Screen print, DTF, embroidery or engraving? Choosing the right finish

The same logo can look premium or cheap depending on how it’s applied. Here’s how the main branding methods compare, and where each one works best.

Screen printing

Ink is pushed through a mesh stencil, one colour at a time. It gives bold, durable colour and is cost-effective for larger runs of T-shirts, tote bags and other flat fabric items. Best for logos with a few solid colours.

DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing

Your design is printed onto a film and heat-pressed onto the product. DTF handles full-colour logos and fine detail, works on most fabrics, and suits smaller quantities — a good all-rounder for apparel.

DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing

Like an inkjet printer for fabric. DTG is ideal for detailed, photographic or multi-colour artwork on cotton garments, with a soft feel because the ink goes into the fibres.

Embroidery

Your logo is stitched in thread. Embroidery looks premium and lasts for years, which makes it the classic choice for polos, caps, jackets and uniforms. Very fine text and gradients are better simplified first.

Laser engraving

A laser etches the logo into the surface — no ink involved. It looks understated and permanent on steel bottles, metal pens, keychains, wood and leather, and never rubs off.

UV printing

Ink is cured instantly with UV light, allowing full-colour logos on hard surfaces like bottles, diaries, power banks and acrylic. Great when your brand colours matter on a non-fabric product.

Quick guide

• T-shirts & totes in bulk: screen print
• Full-colour apparel, small runs: DTF or DTG
• Polos, caps, uniforms: embroidery
• Metal bottles, pens, keychains: laser engraving
• Full-colour logo on hard goods: UV print

Still unsure? Send us your logo and the product you have in mind — we’ll recommend a method and show you a proof before anything is made.