Screen printing, laser engraving or embroidery: which technique to choose

The main personalization techniques

Choosing the right finishing technique can make the difference between a promotional product that stands out and one that goes unnoticed. Each technique has its advantages, limitations and costs, and the choice depends on the product material, number of design colors, order volume and, of course, available budget.

Screen printing

Screen printing is the most used technique in promotional products. It consists of transferring ink through a tensioned mesh (screen) onto the product. Ideal for flat surfaces such as t-shirts, bags, notebooks and plastic items.

Advantages: Vibrant and durable colors, excellent price-quality ratio on large runs, works on many materials (textile, plastic, paper, metal). Limitations: Each color requires a separate screen, so designs with many colors become expensive. Not ideal for gradients or photographs. Guide price: From 0.20 euros per unit on 500+ runs.

Laser engraving

The laser removes material from the surface to create a permanent, indestructible marking. It is the premium technique par excellence for metal, wood, leather and glass. Thermoses, metal pens, keychains and wooden plaques look spectacular with laser engraving.

Advantages: Elegant and sophisticated result, permanent durability (does not fade or change color), great precision on fine details, no inks or chemicals. Limitations: Only allows one color (that of the base material), does not work on soft plastics or textile. Guide price: From 0.50 euros per unit depending on engraving area.

Embroidery

Embroidery is the queen technique for premium textile. It is used on polos, caps, shirts, jackets and any garment seeking a high-end finish. Threads are sewn directly onto the fabric, creating a relief design.

Advantages: Premium finish with texture and relief, extremely durable (withstands industrial washing), conveys quality and professionalism. Limitations: Does not reproduce photographs or gradients, very complex designs are expensive due to stitch count. Minimum detail limited by thread thickness. Guide price: From 1.50 euros per unit for simple logos.

Sublimation

Sublimation transfers special inks via heat, penetrating the product surface. It is the only technique that allows photographic full-color printing without limits. Works on polyester, ceramic (mugs), treated metal and certain plastics.

Advantages: Full-color printing with no added cost for extra colors, allows photographs and complex designs, the design is not touchable (it is integrated into the material). Limitations: Only works on light-colored materials and specific surfaces, pure cotton cannot be sublimated. Guide price: From 0.80 euros per unit.

How to choose the right technique

If you need exact Pantone colors on textile, choose screen printing. If you want a premium finish on metal or wood, go for laser engraving. For uniforms and quality corporate clothing, embroidery is unbeatable. And if your design has many colors or is photographic, sublimation is your best choice. At Brandish we indicate alongside each product the personalization techniques available so you can choose with complete information.