which decoration method is best for your project?

After you have selected the products you are interested in, the next step is to consider which decoration method is best for you needs. At Perfect Imprinting, we offer four different decoration methods...embroidery, screen printing, full-color DTF print transfer, and laser engraving. Each of them have advantages and disadvantages, depending on the product you are interested in, your budget, and the quantity that you need. Please use the information below to help determine which process will work best for you.

embroidery

  • Stitched with thread with professional emboidery machines
  • No minimums (yes, you can order just one)
  • High-quality look and feel
  • Higher cost than other decorating methods
  • Difficult for designs with very fine details and small text
  • Does not work with unlimited color gradients or photo-quality images
  • Best for smaller designs/areas

screen printing

  • Printed with ink using screens and squeegies
  • Requires a minimum of 12 pieces
  • Best for relatively simple designs with basic, solid colors
  • No color gradients or photo quality images
  • Depending on quantity, limited to 1-6 colors
  • More economical than embroidery for larger quantities
  • Good for larger imprint areas (full front or back on t-shirts, for example)

Full color dtf print transfer

  • High quality full color print on film which is then transferred to product using a professional heat press
  • No minimums (yes, you can order just one)
  • Unlimited colors, including gradients and photo-quality images
  • Great for many applications when your artwork is more detailed than would work for embroidery, when you want full color, or when you need lower quantites
  • Lower cost than embroidery
  • Great for small or large design areas

Laser engraving

  • Products are engraved using a high-powered, professional laser machine
  • No minimums required (yes, you can order just one)
  • Great for a variety of materials (powder-coated drinkware, wooden products, slate, leather, and more)
  • A very wide range of products to choose from
  • Logo or design must be a one color version
  • Laser can engrave very fine details

Decoration method comparison chart

Embroidery Screen Printing DTF Printing Laser Engraving
Best use Best option for professional-looking business apparel Best option for larger quantity orders with a low number of basic, solid colors Best option for any size quantity orders (no minimums) with unlimited full-color print Best option for engraving on a wide variety of products
Minimums required? No Yes (12 pc) No No
Relative cost $$$$ $$$ $$ $$$
Durability (No. of washes before imprint begins to degrade) Unlimited 50+ 50+ Unlimited
Can print full color No No Yes No
Can imprint fine details No No Yes Yes
Can print photo quality No No Yes No
Good for large imprint areas No Yes Yes No
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