–Result depends on material type (color contrast varies)

Debossing

Best for: Journals, portfolios, leather goods, premium packaging

Debossing presses a design into a material — typically leather, paper, or heavy cardstock — creating an indented impression. It produces a subtle, tactile finish associated with luxury and craftsmanship.

Min. run

1 unit (digital) / 25+ units (die-based)

Colors

Colorless (impression only); optional foil fill

Durability

Permanent — the design is pressed into the material

Turnaround

5-10 business days

Best materials

Leather, heavy paper/cardstock, bookcloth, suede

File format

PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers

Pros

+Elegant, premium finish
+Tactile — you can feel the design
+No ink or dye that can fade

Limitations

–Not suitable for complex or detailed designs
–Limited to thicker materials that hold an impression
–Die setup cost for traditional debossing

Vinyl (Cut Vinyl)

Best for: Single-color logos on workwear, athletic jerseys, specialty finishes (metallic, reflective)

Colored vinyl material is cut into a design shape using a plotter or laser cutter, then heat-pressed onto the product. Vinyl produces a smooth, slightly raised finish and is available in metallic, reflective, glitter, and glow-in-the-dark options.

Min. run

1 unit

Colors

1-2 colors per application

Durability

Good — 25-40 washes

Turnaround

2-5 business days

Best materials

Cotton, polyester, nylon, performance fabrics

File format

PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers

Pros

+Specialty finishes (metallic, reflective, glow)
+Fast turnaround
+Works on performance and synthetic fabrics

Limitations

–Limited to 1-2 colors
–Not suitable for detailed or photographic designs
–Weeding required for complex shapes

Full Comparison Table

Method	Min. Run	Colors	Durability	Best Materials	Turnaround	File Format	Cost Trend
DTG	1 unit	Unlimited (CMYK process)	Good — 30-50 washes with proper care	100% cotton (works best); poly blends possible	2-5 business days	PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers	Consistent per unit
DTF	1 unit	Unlimited (CMYK process)	Very good — comparable to screen printing	Cotton, polyester, nylon, blends, leather	2-5 business days	PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers	Consistent per unit
Embroidery	1 unit	Unlimited thread colors	Excellent — outlasts the garment	Polos, fleece, caps, bags, towels, jackets	3-7 business days	PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers	Increases with stitch count (design complexity)
Screen Printing	24+ units (traditional); 1 unit (on-demand providers)	1-6 (cost increases per color)	Excellent — withstands 50+ washes	Cotton, cotton-poly blends	5-10 business days	EPS	Low at volume, high for small runs
Sublimation	1 unit	Unlimited (CMYK process)	Excellent — the dye is part of the fabric	White or light-colored polyester only; polymer-coated hard goods	3-5 business days	PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers	Consistent per unit
UV Printing	1 unit	Unlimited (CMYK process)	Very good — strong adhesion, scratch-resistant	Metal, glass, wood, acrylic, leather, plastic	3-5 business days	PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers	Consistent per unit
Engraving	1 unit	Single color (material’s natural contrast)	Permanent — the design is part of the material	Metal, glass, wood, acrylic, leather	3-7 business days	PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers	Varies by material and design area
Heat Transfer	1 unit	Per-color layers (1-3 typical)	Good — 25-40 washes	Cotton, polyester, nylon	2-5 business days	PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers	Low per unit for simple designs
Pad Printing	1 unit	1-4 spot colors	Good — varies by surface preparation and ink type	Plastic, metal, ceramic, glass, rubber	3-7 business days	PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers	Low at volume; setup fee per color
Laser Etching	1 unit	Single color (material contrast)	Permanent — etched into the surface	Metal, wood, glass, acrylic, leather, anodized aluminum	2-5 business days	PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers	Low per unit; fast production
Debossing	1 unit (digital) / 25+ units (die-based)	Colorless (impression only); optional foil fill	Permanent — the design is pressed into the material	Leather, heavy paper/cardstock, bookcloth, suede	5-10 business days	PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers	Die setup fee; low per unit at volume
Vinyl	1 unit	1-2 colors per application	Good — 25-40 washes	Cotton, polyester, nylon, performance fabrics	2-5 business days	PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers	Low per unit for simple designs

Decision Matrix: Which Method Should I Use?

Match your product need to the recommended decoration method.

What you need	Recommended method
Full-color design on cotton t-shirts	DTG
Full-color on polyester or performance wear	DTF or Sublimation
Corporate polos, caps, and jackets	Embroidery
Large run (50+), simple logo, 1-4 colors	Screen Printing
Player names and numbers on jerseys	Heat Transfer / Vinyl
Tumblers, mugs, phone cases, hard goods	UV Printing
Awards, trophies, pens, corporate gifts	Engraving or Laser Etching
All-over print on white polyester	Sublimation
Journals, leather goods, premium packaging	Debossing
Metallic or reflective finish on apparel	Vinyl
Pens, golf balls, irregularly shaped items	Pad Printing

How Brikl handles decoration methods

On Brikl, the decoration method is configured at the product level. When you browse the Supplier Marketplace, each product shows which methods are available. You select the method during product setup, configure artwork in the Design Tool, and the rest is automatic.

Automatic routing

Orders route to the correct fulfillment partner based on the product’s decoration method. DTG goes to one partner, embroidery to another, engraving to a third.

Mixed stores

A single store can sell products across multiple decoration methods. Orders split automatically at checkout — no manual coordination.

Production-ready files

Artwork is configured once in the Design Tool. Every order includes the correct production file for the decoration method — no re-keying or manual file prep.

Frequently asked questions

Can I mix decoration methods in one store?

Yes. On Brikl, each product in a catalog is mapped to a specific fulfillment partner and decoration method. A single store can include DTG t-shirts, embroidered polos, engraved tumblers, and printed business cards — orders split automatically at checkout.

What file format do I need for embroidery?

The standard format is DST (a stitch file). However, some fulfillment partners like Printful Enterprise accept a PNG file and handle the digitization automatically — no separate DST file required.

What’s the difference between DTG and DTF?

DTG prints directly onto fabric and works best on 100% cotton. DTF prints onto a transfer film first, then heat-presses it onto the product — working on cotton, polyester, nylon, blends, and even leather. DTF is more versatile but produces a slightly different texture.

Which method is most durable?

Embroidery and sublimation are the most durable. Embroidered logos outlast the garment. Sublimated designs become part of the fabric and won’t crack, peel, or fade. Screen printing is also extremely durable at 50+ washes.

Do I need to know which method to use before setting up a store?

The decoration method is determined by the product and fulfillment partner. When you browse the Brikl marketplace, each product shows which decoration methods are available. You select the method during product setup, and orders route to the right producer automatically.

What’s the cheapest decoration method for single units?

DTG and DTF are typically the most cost-effective for single-unit production because there are no setup fees. Heat transfer vinyl is also inexpensive for simple text and numbers.

Related resources

Launch a Company Store

Step-by-step guide to going live in 20 minutes

On-Demand Promo Guide

How on-demand fulfillment works for promotional products

Glossary

65 terms defined \u2014 including all decoration methods

Start selling with 12+ decoration methods

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