Logo Printing Methods: Which One to Choose
The branding method is chosen based on the product material, the number of colours in the logo and the run length. Here is how the main methods differ and which ones suit different products.
In short: which method for which product
| Product | Suitable methods |
|---|---|
| Plastic pens | UV printing, pad printing |
| Metal pens | laser engraving, UV printing |
| Notebooks and planners | UV printing, debossing |
| Travel mugs, vacuum flasks, power banks | laser engraving, UV printing |
| Ceramic mugs | decal printing, UV printing |
| Glass | laser engraving, UV printing |
| T-shirts, hoodies, polo shirts | screen printing, DTF printing, embroidery |
| Bags, tote bags, backpacks | screen printing, DTF printing, embroidery |
| Blankets, caps | embroidery |
Not every product can be UV printed: some items are suitable for laser engraving only. The available methods for each product are listed on its product page, and a manager will suggest the best option.
UV printing
The ink is cured by ultraviolet light directly on the product surface. It suits full-colour logos and complex images and works well on plastic, notebook covers and pens. Cost-effective for small and medium runs. We print on a Japanese UV printer.
Laser engraving
The laser removes the top layer of the coating, so the logo becomes part of the product: it does not rub off or fade. The logo comes out in a single colour — the colour of the metal or material under the coating. The best choice for metal: travel mugs, vacuum flasks, power banks, metal pens. It looks understated and premium, which is why it is often chosen for VIP gifts. Our high-precision laser engravers reproduce fine logo details accurately.
Screen printing
Ink is pressed through a mesh screen — a separate one for each colour. It gives a bright, dense print that withstands many washes. Cost-effective for large runs and logos with few colours. Used for apparel, bags, tote bags and umbrellas. We screen print on our own press.
DTF printing
The image is printed onto film and transferred to fabric with a heat press. It suits full-colour and complex images on garments of any colour, and small runs where screen printing is not cost-effective. Our wide-format DTF printer can also handle large prints, for example across the whole back.
Embroidery
The logo is stitched with thread, giving a textured, durable result. Suitable for polo shirts, hoodies, caps, blankets and backpacks. Small text and fine lines do not translate as well into embroidery, so the logo is sometimes slightly simplified.
Debossing
The logo is pressed into the surface using pressure and heat — blind or with foil. A classic method for planners, leather goods and card holders.
Decal printing
The logo is transferred onto ceramics and fired, becoming part of the product so it does not wash off. A classic method for ceramic mugs.
Printing on glass
We apply logos to glass by laser engraving or UV printing. We choose the method for each specific item so the branding is durable and scratch-resistant.
Sublimation and pad printing
Sublimation transfers a full-colour image onto items with a special coating. Pad printing uses a soft silicone pad to print on small and uneven surfaces, such as pens.
How to choose
- Single-colour logo on metal — laser engraving.
- Full-colour logo on plastic or a cover — UV printing.
- Apparel in large runs — screen printing; small runs or full-colour designs — DTF.
- Premium apparel and textiles — embroidery.
- Planners and leather — debossing.
FAQ
Which branding method is the most durable?
Laser engraving: the logo becomes part of the product and does not rub off. On apparel, embroidery and screen printing are the most durable.
Can you print a full-colour logo?
Yes: on hard surfaces with direct UV printing, on apparel with DTF printing, and on ceramics with decal printing. Laser engraving gives a single colour only.
Why can't my product be UV printed?
UV printing does not adhere well to every material and coating. Laser engraving works for such products — a manager will suggest an option.
Which method is cheaper?
It depends on the product, run length, logo size and number of colours, so we quote individually. Read more in our article “How Much Does Logo Printing Cost”.
Read also
Message us on Instagram @brand_style_souvenirs or WhatsApp +7 777 300 33 90 — we will pick products and quote the branding. The full range is in our catalog (in Russian).