Short answer. Three things decide the branding method: the product's material, the number of colours in your logo and the quantity. Textiles are usually printed or embroidered, metal and wood are often engraved, and small or curved surfaces suit pad printing. Full-colour logos work best with digital, UV or DTF printing, and an approved proof confirms the final choice.
Why the method matters
The same product can look completely different depending on how the logo is applied. An engraved logo on metal looks understated, embroidery on a polo shirt looks classic, and a bright print on a bottle stands out. The method also affects the price: branding is priced separately by method, number of colours and quantity.
This guide gives a general overview. The methods and print areas available for a specific item are listed on its product page.
Branding methods at a glance
| Method | Typical use | Colours | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pad printing | Small, curved or uneven hard surfaces | Usually one to a few colours | Limited print area |
| Screen printing | Flat surfaces, textiles, bags | Each colour printed separately | Usually suits larger runs |
| Digital and UV printing | Hard surfaces, complex logos | Full colour, gradients | Depends on surface shape |
| DTF and heat transfer | Textiles and clothing | Full colour | Also suits smaller runs |
| Sublimation | Polyester and specially coated surfaces | Full colour | Only for suitable materials |
| Laser engraving | Metal, wood, leather, some plastics | One tone set by the material | Result depends on material |
| Embroidery | Clothing, caps, bags | Several thread colours | Not for very fine detail |
Pad printing
Ink is transferred with a silicone pad, so logos can be printed on curved or uneven surfaces such as pens, bottles, mugs and tech accessories. It suits small, clear logos. The Thor 360 ml tumbler page, for example, lists pad printing and the available print area. More in travel mugs and pens and writing.
Screen printing
Ink is pushed through a mesh stencil, usually one stencil per colour, so screen printing is typically chosen for logos with few colours and larger quantities. It suits flat surfaces such as tote bags, T-shirts and some packaging, for example cotton tote bags.
Digital and UV printing
Digital printing handles many colours, gradients and fine detail. In UV printing the ink is cured with ultraviolet light, so it can be used on a range of hard surfaces. Whether a product suits digital printing depends on its surface and shape, which we confirm in the quote.
DTF printing and heat transfer
With DTF, the design is printed onto a special film and then heat-pressed onto fabric. It reproduces multi-colour logos on textiles without a separate stencil for each colour, which makes it practical for smaller runs too. It is common on T-shirts, hoodies and other clothing; the Athens T-shirt page lists textile printing on the chest.
Sublimation
Heat turns the ink into a gas that bonds with the material, so the image becomes part of it. Sublimation only works on polyester and specially coated surfaces, usually light-coloured ones. It allows vivid all-over prints, which is why it is often used for sportswear and some mugs, but it does not suit cotton or uncoated metal and plastic.
Laser engraving
The logo is engraved into the material itself rather than applied with ink, so the result is a single tone set by the material, and it looks different on metal, wood or leather. Engraving is often chosen for representative gifts: the Parana pen set lists engraving on the side, and the Twillys card holder has a metal plate for engraving. See premium pens and card holders.
Embroidery
The logo is stitched directly into the fabric, giving it texture and a classic, premium look on polos, hoodies, caps and workwear. Simple logos work best: very fine lines, small text and gradients are harder to reproduce in thread, so a simplified version is sometimes needed. The Adam polo shirt can be printed or embroidered. See polo shirts, caps and workwear.
Debossing
Debossing presses the logo into the material, with or without foil. It is often used on notebooks, leather-look items and packaging, such as notebooks, and gives an understated finish. Clear, not-too-detailed logos work best.
Combining methods
You can mix methods in one order, for example an embroidered logo on the chest and a print on the back, or an engraved pen alongside a printed bag. Keep proportions, colours and clear space consistent across items, which is why it helps to prepare the quote and proofs for the whole order together.
Quick checklist
- Material: it limits the options most.
- Logo colours: one or two colours open more options; full colour points to digital, UV, DTF or sublimation.
- Quantity: some methods, such as screen printing, usually make more sense for larger runs.
- Position and size: every product has a limited print area, shown on its page.
- Look: engraving or embroidery for understated branding, bright print for events and campaigns.
- Contrast: a dark logo on a dark product barely shows.
Your logo file
Vector formats work best (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG). If you have brand colours, share their codes, for example PANTONE. No vector file? Send the best quality file you have and we will check whether it is good enough. Once your order is confirmed, we prepare a proof for approval free of charge, showing position, size and colours. Production starts only after you approve it.
Price and minimum order
Branding cost depends on the method, number of colours and quantity, so we include it in the quote. Product prices on the site are shown excluding VAT, and the minimum order value is €100 + VAT. Some products also have a minimum quantity, shown on the product page.
Frequently asked questions
Which branding method is best for T-shirts?
Screen printing, DTF printing or embroidery are the usual choices. DTF suits full-colour logos, screen printing suits simple logos in larger quantities, and embroidery gives a more premium look.
What is the difference between engraving and printing?
Printing applies ink, so you can choose colours. Engraving marks the material itself, so the result is a single tone set by the material.
Can a complex logo be embroidered?
Simple logos work best. Very fine detail, thin lines and small text are harder to reproduce in thread, so a simplified version is sometimes needed.
What file format should I send?
A vector format such as AI, EPS, PDF or SVG. If you do not have one, send the best quality file you have and we will check it.
Will I see a proof before production?
Yes. Once your order is confirmed, we prepare a proof for approval free of charge, and production starts only after you approve it.
How much does logo branding cost?
It depends on the method, number of colours and quantity, and the exact price is given in your quote. The minimum order value is €100 + VAT.
Not sure which method to choose?
Send us the product, quantity and your logo, and we will recommend the most suitable method and prepare a quote. Send an enquiry or email info@reklamospasaulis.lt.