Reference Guide
Decoration Methods Explained
Brikl supports 12 decoration methods across its on-demand catalog, and this is the complete reference to them. What each method does, which products it works on, file requirements, production times, and when to use it.
Last updated: April 2026 · 12 methods · Comparison table + decision matrix
DTG (Direct to Garment)
Best for: Full-color designs, photographic prints, small runs (1-50 units)
DTG printers spray water-based ink directly onto fabric, similar to an inkjet printer. This allows unlimited colors and photographic-quality prints without screen setup costs. DTG is the most common method for on-demand single-unit production.
- Min. run
- 1 unit
- Colors
- Unlimited (CMYK process)
- Durability
- Good — 30-50 washes with proper care
- Turnaround
- 2-5 business days
- Best materials
- 100% cotton (works best); poly blends possible
- File format
- PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers
Pros
- +No setup fees
- +Full-color photographic prints
- +Cost-effective at single-unit quantities
Limitations
- –Works best on 100% cotton
- –Less durable than screen printing at high wash counts
- –Dark garments require white underbase (adds cost)
DTF (Direct to Film)
Best for: Versatile decoration on polyester, nylon, cotton blends, and performance wear
DTF prints a design onto a special transfer film using inkjet technology, then heat-presses it onto the product. DTF works on fabrics that DTG can’t handle well — including polyester, nylon, and blends — making it popular for performance wear and synthetic fabrics.
- Min. run
- 1 unit
- Colors
- Unlimited (CMYK process)
- Durability
- Very good — comparable to screen printing
- Turnaround
- 2-5 business days
- Best materials
- Cotton, polyester, nylon, blends, leather
- File format
- PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers
Pros
- +Works on almost any fabric
- +Vibrant colors on dark garments without quality loss
- +No weeding required (unlike vinyl)
Limitations
- –Slightly raised texture (the transfer film sits on the fabric)
- –Newer technology — fewer providers than DTG
Embroidery
Best for: Corporate apparel, polos, caps, jackets — premium, professional look
Embroidery stitches thread directly into the fabric to create a design. It produces a raised, textured finish that conveys quality and durability. Embroidered logos don’t fade, crack, or peel — the stitching typically outlasts the garment.
- Min. run
- 1 unit
- Colors
- Unlimited thread colors
- Durability
- Excellent — outlasts the garment
- Turnaround
- 3-7 business days
- Best materials
- Polos, fleece, caps, bags, towels, jackets
- File format
- PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers
Pros
- +Premium professional finish
- +Extremely durable
- +Works on thick and textured fabrics
Limitations
- –Not suitable for photographic or highly detailed designs
- –Cost increases with design complexity (stitch count)
- –Small text can be difficult to read
Screen Printing
Best for: Large runs (50+ units) with simple, bold designs using 1-6 colors
Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh stencil onto the product. Each color requires a separate screen. Setup costs are higher for multi-color designs, but per-unit cost drops significantly at volume. Screen printing is the most widely used decoration method for bulk promotional products.
- Min. run
- 24+ units (traditional); 1 unit (on-demand providers)
- Colors
- 1-6 (cost increases per color)
- Durability
- Excellent — withstands 50+ washes
- Turnaround
- 5-10 business days
- Best materials
- Cotton, cotton-poly blends
- File format
- EPS
Pros
- +Lowest per-unit cost at volume
- +Extremely durable prints
- +Vibrant, opaque colors on dark fabrics
Limitations
- –Setup fees per screen (per color)
- –Not cost-effective for small runs
- –Limited to spot colors (no photographic/gradient prints)
Sublimation
Best for: All-over prints, vibrant full-color designs on white or light polyester
Sublimation uses heat to convert dye into gas, which permanently bonds with polyester fibers. The result is a vivid, all-over print that won’t crack, fade, or peel — because the dye becomes part of the fabric rather than sitting on top of it.
- Min. run
- 1 unit
- Colors
- Unlimited (CMYK process)
- Durability
- Excellent — the dye is part of the fabric
- Turnaround
- 3-5 business days
- Best materials
- White or light-colored polyester only; polymer-coated hard goods
- File format
- PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers
Pros
- +All-over edge-to-edge printing
- +No texture or hand feel — the print is part of the fabric
- +Extremely durable — won’t crack, peel, or fade
Limitations
- –Only works on polyester or polymer-coated surfaces
- –Only works on white or very light-colored products
- –Cannot produce opaque white
UV Printing
Best for: Hard goods, drinkware, phone cases, awards, signage — any flat or slightly curved surface
UV printing applies ink to a surface and instantly cures it using ultraviolet light. It works on virtually any material — metal, glass, wood, acrylic, leather, plastic — making it the go-to method for hard goods and promotional items.
- Min. run
- 1 unit
- Colors
- Unlimited (CMYK process)
- Durability
- Very good — strong adhesion, scratch-resistant
- Turnaround
- 3-5 business days
- Best materials
- Metal, glass, wood, acrylic, leather, plastic
- File format
- PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers
Pros
- +Works on almost any material
- +Full-color with fine detail
- +Instant curing — fast production
Limitations
- –Not suitable for flexible fabrics
- –Adhesion varies by surface preparation
- –Limited to flat or slightly curved surfaces
Engraving
Best for: Awards, trophies, tumblers, pens, corporate gifts — permanent marking
Engraving cuts or etches a design into a hard surface using a rotating cutting tool or laser. The mark is permanent and will not fade, peel, or wear off. Engraving is the standard for awards, recognition items, and high-end corporate gifts.
- Min. run
- 1 unit
- Colors
- Single color (material’s natural contrast)
- Durability
- Permanent — the design is part of the material
- Turnaround
- 3-7 business days
- Best materials
- Metal, glass, wood, acrylic, leather
- File format
- PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers
Pros
- +Permanent and indestructible
- +Elegant, professional finish
- +Works on premium materials
Limitations
- –Single color only (no full-color)
- –Limited to hard surfaces
- –Complex designs increase production time
Heat Transfer / Vinyl (HTV)
Best for: Names, numbers, personalization — sports uniforms, workwear, event merchandise
Heat transfer vinyl is cut into a design shape using a plotter or laser cutter, then heat-pressed onto the product. It’s ideal for individualized items: player names on jerseys, employee names on workwear, or numbered event shirts.
- Min. run
- 1 unit
- Colors
- Per-color layers (1-3 typical)
- Durability
- Good — 25-40 washes
- Turnaround
- 2-5 business days
- Best materials
- Cotton, polyester, nylon
- File format
- PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers
Pros
- +Ideal for personalization (names and numbers)
- +Fast turnaround
- +Available in metallic, reflective, and specialty finishes
Limitations
- –Limited to 1-3 colors per design
- –Not suitable for photographic or gradient designs
- –Less durable than screen printing or embroidery
Pad Printing
Best for: Pens, golf balls, USB drives, irregularly shaped promotional items
Pad printing transfers ink from an etched plate to a product using a soft silicone pad. The pad’s flexibility allows it to conform to curved, uneven, or recessed surfaces — making it the standard for promotional items that can’t lie flat.
- Min. run
- 1 unit
- Colors
- 1-4 spot colors
- Durability
- Good — varies by surface preparation and ink type
- Turnaround
- 3-7 business days
- Best materials
- Plastic, metal, ceramic, glass, rubber
- File format
- PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers
Pros
- +Works on curved and irregular surfaces
- +Fine detail reproduction
- +Works on virtually any material
Limitations
- –Limited to 1-4 colors
- –Small print area on most items
- –Not suitable for large or full-color designs
Laser Etching
Best for: Serialized items, tech accessories, drinkware, precision marking
Laser etching uses a focused laser beam to vaporize a thin layer of material, creating a permanent, high-precision mark. It’s fast, consistent, and requires no consumables (ink, thread, or film) — making it efficient for high-volume production.
- Min. run
- 1 unit
- Colors
- Single color (material contrast)
- Durability
- Permanent — etched into the surface
- Turnaround
- 2-5 business days
- Best materials
- Metal, wood, glass, acrylic, leather, anodized aluminum
- File format
- PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers
Pros
- +Extremely precise — fine detail and small text
- +No consumables (ink-free, thread-free)
- +Permanent and tamper-proof
Limitations
- –Single color only
- –Limited to hard materials
- –Result depends on material type (color contrast varies)
Debossing
Best for: Journals, portfolios, leather goods, premium packaging
Debossing presses a design into a material — typically leather, paper, or heavy cardstock — creating an indented impression. It produces a subtle, tactile finish associated with luxury and craftsmanship.
- Min. run
- 1 unit (digital) / 25+ units (die-based)
- Colors
- Colorless (impression only); optional foil fill
- Durability
- Permanent — the design is pressed into the material
- Turnaround
- 5-10 business days
- Best materials
- Leather, heavy paper/cardstock, bookcloth, suede
- File format
- PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers
Pros
- +Elegant, premium finish
- +Tactile — you can feel the design
- +No ink or dye that can fade
Limitations
- –Not suitable for complex or detailed designs
- –Limited to thicker materials that hold an impression
- –Die setup cost for traditional debossing
Vinyl (Cut Vinyl)
Best for: Single-color logos on workwear, athletic jerseys, specialty finishes (metallic, reflective)
Colored vinyl material is cut into a design shape using a plotter or laser cutter, then heat-pressed onto the product. Vinyl produces a smooth, slightly raised finish and is available in metallic, reflective, glitter, and glow-in-the-dark options.
- Min. run
- 1 unit
- Colors
- 1-2 colors per application
- Durability
- Good — 25-40 washes
- Turnaround
- 2-5 business days
- Best materials
- Cotton, polyester, nylon, performance fabrics
- File format
- PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers
Pros
- +Specialty finishes (metallic, reflective, glow)
- +Fast turnaround
- +Works on performance and synthetic fabrics
Limitations
- –Limited to 1-2 colors
- –Not suitable for detailed or photographic designs
- –Weeding required for complex shapes
Full Comparison Table
| Method | Min. Run | Colors | Durability | Best Materials | Turnaround | File Format | Cost Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DTG | 1 unit | Unlimited (CMYK process) | Good — 30-50 washes with proper care | 100% cotton (works best); poly blends possible | 2-5 business days | PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers | Consistent per unit |
| DTF | 1 unit | Unlimited (CMYK process) | Very good — comparable to screen printing | Cotton, polyester, nylon, blends, leather | 2-5 business days | PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers | Consistent per unit |
| Embroidery | 1 unit | Unlimited thread colors | Excellent — outlasts the garment | Polos, fleece, caps, bags, towels, jackets | 3-7 business days | PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers | Increases with stitch count (design complexity) |
| Screen Printing | 24+ units (traditional); 1 unit (on-demand providers) | 1-6 (cost increases per color) | Excellent — withstands 50+ washes | Cotton, cotton-poly blends | 5-10 business days | EPS | Low at volume, high for small runs |
| Sublimation | 1 unit | Unlimited (CMYK process) | Excellent — the dye is part of the fabric | White or light-colored polyester only; polymer-coated hard goods | 3-5 business days | PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers | Consistent per unit |
| UV Printing | 1 unit | Unlimited (CMYK process) | Very good — strong adhesion, scratch-resistant | Metal, glass, wood, acrylic, leather, plastic | 3-5 business days | PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers | Consistent per unit |
| Engraving | 1 unit | Single color (material’s natural contrast) | Permanent — the design is part of the material | Metal, glass, wood, acrylic, leather | 3-7 business days | PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers | Varies by material and design area |
| Heat Transfer | 1 unit | Per-color layers (1-3 typical) | Good — 25-40 washes | Cotton, polyester, nylon | 2-5 business days | PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers | Low per unit for simple designs |
| Pad Printing | 1 unit | 1-4 spot colors | Good — varies by surface preparation and ink type | Plastic, metal, ceramic, glass, rubber | 3-7 business days | PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers | Low at volume; setup fee per color |
| Laser Etching | 1 unit | Single color (material contrast) | Permanent — etched into the surface | Metal, wood, glass, acrylic, leather, anodized aluminum | 2-5 business days | PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers | Low per unit; fast production |
| Debossing | 1 unit (digital) / 25+ units (die-based) | Colorless (impression only); optional foil fill | Permanent — the design is pressed into the material | Leather, heavy paper/cardstock, bookcloth, suede | 5-10 business days | PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers | Die setup fee; low per unit at volume |
| Vinyl | 1 unit | 1-2 colors per application | Good — 25-40 washes | Cotton, polyester, nylon, performance fabrics | 2-5 business days | PNG with transparent background (300 DPI) for Printful Enterprise; EPS for other providers | Low per unit for simple designs |
Decision Matrix: Which Method Should I Use?
Match your product need to the recommended decoration method.
| What you need | Recommended method |
|---|---|
| Full-color design on cotton t-shirts | DTG |
| Full-color on polyester or performance wear | DTF or Sublimation |
| Corporate polos, caps, and jackets | Embroidery |
| Large run (50+), simple logo, 1-4 colors | Screen Printing |
| Player names and numbers on jerseys | Heat Transfer / Vinyl |
| Tumblers, mugs, phone cases, hard goods | UV Printing |
| Awards, trophies, pens, corporate gifts | Engraving or Laser Etching |
| All-over print on white polyester | Sublimation |
| Journals, leather goods, premium packaging | Debossing |
| Metallic or reflective finish on apparel | Vinyl |
| Pens, golf balls, irregularly shaped items | Pad Printing |
How Brikl handles decoration methods
On Brikl, the decoration method is configured at the product level. When you browse the Supplier Marketplace, each product shows which methods are available. You select the method during product setup, configure artwork in the Design Tool, and the rest is automatic.
Automatic routing
Orders route to the correct fulfillment partner based on the product’s decoration method. DTG goes to one partner, embroidery to another, engraving to a third.
Mixed stores
A single store can sell products across multiple decoration methods. Orders split automatically at checkout — no manual coordination.
Production-ready files
Artwork is configured once in the Design Tool. Every order includes the correct production file for the decoration method — no re-keying or manual file prep.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mix decoration methods in one store?
What file format do I need for embroidery?
What’s the difference between DTG and DTF?
Which method is most durable?
Do I need to know which method to use before setting up a store?
What’s the cheapest decoration method for single units?
Start selling with 12+ decoration methods
Browse the marketplace, set up your store, and let Brikl route orders to the right producer. No credit card required.